I am currently looking for a border collie pup to keep me and my dog-friendly collie-cross company. I have only ever had one dog at a time before and I'm not sure of the safest way to introduce the new puppy. They will both have to sleep in the kitchen so I'm thinking of a crate, but never used one before.
I plan to supervise their time together all the time anyway, but,much as Ben loves other dogs, and at nearly 2 just wants to play, I'm worried he may be a bit much for a little one.
I would really appreciate any suggestions.

hi

Well just a few ideas; most dogs an dpups get onfine, as long as you feel yous is generally dog-friendly don't worry too much.

Having said that, we have just had a rescue BSD at home for half a day while his owner was away, and he knows my own pup as she was bred at his home. My pup was thrilled to see him and very exvited (shes only 9 weeks) and he got too excited and chased her, bowlig herover and firghtening her quite badly. She's actually fine now and after keeping him calmer with the help of a longlead, they settled down together and all was fine.

I think you just have to let dogs be dogs but at the same time oversee theie interactions. Don't worry if your own dog attempts to put the pup in his place as this is normal canine interaction. Most problems come from ownrs interfering too much.

Depending on the dog and the pup you may feel happier introducing them on neutral ground, but there's probably no need to.

If you use a crate, get some informatin on how to introduce a pup or dog correctly as they must see it as a den, not as a place of punishment. (Not suggestingthat you would use it like this of course!). You usually start off by feeding the pup in there so it likes thecrate and associates it with good things.

Have you thught whether to get a dog or bitch pup? Many people feel that opposite sexes work well (think about whether you would neuter/spay one of thedogs to prevent an unplannedlitter or whether you could manage them entire) and others have been happy with thesame sex.

With 2 I have had great fun with a dog and a bitch,they were real pals.

Anywa just a few ideas, I am sure others will have plenty too. good luck and let us know what you do/decide.

Best wishes
Lindsay

Thanks, Lindsay,
Very helpful comments.
I had heard somewhere about getting opposites and have been looking for a bitch.Ben is already castrated but I would probably still have any puppy spayed.

I don't know if I'm being overprotective with the thought of a crate particularly for overnight but I keep reading positive things about their use towards house-training. Being able to confine the puppy without having to confine Ben beyond his usual limits if I have to go out seems like a good idea,too.However,as you said,I'm not planning on turning it into Cell Block H!
I'm assuming at the moment that I should be supporting Ben's superior role in the pack until the puppy is big enough to decide for herself where he belongs i.e.feeding Ben first,cuddling first,etc. Am I on the right track?
Thanks again.
LynnT.

Hi again Lynn

Yes I would think you are on the right track; although pups are full of fun and high spirits, they are not used to individual attention as such, and so you could help Ben feel relaxed about the whole new setup by doing all the thngs you have suggested.

Regarding the housetraining, the most helpful thing I have found is actually being here all the time and able to take Banya out as soon as she wakes, has eaten or played. She has had accidents of course, but now they are always near the door as she is starting to cotton on to where to go. (When she's had a wee outdoors, I praise her,play with her o r give a titbit, so she starts to want to go outside. As for nightime, well I'm afraid I just take her out lateish (about 11) then other half takes her out about 3, then I take her out about 6.30.in the morniing.

This is just our way, we're bleary eyed fools who choose not to sleep very well, <G> but there will be lots of advice and ideas and youmust make up your own mind. Many people do just put paper downat night, and so on. By the way it seems that some dogs do soil in their crrate,it seems to depend on the breed. Many won't.

Take a lookat "The Perfect Puppy" by Gwn Bailey, it's very helpful indeed.

HTH
llindsay

Thanks again, Lindsay. I'll let you know how it goes when I find a pup!