Another Puppy Brother

Hi guys, I know some of you have several dogs so I was just wondering if any of you have experiences with having a lab and a golden retriever? I know the breeds are similar, just with Goldens tending to be more quiet.

I have read up a bit on getting a second dog and I have read that having two males is not a good idea because they will fight for dominance, is this true? I know that dominance in dogs is an old idea, but is that only with humans and dogs, like the idea that you have to "assert" dominance over your dog? Or is that between dog and dog as well?

I really had my heart set on getting another boy once Aspen is well-trained enough. Golden retriever and yellow lab brothers are my dream! I want to have Aspen and an Enzo.

Any tips, comments, or personal experiences would be helpful. Obviously we won't be getting a second dog for a long while, but I figure it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

I have had two males no problems at all.

 

Interestingly my trainer support group was only discussing this a few weeks ago. There is alot of 'advice' out there about whether you should have a boy or girl depending upon what you already have. Unfortunately, or fortunately, there is very little scientific evidence to support this 'advice'. Whst us of more importance is the temperament if the dogs involved not their sex. Two girls can fight, two boys can fight not do much a girl and boy in the same household.
Dominance is not relevant as scientific studies show that it is a transient concept where one dog leads because it skills are better, for example in hunting, than other dogs or because they want a resource more. Not because he wants to rule the world or humans. We do not need to exert 'dominance' over a dog and those old, old myths to make our dogs 'respect us'.
If you are considering another dog in the house I would just say do your research to find a puppy with parents who have lovely temperaments, whose breeders understand the importance of early socialisation and who have carried out all health checks on both parents.

 

I had Bruce (GR) for two months, he was great with Tatze

They are bigger and gentler than Labs.

 

@SwampDonkey Ahh, thanks, that is good to hear!

 

Oh my GOODNESS! What a gorgeous pair. Why did you only have him for two months?

 

I've had two (or more) females quite a few times with fosters and they all got along peachy. I've had puppy males with adult males and no problems. My toy poodle (male) tried to kill my male Rottie Duncan and hated Brogan (male) with a passion. But he was a little sausage head who hated pretty much everyone.

I honestly think it depends more on the individual dogs and that people put too much weight on the male/male or female/female thing. At least that's my personal experience.

A Lab and GR sounds like a lovely combo.

 

Don't you go posting photos of the gorgeous Bruce again, Mags, or you'll be having me thinking, "Oh but maybe I should get a GR instead of a Lab"...again.

 

@Jojo83 I agree on the temperament! That's why I wanted to wait a little bit longer for Aspen's personality to come out before considering getting another dog. It's really funny because my sister has a 4 year old female Belgian Malinois and a 6 year old male West Highland Terrier and everyone thinks they are the funniest pair. Every night they have "battle time" where they play together and it's just the funniest sight. Aspen likes to get in on it so I am thinking he will be good with another dog. He really just lights up and almost seems to stay OUT of trouble when he is with other dogs due to the companionship, I believe.

 

His puppy walker was taken ill, so I had him just before Big School.

He's a working Guide Dog now

.

 

@alschwahn it sounds as if Aspen is learning alot from your sister's dogs. It's so good when they have some nice role models for good play behaviours

 

Of my three sisters and their 4 dogs total, at least some of them have been teaching him good things luckily

 

I had 2 intact males...a Newfie and a malamute...there was a few years age difference. They were besties....in fact they really did love each other. The best bromance ever ❤️

 

@Edp Aww that sounds lovely...I always wanted a Newfie! Was he a big boy?

 

I have at present choc lab male and golden female. They are close in age, still pups really. This is the second time I've had this combo and it is good so far. BUT, I disagree with GR's being quiet. Both the one I had before and the one at present are/were major barkers!! To the point of being a problem! Labs tend to be quieter in my experience.

 

Totally huge...a 70kg gentle giant. He was a fluffy chocolate and white...we never had any issues with him. He lived till 13 which is super old for the breed...the sweetest dog ever ❤️

 

@Spencerboy I suppose by quiet I meant not as energetic as labs I will have to ask you later on about how it is going with your pair when they grow out of puppyhood!

 

It's true that GR'so aren't as "energetic " as they get older. But right now our GR is so hyperactive it's insane!! And what a Barker like I said before! She really is a handful. Spencer ( the lab) has his zooming times but otherwise at this point, he can't hold a candle to her energy level! They are both around 7 months old right now and yes, I will definitely keep you posted on how they do in the future!
I have always had female dogs living together for the most part. Spencer is the first male I've had in many years. Sydney is the GR and female. They are great together except for her resource guarding issues.

 

Awwww...I absolutely adore Newfies. They were my first choice of breed years and years ago as I was deciding on my first dog as an adult. I finally decided against getting one as I felt they suffered too much in the California heat, but every time I see one even to this day, my heart just melts. I saw two earlier this week on the street - an adult and a "teenager"...beautiful!

 

I can vouch for golden retrievers being a lot louder.

We have a golden retriever next door and she barks a LOT! I'd say at least a couple of hours of the day in total on and off. We're upto about 10 minutes this morning and it's Not even 8.30. And both of her owners are in.

The most annoying thing is Stanley is a right copy cat so sometimes if he hears her barking he'll be like "MOLLY IS BARKING SO I BETTER BARK".