Hi, We have a lovely 10 month old puppy Charlie. He is doing really well and we are very happy with him. We have been thinking about getting him a mate, but could do with a bit of help with a couple of questions. 1. Is it better to get a dog or bitch? 2. is there any issues getting an older dog or should we stick to similar or younger age? 3. Should we stick to another lab or will other breeds work out fine? Thanks in advance for your help!
Welcome to the forum. Good to have another Charlie, they could form their own gang Lots of dogs love having a doggy friend and as someone who's added a second dog for the first time fairly recently I think it's a good thing. It is considerably more work than one dog though. Your boy is entering (or is just about to enter) a reasonably challenging phase - the equivalent of being a human teenager. I think you're wise to consider an older dog on that basis. Teenager and puppy could be tough with a lot of training required for both dogs. Your boy will probably still be quite boisterous in his play so think about the kind of robust playmate he'd do best with. Personally I think it's easier to stuck to dogs or bitches but both my dogs are intact. If you neuter that's not a massive issue and I don't think breed matters at all. If it were me I would be tempted to wait until the teenage time has passed and the bulk of basic training is done before adding a second dog but there are plenty of people who do just fine with two young dogs at a time. My training time is limited due to work and family commitments.
Hi Andy and welcome Is Charlie reasonably well trained ? Sorry , I don't wish to sound rude , but sometimes , depending on your time available, its best to wait until the first dog is mature before adding another one . That's not to say its wrong , I`ve had two pups together, no problems but it all depends on your time to invest in two , if they both need training . If you add a bitch , then you will have to be prepared for possible issues when she is on heat, so probably another male would be easier . Labradors are, in general, very affable , so breed wouldn't really be an issue, most Labs will get along just fine with any breed .
Hi Andy and welcome to the forum. I have two dogs, Fred is 2 (intact) and his half sister Annie is 6 months ( is being spay shortly). It is very hard work having two dogs. At first you have to train them at different times, this does takes up a lot of time. I have in the past had two males dogs, with 2 years apart in age and that also worked well for us. Both were intact. I would not have two puppies together, but that is me, I could not give them both good quality time. I am at home all day. I have never had an old dog, but many people say it works for them. Like Kate said Labs are lovely dogs and get along just fine with any breed.
Welcome Andy from Hattie 8 years and another Charlie our rescue boy who is 5 years. My situation is a little different as we rescued Charlie at 9 months old and he came with some difficult issues to train which has taken us a very long time as we were not told about them by the rescue centre On that basis I would not have two dogs again as much as we love them to bits as it takes a lot of time and hard work not to mention the expense. I can remember what both of my dogs were like at 10 months and I would not have wanted to get another puppy, but that's just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you choose to do. Helen x
