Too soon for new dog?

Brittany4me · New member Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 15 Location: So. Ca.

We have a 7 month old Brittany Spaniel. We've had him since July. I want to get a Bichon Frise. Is it too soon to introduce a new dog/puppy into the mix?

Sara · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 2:01 pm Post subject:

I don't think it's too soon at all... Make sure your current dog is good with others and there is no reason you shouldn't think of another dog I don't think.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Some people recommend waiting for the existing dog to be 1-2 years old before getting a new puppy. One thing to think about is whether you have time to train TWO puppies, since probably your 7-month-old is not fully trained yet. Also, some say that two puppies will bond to each other more than with humans.

We got a second dog when my first was 9 months old, but the second dog was not a puppy. She was about a year and a half when we got her. She was already potty trained and she is a very calm dog indoors, which helped a lot. The first dog was still very hyper and wild and there's no way I could have handled two like that.

Think about if you have enough time for a second dog. You'll have to find time alone with each dog to train them, as well as training them together. They both will need exercise (not too hard with such small dogs, I would think). You may be able to feed them together, but you may have to separate them. There may be some jealousy and backsliding with the existing dog if you bring a puppy into the house.

None of these potential problems are insurmountable - just some things to think about before you decide.

Brittany4me · New member Joined: 23 Jul 2004 Posts: 15 Location: So. Ca.

Thanks for the thoughts! I've considered the extra work. My Brittany was a very fast learner. He's completely potty trained, he mastered that very fast. I've read Bichons are slow potty learners.

I took him to obedience classes and he did very well. I just need to keep working with him on my own now.

He's got a lot of energy, but as long as I keep him energized he's a great dog. When I slip...he does too. He can get into mischief very quickly if he's bored. My hope is that a second dog will entertain him as well. Though this is not my sole reason for wanting the Bichon.

I haven't decided if I want a puppy or a full-grown dog. I wouldn't really know where to get an adult Bichon though I think that would be my preference...1-2 years old.

The Brittany has a great personality. Very friendly. Hardly barks. Not much of a watch dog. My husband came in the house late/early morning one day and the dog ran the other way..completely spooked! He loves people and other animals so I know he will be a great big brother Smile

Sara · Posted: Fri Dec 17, 2004 5:12 pm Post subject:

Bichon's are toys so there are likely tons of them in rescues due to puppy mills doing toy breeds soo often... that's a place to look for an adult Bichon.

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Yes, if you want an adult look at rescues. Do a Google search for Bichon rescues in your area, or find a national one and call for info. You can call breeders and ask if they can point you somewhere - they usually know who the rescues are. Some breeders even have adult dogs that they are selling, like ones they are retiring from showing or didn't do well at showing or something. On petfinder.com you can put in your zip code and type of dog you want and see what they come up with, and you can also look for local shelters and rescues. Or maybe just check the shelters for small dogs and you may find one that's not a Bichon but fits your family.

The second dog REALLY helped us a LOT with the hyper issues. It's so nice for them to be able to play together. I never regret the decision to keep the second dog (thanks, honeybears...).

honeybears · Super Senior Member Plus Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 3627

Jimiya, what did Ido to deserve a thanks Very Happy

honeybear

Jamiya · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 5593

Honeybears, you were one of the ones pushing hardest for me to keep Bonnie. Smile

Brittany4me, there is an article in the current issue of Whole Dog Journal about adding a new dog to the family. Their website is here: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/ and the article is called Theory and Practice. You can get a free 14-day trial to read the article. There have been other articles in the past - one at about the time we added Bonnie to our family - that talked about multidog issues. How do they always know just what we need to read about?