Help with getting a second dog

[Miyuki]

My family and i have decided to start looking to get a second dog. We dont want anything smaller then our dog (36 lbs mini aussie shep), we dont want a dog that overly sheds (where you get like clumps of hair out), but if that cant be helped its ok, so longish hair may be outta the question. This dog also has to have good stamina, cause my brother and i both like to jog with our current dog ( 1-2 hour walks with lots of water breaks). We need a breed thats not usually a overly dominent breed as well ( or mixed breed), Diego is passive, and will rather give a treat or toy up before confronting another dog about it (he was attacked before). My mother and i were talking about husky/malamute mix, but aren't sure about how much it sheds or temperment, or much about them (we have only owned a 2 cocker spaniels before diego and found diego by chance). Anyways, If anyone has any ideas what kinda breeds or mixed breeds we can look into it would be greatly appreciated.

thanks
Miyuki

[brunosmom]

Lab is an all around good choice.....

[sheplovr]

Oh honey then you want an Aussie or Shepherd type of dog regardless of hair loss. There are supplements that help control shedding such as springtimeinc.com fresh factors I use that I do not get clumbs or blown hair but need to be brushed ten minutes a day at least, can we not take time to do this for our loved friends.???
Maybe a cross of Aussie and Shepherd, cross of another breed skips my blank mind at bedtime nearly but so many mixes makes super working breeds. Visit a shelter and check out what they might have to offer that needs a home badly, save a dog, I did many years ago and they seemed to live forever, not really but a long long time honey. Let me know what you find for I am certain if u visit a good rescue or shelter u will find a dream dog.:p

[Miyuki]

I dont mind the shedding much its mostly my mother thats not to fond of it. I brush diego about 2 times a day, once in the morning, and once at night ( just in case he gets a few knots). I was kinda thinking a aussie cross would be the best match for him, or a " herding" kinda breed. As for shelters, i just wish i had one closer, i believe its like over a 1-2 hour drive to the closest one, since the local one was just shut down cause the city believed they were not taking care of the dogs. I think im gonna give the outta city shelter a call tho and see if they have any dogs looking for a good home.

[MyDogShelby]

I've never owned one, but perhaps a Golden Retriever would be a good choice. Good energy level, friendly disposition...I think they might be the shedding type, but that is something you would have to look into.

Also, perhaps an Aussie Shepherd or German Shepherd as sheplovr suggested. As for a mixed breed, a German Shepherd/Collie mix (if it had medium length hair) would be an excellent choice...I had one like that, she was wonderful.

Ever thought of the standard size Poodle? I don't think they shed. A relative of mine has a toy Poodle, and it doesn't shed at all.

Well, just a few suggestions, let us know what you decide to choose. Be sure to visit your local shelters, there's nothing better than adopting a dog and saving a life.

No matter what dog you decide to go with, it would be a good idea to bring your dog to meet him/her. Observe how they interact, and be sure that dog is the right one for you and your dog.

[Miyuki]

i wouldn't think of bringing another dog home without diegos approval. I just hope that they will allow me to bring him in to test things out, the shelter here (the one that was shut down) didn't allow me to bring him in to meet the other dogs at all. I would rather save a life tho then to just go buy apup ( had these feelings since my mom told me my older bros adopted :))

[MyDogShelby]

I would rather save a life tho then to just go buy apup ( had these feelings since my mom told me my older bros adopted :))

Aww, how sweet :)

i wouldn't think of bringing another dog home without diegos approval. I just hope that they will allow me to bring him in to test things out, the shelter here (the one that was shut down) didn't allow me to bring him in to meet the other dogs at all.

I see how that could be a problem, if the shelter doesn't let you bring Diego in...are there other shelters you can visit? I'm surprised that they wouldn't try to sort of make an accommodation for you, since your so willing to to adopt.

When we adopt our second dog, we plan on bringing Shelby to meet the new dog too (hopefully allowed), before we even consider adopting it. Shelby has to be pleased with it first, then us.;) Shelby is pretty easy going, so I don't think it will be hard to pick one:D

[Miyuki]

well the problem is there are probably other ones i can look into but i dont want diego to be uncomfy with hour long drives to the areas, cause im just worried that may make his attitude change ( stress of a long ride and all) I am making a few more phone calls around here, to see if there is anything in "closer" range then a hour long drive. Im kinda hoping the new shelter (one thats being redone) will open up soon and get a few new dogs in.

Diego is a good boy, extremely calm and gentle for his age (1.5 years). so im hoping i can find a good match with him =) As long as the other dogs not to play rough it will be fine i believe ( diego was attacked by 3 lab sized dogs when he was just under 1 year, hes still a bit afraid of larger breeds if they charge him, even if it is to play)

[MyDogShelby]

well the problem is there are probably other ones i can look into but i dont want diego to be uncomfy with hour long drives to the areas, cause im just worried that may make his attitude change ( stress of a long ride and all)
I see, I didn't know that there aren't too many shelter available in close proximity to where you live...that is a problem in terms of driving long hours back and forth with Diego. Well, hopefully the shelter that is being redone will open soon:)

Diego is a good boy, extremely calm and gentle for his age (1.5 years). so im hoping i can find a good match with him =) As long as the other dogs not to play rough it will be fine i believe ( diego was attacked by 3 lab sized dogs when he was just under 1 year, hes still a bit afraid of larger breeds if they charge him, even if it is to play)
That is pretty traumatizing for a dog to go through:( Sorry to hear that happened to Diego...

I hope you find the perfect match for him, he sounds like he is a really good dog. :wubsmiley:

[KatzNK9]

No disagreement here about a meeting with the existing dog & his new potential friend as that is certainly crucial ... but I'd consider having the two dogs meet on neutral territory. Maybe a nearby park.

Depending on how long a dog has lived in a particular shelter, it may have developed some level of comfort there & consider it "his" territory. Some territorial issues might be present that wouldn't in a different location. Additionally, your existing dog is quite likely to be very uncomfortable in a shelter environment & not be his normal self.

Although you might be in a position to see general behavioral traits in the two dogs, you're not likely to get the best idea of how they'll interact in neutral territory or with the comforts of home. However, if they are inclined to get along & play in that type of enviroment, they'll likely get along anywhere.

Just my 2 cents.

[MyDogShelby]

No disagreement here about a meeting with the existing dog & his new potential friend as that is certainly crucial ... but I'd consider having the two dogs meet on neutral territory. Maybe a nearby park.

Depending on how long a dog has lived in a particular shelter, it may have developed some level of comfort there & consider it "his" territory. Some territorial issues might be present that wouldn't in a different location. Additionally, your existing dog is quite likely to be very uncomfortable in a shelter environment & not be his normal self.

Although you might be in a position to see general behavioral traits in the two dogs, you're not likely to get the best idea of how they'll interact in neutral territory or with the comforts of home. However, if they are inclined to get along & play in that type of enviroment, they'll likely get along anywhere.

Just my 2 cents.

Excellent advice Katz! I think I will consider that option as well :thumb: That is if the shelter will allow it:) What a great idea!!!

I was mostly concerned about introducing a new dog straight away into the home, where the main dog who is living there would possibly feel threatened by the presence of the "new dog" on its territory...thus, I suggested taking Diego (Shelby too) to meet the dog in the shelter....but you have the RIGHT idea with meeting somewhere neutral, like in a park...brilliant!! :applaud:

[Mom to Lil Buddy]

Good for you wanting to take a shelter dog. They just beg for homes. If you have no shelters near you might check petfinder.com, frequently they will have mixed breed rescues, and often have a little history or assessment of the dog, if it has been in foster care and shelters also are often listed there.

I still check the local shelters and pounds, although I would lose my happy home if I brought another dog home now.

[Miyuki]

Diego is actually really good with other dogs being at the house, we have had plenty of weekend and week stayers. we have had shibas collies spaniels to bigger mix breeds a lab stay at our house, and most of the time he will cuddle up next to them and sleep or allow them to sleep in his fav spots even tho he has never met them before. i got a hold of one shelter whos gonna be transfering some of there dogs to the newers local shelter, so im hoping i can get some luck. I have also been told that there is a nice lot there, grassy lot, and they will allow me to bring diego in to romp with the other dog

[MyDogShelby]

Diego is actually really good with other dogs being at the house, we have had plenty of weekend and week stayers. we have had shibas collies spaniels to bigger mix breeds a lab stay at our house, and most of the time he will cuddle up next to them and sleep or allow them to sleep in his fav spots even tho he has never met them before. i got a hold of one shelter whos gonna be transfering some of there dogs to the newers local shelter, so im hoping i can get some luck. I have also been told that there is a nice lot there, grassy lot, and they will allow me to bring diego in to romp with the other dog

Sounds like Diego is very welcoming, that's so sweet:) It'll make it even easier on you when you bring in the second dog...sounds like Diego will enjoy having a buddy;)