adding another dog, maybe

[KampingKris]

Thinking about maybe, possibly adding another dog to the family. But, worried about Princess Jada's reaction. She's a wanna be alpha and can be unpredictable at times. She's fine at the dog park but doesn't socialize very much and keeps her distance. But she can and has pick fights with friend's dogs during camping trips. It doesn't happen often but sometimes without warning. The only dogs she's been fine with is young puppies.

Would a puppy be easier? Or should we just forget the idea?

[xteacher]

Unfortunately, some dogs don't play well with others. For the safety of other dogs, and for your sanity (managing a dog aggressive dog is exhausting; been there, done that), it's better for this type of dog to be an "only child". It doesn't make you a bad owner; it's just reality.

[KampingKris]

She is well-trained. But still can be unpredictable. And I can usually tell when she's getting in the mode and distract and correct her. But that requires giving her my undivided attention.

Sigh. I was only considering it because I saw this really cute rescue who looked almost identical to her. But I'm thinking we should let her remain as an only dog.

[Imouttahere]

I got kittens for my fella - 2 X 4 week old little ones, and he absolutely adores them. Hes 100+ LB 13 month old Pit/Mastiff mix. Kisses them and rolls around like a baby himself when they be playing. precious really - best idea ive had in quite some time!

[Code2High]

Forget it. Puppies grow up, and in a few short months you will have an adolescent on your hands, wanting to challenge authority, which creates the potential for fights.

Also, the new pup is apt to learn bad habits from the old.

Better to work with Jada on her own and when she is gone, start fresh.

[Happytraveler]

Charlie is an alpha dog. One day we get a call from Charlie's breeder and she said we have a little girl for us if we're interested. I told her all about Charlie and she said this puppy will not get along with Charlie. A couple of months later we get a call from the breeder and she said she has this sweetest little female puppy that will work with Charlie. So we decided to get her. The two are inseparable and they do get a long, once in a while Charlie will put Katie in her place. Katie is so sweet, smart and bossy. Charlie is the alpha dog, but Katie runs the show, LOL.

[xteacher]

I'd hold off if your present dog isn't good around other dogs.

[Crowe]

I, too, would be very cautious if you already have a dog that's unpredictable. If medical issues have been ruled out, perhaps you might spend some time with a behavioral specialist to see if you can find the trigger.

[Go_Dogs]

Not quite sure why you would want another dog, when you don't have control over the dog that you have. Unpredictable behavior, picking fights with other dogs? Adding another dog is NOT what you need.