Tips for Adding Puppy #2 - Woodbridge,NJ

I have an 11.5 yr old toy poodle. He was raised from a pup with 2 older pups ( Cocker Spaniels) Each dog had a specified eating spot.

In 2015 when we had 2 dogs total, his buddy died and he obviously missed him terribly. Hubby and I planned to get another dog then 2 months later my hubby died.

My toy poodle was lost and sad. I waited til April 2016 to adopt again. My new rescue at 4 months (lab sharpei) is a gem. Her activity level and interest brought new life to my poodle.

The first week was hell because poodle had no interest in a friend but they are now best buds and I truly feel my rescue has helped give my poodle a new look on life.

Yes it's work but well worth it as far as I am concerned. I also work from home so I am with them a lot.

I'm so happy I did it! They are great friends and very protective of me.

My friends had a pen for their puppy - one of those things you can flex into any shape you need. It helps contain a puppy who is housebreaking (put the puppy pads in there), and you can put the puppy food in there as well, giving your older dog the run of the house. It would also work for isolating a puppy you can't supervise if you really feel the older dog would be too rough with the little one. They can still see/sniff each other and it's not as isolating as the crate (put the crate right in there but the pup will still have room to move around). When the puppy is older, eliminate the pen but she'll already be used to the crate.

Your breeder would be the best person to ask, as s/he has first hand knowledge of your dog's inherent temperament. S/he could also tell you if there are certain breeds or characteristics you should avoid when looking at dogs, and also will have lots of advice on introducing a second dog, feeding, etc.

My sister has two dogs of same breed (same breeder even) and they are very happy with their decision. I think there is about 2 years between them. Each dog has a crate. The had a real learning curve with the first dog as a puppy, but had learned a lot by the time they got the second one - so it didn't seem like as much work. They knew what to do - what worked, what didn't, etc. The dogs definitely play together and keep each company.

When I grew up, we had a dog and then about 5 years later, got another one (rescued). The dogs got along fine, but they were never pals. The two dogs were just too different in temperament I think. They never fought or anything like that and were both very well trained. They didn't play together though. I wouldn't say they kept each other company either. They didn't interact much at all.

That would be my only concern - that they don't 'bond' if that's the intent on having two. That's where I would talk to a breeder.

Some shelters and dog rescues will let you foster the dog and see if it gets along with everyone. That is how I ended up with my big sheepdog who looks like a wolf , but is actually a marshmallow.