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  1. #1
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    2 new dogs advice needed

    Hi everyone, I am looking for some advice for a new situation for me. I currently have one Chocolate lab who is a dominate male. He gets along well with other dogs after a bit of a feeling our period. I had another that passed a few months ago and my home seems empty with only one dog. I have had 2 or 3 dogs as long as I can remember going back to my childhood living at home. This leads to my situation. A co-worker of mine has to re-home there 2 labs, one is 2.5 the other is 1 and they are a bonded pair. My current dog is 6 years old and I am thinking about adding these 2. I have added one to a two dog home before, my question is has anyone done it the other way around? I am looking for any input or advice anyone can give me as to if this is a terrible idea. Feel free to ask any questions or express concerns, I am trying to look at this objectively but do not think I am doing a very good job.

    Update 4/12

    I went to meet the dogs today without my current lab to try to get a feel for the personality of the dogs. The dogs seem to be fairly well socialized and got along with all the other dogs that they encountered. After seeing them today only for about an hour I realize that it is going to take a lot of work to get them to listen to commands like I would expect. I think that they run the household not the owners, if you know what I mean. As far as the "bond" goes it only appears to be present in one of the dogs. I wanted to see how they acted apart so took them for separate walks, the younger one did great the older one had signs of anxiety after about 5 minutes apart. This is something that I can work on if I decide to get these dogs.

    I am still really worried about the dynamics of bringing 2 new dogs into what is now a one dog household. It will probably not be a problem just not something that I have ever done before. If I was bringing in only one dog I would have no reservations at all about adopting a dog.

    After talking extensively with the owners it appears that they have some minor behavior issues that will need to be resolved. These are things that I have dealt with in the past and feel that I could correct rather easily in a few months time. Part of me wants to start fresh with a puppy then I will have created my own problems. These dogs are in need of a home and I feel that I can provide that and correct the behaviors that I disapprove of.

    I agree with all the advice given so far and I have done most of these things when introducing a new dog to my current one. I always meet on neutral ground and let them feel each other out with leashes on but slack or dragging behind introducing the new dog to my home only after any tension has dissipated and they are playing freely.

    Again thanks for the insight that you are providing it is appreciated.
    Last edited by Slack Jaw Yokel; 04-12-2015 at 04:38 PM. Reason: Updated

  2. #2
    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    It's the weekend and you will probably get more replies on Monday. I have not ever had more than one dog but the usual suggestion is to introduce the dogs on neutral territory first. A walk together maybe. Leashed at first then maybe at an off leash place. I'm guessing but I think I'd split the pair for the first time you bring them into your yard and then your house. Wait, more ideas will come. I hope it works, great for you and them.

  3. #3
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    sorry for your loss.

    I agree with meeting on neutral territory first, going for a walk and maybe an off leash intro somewhere safe but neutral (neutral meaning not your home or your yard, or their home/yard). Get a feel for how the dogs get along before committing. Will be interesting how the three interact, just watch body language. If all goes well you can bring t hem to your home and do a meeting there. I am actually all for taking one's time to see how dogs fit VS just taking them home but everyone is different and it depends how much time an patience you have to work thru issues if any appear

    If the dogs are tense on greeting, please ensure to keep their time nose to nose/touching distance short and redirect and reward. short sniff, then call them away and reward. If dogs are happy and relaxed you can let them be.

    Also, if you do adopt, I would do slow work towards improving their "bond" so they can deal being away from one another. baby steps, but these things can be worked on and it's really really really better for the dogs if they are not so bonded to one another and can be their own well balanced dog. I would also be curious on how bond they were (if I were going to adopt). Some people say dogs are "bonded" when they are not really truly bonded they just don't want them separate (in this case they likely need to live with another dog either way).

    I don't think it'S a bad idea. If you have time, love and energy for three dogs there is nothing wrong with taking these two on. If they are bonded truly it may be a bit more work for some things.

  4. #4
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I agree with Tanya... You also might ask for a weekend "sleepover" before committing.

  5. #5
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    I wanted to follow up one more time, after talking with the family we decided to pass on the dogs. He has another person interested with whom the dogs would probably be a better fit.

    I just wanted to thank everybody who responded, i really appreciate the advice given.

  6. The Following User Says Thank You to Slack Jaw Yokel For This Useful Post:

    smartrock (04-13-2015)

  7. #6
    Senior Dog BaconsMom's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Slack Jaw Yokel View Post
    I wanted to follow up one more time, after talking with the family we decided to pass on the dogs. He has another person interested with whom the dogs would probably be a better fit.

    I just wanted to thank everybody who responded, i really appreciate the advice given.
    Glad to hear that someone is interested in them as well. Hope you can find the perfect Pup to add to your furry family!
    Julie & Jake, Bacon's Humans

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