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  1. #1
    Real Retriever Zookeepermom247's Avatar
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    Toying with having another labbie girl.

    Hi.. all.. my husband and I just adore our Sophie and are considering another. I would like to use the same breeder with the same parents or at least one of them. We are so pleased with Sophie's temperament and how she loves our three Maine Coons. She will soon be 14 months and I would love to see her having a labbie sister. Right now, she thinks she is a coon, chasing with them up and down our staircase. Yes, they chase her and then she chases them. They drink from the same water bowl. They love her dog food. The youngest coon is her bestie. I feel she would love a little sister. Any advice? I hope she would take to her. She loves every dog she meets.

    Thanks,
    Sophie's mom

  2. #2
    Chief Pooper Scooper JenC's Avatar
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    I would worry less about trying to find a pup related, and just focus on a good breeder. Whether you stick with the same one as last time or find a new one, a well bred lab normally has the great temperament you want....because that's what good breeder's focus on.

    And remember, if you want a new dog, it's something for you. While it's nice to think you are getting a playmate for your current lab, sometimes they don't particularly care if there is another dog in the house or not. Most of the time, my 4 don't care about each other unless they are jealous that someone's getting my attention and not them.

  3. #3
    Senior Dog beth101509's Avatar
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    My mom has 2 dogs and they don't like each other at all. They don't fight or anything but they sit at opposite ends of the room, never played together, never slept together. Nothing. One is now 11 years old and the other is 9 years old. They have been raised together too. They just never preferred to become friends.
    “Don't allow your happiness to be interrupted by overly judgmental people. The problem is not you, because even if you do good all the time, they would still find a way to judge you wrongly.”
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  4. #4
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I'd wait until she's around three years old.

  5. #5
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JenC View Post
    I would worry less about trying to find a pup related, and just focus on a good breeder. Whether you stick with the same one as last time or find a new one, a well bred lab normally has the great temperament you want....because that's what good breeder's focus on.

    And remember, if you want a new dog, it's something for you. While it's nice to think you are getting a playmate for your current lab, sometimes they don't particularly care if there is another dog in the house or not. Most of the time, my 4 don't care about each other unless they are jealous that someone's getting my attention and not them.
    x100

    get a second dog becuase YOU want a second dog to care for and love. Regardless of how the dogs get along. Not all siblings play and cuddle. If your girls is well socialized and friendly and you go with a good reptuable breeder I don't see you have fights or major issues but the dogs may have some small "fights" as they mature and your older girl may have her nose in a knot. I find most dogs would be happier with a few extra play dates VS a permanent friend, abd sounds ilke your girl is pretty happy as things are now.

    As for havin dogs close in age, that's up to you. If you have done lots of training and work with your current girl then things shouldn't be too bad bringing in another (though can be harder with a teenager and a puppy as teenagers often have trouble being gentle, but that depends on the dog) though they say waiting til they are 2 is better. They will be close in age so that could be an issue - it meass that 10 years from now you will have two seniors which can be hard on the heart and the pocket book. and you may loose both more closely in time.

    If there are any major training hurdles left then I woudl wait til those are addressed.

    I would try dog sitting and see how she does with dogs in her home if you haven't already. play dates at your place even.

    and from experience, i find girls, even good tempered, are more likely to have small tiffs here and there. nothign bad, not aggression just "girly moments" LOL!
    Last edited by Tanya; 01-28-2015 at 07:49 PM.

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  7. #6
    Senior Dog Maxx&Emma's Avatar
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    I would also wait until Sophie is at least 3 and only do this if YOU want another dog. It really is hard to lose one dog and having multiple dogs leave you in a short period of time can be extremely difficult.
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  8. #7
    Senior Dog ZoeysMommy's Avatar
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    If you want another dog and Sophie has reached a point where she is well trained, sure get another. I see no reason to wait to a certain age if you can handle multiple dogs and you are aware of the work that goes into it

    Zoey was 1 when I got my corgi who was 6 months old. They are best friends and I am very happy with my choice. I do think because Sophie is young she would like a playmate

    With that said, my other 2 dogs could care less about the others. Not all dogs become besties like Zoey and Daisee. Its important that you want this new puppy and that you don't get another puppy simply to get Sophie a playmate.

  9. #8
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    Let me say that I am no expert on dogs, or dog behavior. That being said, I've had Labs in my home for over 30 years. For a great majority of that time, I've had two dogs, and it's always been a male and a female. For the most part, I've never had an issue with them getting along, other than one male who I took in when he was 4 years old who had known food aggression issues. Unfortunately that situation ended badly.

    As Tanya said, get another because YOU want another. I think that no matter the mix, it's the parents (humans) who will make it work. Setting the rules, boundaries, and limitations (sorry for the Caesar reference) will determine how it works out.

  10. #9
    Senior Dog doubledip1's Avatar
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    We are on the list for my breeder's next litter, which will be Luna's mom and a Canadian boy. I have been so happy with Luna and she is an absolute dreamboat. Luna will be 2 in June, which is around the time the puppy would come home.
    We love Luna so, so much, that we want a second dog just like her, but are afraid no dog will ever come close to being as wonderful as she is.

    We were originally going to wait until Luna is 3, but I have summers off. I would much rather have Luna be a little older, but in my opinion, 3 full months of 24/7 training is better than Luna being 3. We are going to get another girl.

    Luna loves having her friends over, loves going to friends houses, and really enjoys it when we have sleepovers with other dogs. We are also looking to travel less, and adding another dog to the mix helps with that.

    I also don't have any children yet, which I think is a factor in the decision.

    I hope my my thought process helps you!
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  12. #10
    Real Retriever Archie's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by doubledip1 View Post
    We are on the list for my breeder's next litter, which will be Luna's mom and a Canadian boy. I have been so happy with Luna and she is an absolute dreamboat. Luna will be 2 in June, which is around the time the puppy would come home.
    We love Luna so, so much, that we want a second dog just like her, but are afraid no dog will ever come close to being as wonderful as she is.

    We were originally going to wait until Luna is 3, but I have summers off. I would much rather have Luna be a little older, but in my opinion, 3 full months of 24/7 training is better than Luna being 3. We are going to get another girl.

    Luna loves having her friends over, loves going to friends houses, and really enjoys it when we have sleepovers with other dogs. We are also looking to travel less, and adding another dog to the mix helps with that.

    I also don't have any children yet, which I think is a factor in the decision.

    I hope my my thought process helps you!
    How exciting! Archie will be 2 in may and we're on a list for a puppy in June. We'll have to compare notes.

    To the OP, you've been given some good advice but I also think it is possible to have a pretty good sense that your dog would enjoy a friend. Have you had dog friends over to the house?
    Laura, Archie & Quinn
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