Introducing a new pup

[abley 0]

At the minute I have a 10 month patterdale bitch. Im thinking of getting a lurcher pup and just wondered if anyone has some advice to help this go smoothly.

Would a dog be easier than a bitch. Or an older dog easier than a pup.

Both dogs will be in the house

Thanks

Edited April 21, 2008 by abley

[kozzi 0]

At the minute I have a 10 month patterdale bitch. Im thinking of getting a lurcher pup and just wondered if anyone has some advice to help this go smoothly.

Would a dog be easier than a bitch. Or an older dog easier than a pup.

Both dogs will be in the house

Thanks

 

A dog would be best. Two bitches together is worse than a bitch and male, it is called having a rider. The male will get all dominant and then the bitch will either lump it one or give into it, mine does. Then when the crunch comes he doesn't even see it coming and just like every species, he'll let the Lady point him in the right direction.

Allow them to meet on neutral ground, then your bitch won't feel that a dog is usurping her throne and get all humpy with the puppy. Because the bitch is only 10 months old I think you will be all right, she probably will want to be a puppy again for a while

[Pignut 4]

As long as you are, at the end of the day, the pack leader - ie you finish any arguments, make the decisions and they look to you to define the hierarchy - you should be fine.

 

Your house, your routine and take no shit. If one is more dominant, treat them fairly and the same. Get others to as well.

 

Neutral ground for the initial introduction is a good idea - usually outside and if possible not on leads. Don't break up the first squabble (unless it turns to bloodshed) as everyone needs to establish themselves too. I would also not have lots of folk around. A big garden or field with two of you - one to grab each dog if necessary.

 

Good luck. There might be a few snarls whilst territory is established and the odd squabble (we still have that!) and I definitely think two girls would be a bad move. Expect the bitch to rule the world (if she is like mine!) and also for them both to want to go off and hunt together - they all lead each other astray!!

Edited April 22, 2008 by Pignut

[abley 0]

Thanks for the advice lads. Think I knew that all ready really, but sort of hoped I'd be wrong.

[littlefish 596]

Good luck with your decision. If I had to, i would prefer to have a dog and a bitch living in the house, from my experience i find this more harmonious than two bitches with their bitchy hormones, competing to be boss. By the way, to make to easier, if the dogs are in your house GET THEM CRATES TO STAY IN - IT WILL SAVE YOUR HOUSE AS WELL AS YOUR NERVES GETTING WRECKED!