Bringing a new dog into the house?

[biggiy05]

I've been talking with a few different animal shelters around me about adopting a dog. I've found a few boys that I like and I'm really interested in. I've also found a few girls.

I have a border collie/blue heeler. She just turned two back in December. I've heard and read different opinions on this. Some people say it's better to have a boy/girl instead of two same sex dogs. I've read you can have issues with dominance, territory and around feeding time. It makes sense and I can see the problems it would cause. I've also read the issues are more likely to arise with two males instead of two females.

Plain and simple. Am I better off getting a male instead of a second female to prevent any possible issues or can the issues arise regardless of the sex?

 

[Bellalee]

Issues can arise regardless of the sex, also depending on how long you've had her. Some dogs, when they have been alone a while even not, are very protective over there owners. It really does depend on the dogs, I could tell you one thing and it could out to be the complete opposite. Females tend to yes, have issues with one another. Unless they were spayed very young, which I think most pound dogs are, mine was and she is very docile, but my younger dog was spayed at a much older age, and is dominant over her.

I really have no clue what I'm trying to say haha.. I guess I would say yes go for a male

 

[Mel&Keith]

I don't think there's a simple answer to that question. In my opinion, you have to go by the breed to determine which sex will get along better. We have two male dogs that get along great because of the breed characteristics. Male Chihuahua (very dominant) and male English Bulldog (very passive). So take into consideration the dogs' personalities first and sex second then have them meet at the shelter before you adopt to make sure they get along.

 

[biggiy05]

Some dogs, when they have been alone a while even not, are very protective over there owners.

She came into the house with Lucky our German shepherd/beagle mix already here. Lucky was about nine at the time and at first didn't want anything to do with Roxy. Now when she has a good day they go tearing through the house chasing each other.

I forgot to add that Roxy doesn't live with me. She lives with my mom. I brought her to my new place and she did not like it one bit. Tried again a few weeks later and she just wanted to leave the minute she got here. So she stays with my mom. The new dog will be going with me to my mom's a few times a week to play with Roxy.

 

[Andrew]

We had our female mini dachsund, Bella, for a couple years before we ended up with another. An adorable mini black and tan female pup. Bella wouldn't tolerate her. We ended up having to sell her(the pup), and about a year later we got a mini black & tan male pup. The two have been living happily together ever since.
So, in my experience, Male/Female combo is the best way to go.

 

[animalhouse27]

Is ure dog Spayed? *Sorry if I missed it* If She isn't.. I would get a Male. *that IS Neutered* Un Fixed same sex tend to have a issue. What breed are you looking to get? Some breeds tend to me More aggressive with same sex then others. Best bet is to bring your dog to the shelter to meet the potential dogs, and see which she gets along with best. My Female.. isnt too keen on most other females, and is OK with Males.. And my male.. Can care less the sex. So, it depends. And I would always feed them Seperate and give bones seperate.. So you have no risks till the new dog adjusts, and the two dogs bond. But that's just my 2 cents

 

[biggiy05]

He's a smooth coat collie named Gavin. Roxy is spayed and he has been neutered.

http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=12774680

 

[animalhouse27]

From what I have seen with Smooth Coats, and Collies in General.. they tend to do OK with same sex.

Keep in Mind with Collies, They can't have ivermectin/heartgard.

 

[Mel&Keith]

He's cute! So is this the one you like the best?

 

[biggiy05]

He's cute! So is this the one you like the best?

I bookmarked the page and I look at it daily. I've been annoying my friends with how much I talk about him. The only downside is he is in the Indianapolis area and I'm in Ohio. Not a big deal, I'll just be making two trips out there. One to meet him and his foster mom and a second for the adoption.

I had my shoulder reconstructed back in December and the hospital I work for filled my position without telling me. I can't go back to work in the ER for another four to six months. I have a phone interview tomorrow for a long term disability claim to help cover bills until I get back to work.As long the claim is approved which I'm almost positive it will be I'll be finishing up the paperwork tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Mel&Keith]

I'm sorry to hear about your job. I do know what you mean about looking at the dog's page every day though. I put in an application to adopt a French Bulldog and Keith keeps catching me looking at it's pictures on the rescue's page. LOL

 

[biggiy05]

It's for the best. The job started going downhill when my supervisor was playing favorites. No big deal. Once I finish my paramedic training I'll have a lot more options.

I finished the application and am about to head to bed but I'm looking at the pictures again! I can't imagine what I'll be like if I can adopt this collie. I can just imagine the four drive home.

 

[biggiy05]

Well so much for adopting Gavin. My step mom sent that idea into the ground. I would say she's biased but that's and understatement. She likes her daughter's dog but doesn't like my Roxy because she isn't a toy breed.

 

[Mel&Keith]

Ah, I'm sorry.