Are some dogs meant to be "only dogs"?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

 

So I have been SERIOUSLY considering adding another dog to our family.  My husband and I currently have an almost 2.5 year old male mini Australian labradoodle named Cubbie.  He loves to go to doggie daycare and play with the other dogs so I thought that adding another dog would be no problem at all.  Then this past weekend, we puppy sat a 4.5 month old female havanese/poodle mix.  Cubbie was less than thrilled to have her in "his" home.  At first than ran and played like crazy, but then she kept nipping at his ears and mouth and would leap from the couch and pounce on him.  Cubbie didn't seem happy when she helped herself to his bin of toys, but don't fight her for them or get aggressive or anything.  He basically just tried to keep his distance from her and towards the end of the weekend would give her a growl when he had had enough, but it wasn't excessive.

 

Should I take this as a sign that Cubbie would be happier having the house to himself or could his indifference/frustrations have been due to the fact that our houseguest still acted very puppyish with the nipping and leaping?  I would really love to adopt a dog, but don't want to do something that would make Cubbie unhappy.  In the past, we have had to work on some resource guarding that he had with my husband and rawhides and have made tremendous progress, and I wonder if adding another dog could make those guarding issues come back or get worse. 

 

Any suggestions and thoughts would be greatly appreciated!!  Thanks! 

[Jeanne, Tura and Dolly]

I think that any dog will have a reaction when a new dog comes into the house.  Our first dog started peeing and pooping in the house...that went on for a couple of months.   But most of the time they end up playing together and having a great time and becoming buddies.  It may just take awhile.  I think you have to resist the temptation to spend all of your time with the new one ( making them feel at home etc) and remember to spend quality time with Cubbie.   Also, training is really important so they know you are in charge.  Also, don't feel bad (as I did) when the new one is dominant over the first one.....it happens and you cannot change it, they work it out themselves....  If resource guarding becomes an issue, you just have to address it as you have already.  Good luck with finding a rescue.  So many need good homes.

[Adina P]

I agree with Jeanne.  Most dogs feel out of sorts with a new addition initially.  I think the most important thing, when considering the addition of a new dog is if YOU want a second dog.  I'm not into getting a dog FOR a dog except in specific cases.  So if you want TWO dogs and all that goes with having to care for two dogs...then I'm sure Cubbie will learn to accept it and may even be friends with the other dog.  But annoying puppy behavior is annoying puppy behavior and sometimes you just have to set boundaries about how much 'harassing' one dog is allowed to do to the other. 

 

As to resource guarding...sometimes dogs will guard from dogs but not from people.  It's up to you to decide what you'll allow.  Mine play fight over bones all the time.  But I don't let them lick out an empty can of tuna together or such things that might really instigate a fight.

[Bev]

Sometimes I think I am nuts to have 4 labradoodles!! They play together and have lots of fun. They wouldn't be the same being solo. They keep each other company, sleep together and each wants my full attention. Try petting four doods at the same time LOL!! Go for it and enjoy :  )

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I have multiple dogs and it is fine but.... We had a wonderful Springer Spaniel who was an only dog for almost all of her life. She would have been fine either way - she was just a very easy dog.  We currently have a Springer Spaniel who went into a depression when we got Ned that lasted about a year!  Then we added Clancy and we thought he was fine with him, but he wasn't. We are all one big happy family now but it took some settling in.  Would our Springer be happier as an only dog? No, but he would be happier not having doodle siblings.

I would be concerned if you had resource guarding issues that you had to address.  Obviously you addressed them and worked the problem out.  In my opinion I would expect that if you got another dog you would need to back up and address them again.

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Thanks for all the feedback.  I think I am just going to keep my eyes out for a rescue that will be a good match for our family and see what happens.  Maybe we will find a good match and maybe we will just end up staying a 1 doodle household.  Thanks again!

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Hi, I just wanted to mention that we decided to get a second doodle when I came across a mini australian labradoodle on the DRC website that was in need of a new home.  He just seemed perfect for us and I took it as a sign that it was meant to be.  We brought him home last Saturday and while the 1st week has been a little bumpy, I am really glad we made the decision to be a 2 doodle family!!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

Tell us about your rescue! Congratulations

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I am thrilled that you made the decision!!!  It will take time for them to become siblings. They fill argue and do the humpty dance. I was told by my very good friend who happens to be a trainer - 'Back off. Let them work it out. Only interfere if you become very uncomfortable.' I listened to her, as hard as it was. They did work it out and became very respectful of each other.

[F, Calla & Luca]

Good luck with the new family member.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Good for you and how wonderful that you got him from DRC. Post pictures when you get time?

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

Cubbie and Ollie have been getting along OK now for the most part, although I just finished breaking up something that sounded pretty mean.  They were both tugging on a toy and then the next thing I knew they were just a tangle of growling, snarling, barking, and yelping.  If that was playing, then I'm glad I am a person and not a dog because it sounded and looked terrible.  Other than that, there haven't been any big issues.

 

Ollie has been adjusting pretty well.  He is still timid around my husband but no where near as bad as it was last week.  It is hard to believe that it has been a week already.  Later this afternoon my husband and I are taking the 2 doods to work with our trainer.  She thought it would be a good idea to do some one on one with just the two dogs together rather than with a whole group to get them to learn to work together.  I am hoping to see some improvements in Ollie's behavior.  The hardest part has been having a dog that only understands "sit" when we were used to Cubbie who finished his CGC last year. 

 

I did have to take poor Ollie to the vet last week because he got a hot spot on his leg.  Cubbie has never had one so I wasn't sure what it was.  Trying to prevent Ollie from licking and chewing has been the worst, but now that I know what to look for we should be able to catch it sooner in the future.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

I think your trainer is very smart! Having them work together will help bond them and DD. Each week you will be surprised at the change.