Posted by myfunnybunch on 17:39 Jul 25
Is this a dumb idea? We're actually thinking of adding another dog to the family-- trying to find and adopt and older very very mellow dog. We've volunteered at the shelter in the past, so I know dogs like this come in from time to time, and we're willing to wait for the right dog.
Our puppy (6 months) is delightful, but over-the-top hyper, especially when we have visitors. Even giving her lots of allowances because she's still a baby. Even given allowances for the fact that she's an active breed. She's the kind of dog that ends up back at the pound because she's almost unmanageable at times. Other times she's a dream, and I can see a glimpse of the really cool dog she will become. And this is all with training-- we went to obedience class, she's walked daily, and I spend a fair amount of time daily working with her on manners, but it's slow slow going. I've had puppies before, one was even a lab mix just like Poppy, but never one that was this difficult and this hyper.
When my BIL brings his dog over, she really looks to him to see how she should behave. She jumps less, is calmer, and she loves having another dog around. She copies what he does, and he's an incredibly mellow and obedient dog. So when he's around she's mellow and obedient. And I think it would be nice for her to have company at night and outside. (She's in with us and we're out with her quite a bit, but not all day.)
We have the time, energy and resources for another dog-- the only additional time/expense I can see is more food and additional expense for boarding if we go away.
So...good idea? Or bad idea? What am I missing?
Thanks for ideas/input.
Cat