Hello all, I was hoping that you could help me. We have a male rescue dobie 2-3 year old, Benny, who has been with us for about 6 months. He was known to have come from an abusive home and came to us very afraid, with a million quirks and super sound sensitivity. He's gotten aggressive on other dogs before, but it mostly seems to apply to those that do not mind their manners and display immediate dominance, or young ones that jump his head. He just loses it and will NOT let it go. He's come a very, very long way and we have spent lots of time getting him there--which was great for everyone. His deathly fear of my husband is gone, we took care of that through "obedience" classes...which were more like socialization training...and he decided that my husband was ok, but to be ignored. After time and work he now shows him respect and we are very happy. Still, he knows me to be his owner and is super attached to me. We always intended to get two dogs, and were looking to add a female dobie to the family after we got Benny. SO, our issues:
-We prefer rescue, but the rescue female dobies have been too dominant for him and spats have resulted-he's well mannered and prefers to avoid conflict but certainly dominant and will fight if he's got an issue
-We would rather not have to go through the puppy phase, but are wondering if that is best, because in general it seems best to have dogs of different ages
-We are thinking it may be best to go outside the breed, which I do not love, but I've got my eye on a few breeds--suggestions? And once we go outside the breed, should I still concern myself with gender?
-If we should go outside the breed with a rescue, I would feel awful if it did not work out. Is there a chance that since this boy has come so far and is finally at peace, that we should leave it that way and decide it's a 1 dog household?
-I should mention his best friend and regular playmate is a black lab who works as an assistance dog. Simply put, they would NEVER fight. Does this speak more to the fact that the lab is so highly trained, or that less aggressive males outside the breed are ok? With dogs he seems to like, he is very interested and very playful, in fact the lab kind of bores him now. He often does "play bows" and is happiest when a dog just runs with him --SUPER fast.
We always wanted two and have the time and energy. I have never wanted a labrador, but is this the way to go? I'm actually thinking that a female labradoodle might make a great fit. Kinda kills me, but I know we will love her, and just want to do what is best for our little family. My boy loves a submissive, happy and playful companion. Still, I question whether he would have the patience to put up with a puppy and whether he would be willing to share me with another dog even if both are given equal time and attention.
What do you think? How do you find out if your dog is ok with another dog living here without actually doing it? Any recommendations for a somewhat submissive--but super fast and agile dog? PS- I DO realize that is not a labradoodle...but that's why I'm here and asking! Thank you!
-We prefer rescue, but the rescue female dobies have been too dominant for him and spats have resulted-he's well mannered and prefers to avoid conflict but certainly dominant and will fight if he's got an issue
-We would rather not have to go through the puppy phase, but are wondering if that is best, because in general it seems best to have dogs of different ages
-We are thinking it may be best to go outside the breed, which I do not love, but I've got my eye on a few breeds--suggestions? And once we go outside the breed, should I still concern myself with gender?
-If we should go outside the breed with a rescue, I would feel awful if it did not work out. Is there a chance that since this boy has come so far and is finally at peace, that we should leave it that way and decide it's a 1 dog household?
-I should mention his best friend and regular playmate is a black lab who works as an assistance dog. Simply put, they would NEVER fight. Does this speak more to the fact that the lab is so highly trained, or that less aggressive males outside the breed are ok? With dogs he seems to like, he is very interested and very playful, in fact the lab kind of bores him now. He often does "play bows" and is happiest when a dog just runs with him --SUPER fast.
We always wanted two and have the time and energy. I have never wanted a labrador, but is this the way to go? I'm actually thinking that a female labradoodle might make a great fit. Kinda kills me, but I know we will love her, and just want to do what is best for our little family. My boy loves a submissive, happy and playful companion. Still, I question whether he would have the patience to put up with a puppy and whether he would be willing to share me with another dog even if both are given equal time and attention.
What do you think? How do you find out if your dog is ok with another dog living here without actually doing it? Any recommendations for a somewhat submissive--but super fast and agile dog? PS- I DO realize that is not a labradoodle...but that's why I'm here and asking! Thank you!