another 2 dogs bonding question

sheezbusy · 10-17-2007, 09:03 PM

There is so much talk lately about adding a pup, siblings not bonding with owners ...
How well does a pup bond with the owner if there is an older dog? Is there a big difference from having two siblings? I am assuming it has to do with the older dog bein established.

Lexie is so bonded to my husband and I. I want doberkid #2 to be just as close to us.
Lisa

**doberkim** · 10-17-2007, 10:17 PM

I think it truly depends on how you raise them.
If you get a second dog and expect the first dog to raise it, and they spend all their time left alone together, yes they will be closer to each other.

On the other extreme, I know trainers who do not allow their new puppies to have any contact with their other dogs.

I am and plan on, being somewhere in between. My dogs are separated most of the day, but do have playtime together. The puppy will fit into that schedule.

**sebsyd** · 10-17-2007, 11:51 PM

I have 2 close together as you know and I think alone time with mom and dad and quality alone training and play will go a long way to developing the personality of doberkid#2. You want them to play together and get along. A nice balance like Kim mentioned is about right. At least that is my opinion after having these two.

tjmom · 10-18-2007, 09:18 PM

When we got Jada last year we were a little concerned with how our Titus would take to her. He was used to being the center of attention and so we were concerned that he would be jealous. OMG...it took one day and they were the best of friends. We did allow them time away from each other. Hubby would take Titus to the park and I would stay at home with Jada. This allowed them both time alone with us and they would also spend time with each other in the back yard. Also when we left the house Titus had run of the house and Jada was crated. Unfortantley we lost our Titus 4 months ago but I am so glad that he had a buddy before he passed.

alwayshadpets · 10-19-2007, 06:59 AM

Tamora is 1 1/2 and Copper our lab is 11. Tamora could not be more of a velcro dog. As a puppy I took her places alone, trained alone, played alone.(75% of the time) The other 25%, she could hang out with Copper. This was not too difficult as she was not potty trained and could not have the run of the house anyway plus Copper being older really didn`t want a playmate all the time. Fastforward to today they both would rather be with me. I have 2 velcros.
I don`t think separation from other dogs in the house is a make it or break it. I think the key is working separately with the pups. Your games become special and they love it.

MandysBlackRoses · 10-19-2007, 12:21 PM

As the owner of two litter mates, We did see that they were bonding to each other and not with us. This was at about 4 months of age. We have seperated them for the last 6 months and have seen a great change. With no other dogs to play with (Raven does not tolerate puppy antics well so they stay clear of her most the time.) The girls were left to have to play with us boring ol' humans! lol

My husband took Rayna with him where ever he went, and I took Rowen. The girls still play for a few minutes a day, but will also stop and come to us in mid play for attention. Things worked out great, and owning two dogs, litter mates, whatever... can be done. Though it's hard work.

I had no problems with our puppies bonding to our 5 year old Boston Terrier. Raven is a great dog, but she new when to tell them enough was enough. She played a great part in helping raise these girls.

Puppies naturaly want to play with other dogs first, and us, (humans) being their second choice. But when they only have an older dog to choose from, who is not willing to play hard all day, and does not have the same energy level as the pup, they learn quickly how grouchy an older dog is when they want thier peace and quiet. And that leaves them to have to come to us for the play and attention they require. Which is what you want to happen.