Conflicting advice?

[Marco]

When we got Jade, her background was unknown. We've since uncovered that she doesn't do well with other dogs(probably not socialized during youth) and she gets very nervous when in unfamiliar situations. Other that that, she is an absolutely wonderful dog who greets everyone with big sloppy kisses. We've been workin very hard with professional help to correct both these issues with great progress. We've been thinking about getting another and have received very conflicting advice:

Some people have said that another dog will help her with these issues as she see's how they do not get nervous and aggressive towards other dogs. This is obviously assuming we got a dog who did not have these same issues. Recently, 1 person has told me that Jade's behavior could turn a calm dog aggresive.

Which is more likely? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks
Marco

[lblax]

im not sure how to answer you other than just because theyu get along with animals in the home doesnt mean there attitude will change towards other animals..

[Rott-Wiley]

How long have you been working with Jade? Adding another dog into her world may make her life misserable, it's hard to say. Larry's point is very valid also.

[Marco]

We've had her about 6 months. She's been through 2 levels of obedience class and 1 private lesson. Once she's comfortable in a situation, she can't be bothered and pays no attention to other animals. It's that initial rush of adrenaline that gets her pumped up in a new situation. We've been working to try and calm her down before it gets to that point with a "leave it" command and quick correction. That seems to work but every situation is different and new.

[Judi W]

In general the mentally stronger dog, even if younger, will prevail in setting the example although even an outstanding example doesn't change basic weak character. If you bring in a young puppy however, keep in mind that for a pup, Jade might be the one setting the example and that you do not want.

Jade is who she is. Regardless of her past, her character is pretty much set. Most dogs are born with strong nerves or weak and the environment can influence, but not change. A dog with good nerve and character adapts to changing situations, is able to adjust and adapt fairly quickly. Evidentially Jade is not one of those.

I see no reason why a mentally strong dog would turn aggressive by being around her assuming you know not to have her teaching a pup in situations where she does badly. That is entirely up to you.

I never recommend bringing in another dog when the one you have has not finished "baking" - in other words, you need to finish turning Jade into the best she can be before you add to the doggy family. It is unreasonable to hope to put the teaching on another dog and it would divide your time when you already have your hands full.

[Rott-Wiley]

Six months is not a long time to be working with a dog, especially when you don't know what her background has really been. If it were me, I think I would give her another 3 or 4 months and see how she is then.

[rocky&lexysmom]

Hopefully your potential addition will come from a rescue group, if so you cane explain the situation to them and they would bring in a "test dog". That's the best way to know how your furbaby will react. Continue with the training which can only help. I had the same situation and discovered that after years of Fostering and rehabilitating abused dogs that once my son was born my furbabies will not allow any other dogs around my son. They are fine in any other situation except in the presence of my son. Good Luck and keep us posted.