Age difference for same sex dogs

[Jamie & Odin]

Well, I know this has been discussed before and I have a fairly good handle on most people's thoughts about same sex dogs in a household.

Of course, there's a but...

Well, I went and looked at a five year old nuetered male at the shelter today. He is absolutely beautiful, mellow, sweet, affectionate and HUGE! 120 lbs. and stands to my hip. He goes in Wednesday for surgery on his eyes, his eyelids are growing inward, and then he can be adopted out as early as Saturday.

My Odin is two and I know an age difference is recommended when talking same sex. Would most of you advice that three years is not enough?

What about introductions? I've read a bit on introducing dogs, and the article I liked the most was posted here a little while back, about not allowing the dogs to see each other until they became accustomed to each other's scent in the house. But I'd like to take Odin out to the shelter to get a feel for how they'd get along. Then introduce them slowly on home base.

I don't want to go through anything like I did with the dobe, I felt horrible bringing her back to the shelter...

[Judi W]

No that is not enough of an age span and that caution doubles when you are talking about putting two adults together as opposed to bringing in a same-sex pup when the older dog is 7 or 8 years.

[Jamie & Odin]

ahhh, Judi, I thought you'd say something like that;)

I hate when I know the answers to my own questions, but I don't like them very much.

[mmgy]

And Jamie, isn't it nice that the people here will straighten you out real quick;)!! That third-party perspective can make all the difference.

I hope you can help him find a home anyway:(

M2

[Jamie & Odin]

Yep, I shouldn't have even gone to look at him. I'm a sucker for those big brown eyes;)

[beth gordon]

On two different occasions, I have introduced rescue males into the 'pack'. I originally had Kaya (neutered alpha male), who was going on 5, and two females. When I rescued Andy, he was going on 6. I took Kaya to meet Andy on neutral territory, they sniffed, lost interest in each other, and things seemed OK. Then I brought Andy home and thing still seemed OK. But then, as Andy got more and more comfortable, he began to challenge Kaya and all hell broke loose. It took ALOT of work and the help of a trainer to get things stabilized and now things are fine, Kaya is still the alpha, Andy accepts it, BUT things got hairy for a while. I very recently got another rescue, a 2 year old male, Ben, who seems to be blending in well. However, I will not be surprised if some testing of the 'alpha waters' takes place. I just go into it wiser now as far as the strategies to use. Bottom line, unless one is still a pup or very young dog who hasn't lost his sense of puppyhood, the odds are you may have problems.

[Judi W]

Since you have choices, make them wisely. It is not fun spending your time problem solving or living in a war zone when that same amount of time might be spent in more rewarding activities. Trust me, it is not fun for the dogs either!!!!

If you want a second dog, get a congenial bitch and enjoy a peaceful homelife with your dogs.

[Carina43]

For what it's worth...Cooper was almost two when I brought Dutch home (Dutch was a good 2 years older.) They absolutely despise each other, without reservation. Dutch is aggressive with most other dogs though he has learned to behave around strange dogs when I have him on leash.

However, there are other male dogs that Cooper interacts with very well - a friend's same age Jack Russel is a good buddy, they play very well. And another friend has a fairly grumpy 7 year old Chow, and Cooper goes to that house & is respectful of the older male. He also plays very well with an Italian Spinone we see at dog class, and they are similar in age & size. I've had two similar age male dogs co-existing just fine in my house in the past.

Based on my experience with Dutch and Cooper though, I would say you are setting yourself up for trouble, unless you get lucky and both dogs are extremely laid back and mellow around each other! I think you would be taking a big chance, though. :(

[Jamie & Odin]

Thanks everyone for your input. Guess I just needed a swift kick in the a$$!

I'm not going to look at any other male dogs, I fall in love at first sight;) Gotta love those boys!

Anyone else looking for great big boy from WI named Zeus?;)

[Carina43]

I love those big boys too! ;)

I'd have a whole herd of male Rottweilers if I could. I feel your pain.