Adding a rescue to our puppy's life?

[LJSmith]

I posted this originally under rescue, but I guess it fits better under the general thread.

We currently have our fisrst rottie, a three month old male named Oscar. We got him from a dedicated breeder in Northeren New England (14 rottweilers, 10 of which are rescues.) He has been the best decision we have ever made together (besides marriage). We are begining to entertain the idea of a companion for Oscar and oursleves. OScar is by far the easiest and most willing to please dog I have ever seen. My wife has been taking him to work for the last several weeks to socialize him at the daycare next door. Recently we have been leaving him crated from 9 to 5 while we are at work. We walk him for about an hour each day and work with him throughout the rest of the evening. We feel he is lacking in the area of same species interaction. Tug toys and belly rubs are only going so far, I think he may need more. So we are thinking that adopting an older female may make life even better for us. A happy rescued rottweiler, a entertained Oscar, and the joy of adopting for us. You all have more expierence than us. so please bounce ideas off us and each other. I know i threw a lot out there to discuss. Some key questions, is different sec dogs in one household preferred, is it a good idea to intorduce an adult with Oscar at this early an age. LEt me know. You people are an incredible resource.

[tilerspop]

Personally, I think you're asking for more trouble than you want. You are considering placing an adult dog who is unknown to you in your household with a 3 month old puppy. Now you have a pup that doesn't know any better with an adult who doesn't know where it's at.

Seriously, dogs really don't need same species companionship. Dogs live in a pack and demonstrate pack mentality. When you brought the pup into your home you and your family became its pack. Adding another member to the pack should be a decision you make because YOU want to, not because you think the pup needs a buddy. Not only that, but right now the pup needs most of your available attention and time. Bringing in another dog will cut that time in half, maybe more. I would counsel you to wait several months and then re-evaluate

[Carina43]

OK - here's another opinion - I think it is a wonderful idea! :) I do think it's best if you let Oscar mature a bit first, though. - let him get through his terrible 'teens - a year or so, first.

I don't think dogs "need" other doggie companionship. But there's complexiteies of interaction between my dogs and their doggie friends that no human can replicate. I think it adds something to their lives, and I'm all for multiple dog households.

[LJSmith]

I appreciate the input. I think we are going to get involved in rescue for the time being. Once Oscar is adjusted as an adult member of our family we will investigate fostering and possibel adoption. I tend to go into things head first and all out. Hence, wanting to make Oscar's life as fulfilling as possible, when I know that he is one of the most loved and content dogs on the planet. I have been in touch with NERR, I will let you know how it goes.

[RottiMomCT]

We have five dogs in our house - 4 live upstairs with in-laws, Ben is downstairs where hubby and I live. He prefers to be either alone downstairs when we're not home, or with me, even when outside with the other dogs.

When we go visit my sisters, who each have dogs, Ben plays with those dogs like he's never met another dog....good clean rough-housing and lots of tired dog sleep!

I have had a few foster dogs that Ben played with as well, but with each dog, they would sack out to sleep and Ben would inevitably come find me.

I htink if the dog gets plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise, there is no need to add a canine companion to the home, unless it is what YOU really want. The dog could probably care less if another dog lived there, although I would wait until Oscar is older and has completed, at minimum, basic obedience training and you have a good handle on him.

We currently have our fisrst rottie, a three month old male named Oscar. We got him from a dedicated breeder in Northeren New England (14 rottweilers, 10 of which are rescues.)

Are you saying that this breeder uses the RESCUED DOGS to produce pups?? If so, I'd question this breeder, dedicated or not - if there is no way to check the lineage of the dogs I'd be outta there so fast I'd get a speeding ticket!!!

[Miabella]

I wouldn't get another dog until you have successfully raised Oscar to be a well-trained and socialized member of society. Three months is nothin', check back when he is three years old and a nicely behaved dog. JMHO.

[LJSmith]

The breeder definetlety was not using the rescue stock to breed. She had her rescues, and her breeding and show stock. Both were equally loved. She was as professional a breeder as they can come.

Are you saying that this breeder uses the RESCUED DOGS to produce pups?? If so, I'd question this breeder, dedicated or not - if there is no way to check the lineage of the dogs I'd be outta there so fast I'd get a speeding ticket!!!

The breeder definetlety was not using the rescue stock to breed. She had her rescues, and her breeding and show stock. Both were equally loved. She was as professional a breeder as they can come. We have the pedigree back for many generations, all sound dogs with proper health certs.

[samanthac]

I agree with Carina. Yes, but not now. Wait until he is at least a year old. You need this time to let him grow, to train him and as we know a puppy can be a handful. Rescues come with a host of issues of their own no matter how well behaved they are and they will require your time as well. So it would be VERY, VERY difficult for you. This is a very crucial time in Oscar's development and he needs your full time and attention.

Frankly, personally I would wait until at least two years old. This is because Rottweilers mature much slower than other breeds...they are not adults until at least 2.5 to 3 and also because the majority of the training occurs over the first three years. At two you should have some solid training on him. And believe you me, its difficult enough to train one pup let alone two dogs.

I think you have a good plan. Volunteer for rescue for now. Over the next year use your time to socaliaze and train Oscar because at this juncture it will shape WHO he is. Then when he is a nice, social, well-behaved dog, then consider adding another dog to the mix.