Bringing a puppy home with a puppy already in the home

[peteandnanette]

hi i have spoken to my vet and several other rottie owners.they told me that the way zelda is she would be absolutly fine with another puppy but bringing another pup in when zelda is older could be a cause for concern as she would have formed her little territiory so may not accept another pup. my zelda is nearly 7 months old and we do have an 8 year old jack russel bitch which both get along with each other fantastic my mother also has 5 english springer spaniel bitches and a male one ranging from ages 1 year up to 9 years which zelda gets along with. i was told not to get another pup if it were a boy as they arnt for the first rottie owner as they are really dominant. we also have an 8 year old son and other animals eg cats rats etc which zelda actually plays with with no agression at all.she just plays like a pup would play but slightly bigger lol!!. we will be keeping a very close watch over the pup and zelda for at least 8 weeks after getting the pup. ie pup will be crated while we are out and at night time when they are all asleep. we will also be taking zelda down with us to see how she reacts with the pup at the breeders house.

[brunie's mom]

Originally Posted by peteandnanette

hi i have spoken to my vet and several other rottie owners.they told me that the way zelda is she would be absolutly fine with another puppy but bringing another pup in when zelda is older could be a cause for concern as she would have formed her little territiory so may not accept another pup. my zelda is nearly 7 months old and we do have an 8 year old jack russel bitch which both get along with each other fantastic my mother also has 5 english springer spaniel bitches and a male one ranging from ages 1 year up to 9 years which zelda gets along with. i was told not to get another pup if it were a boy as they arnt for the first rottie owner as they are really dominant. we also have an 8 year old son and other animals eg cats rats etc which zelda actually plays with with no agression at all.she just plays like a pup would play but slightly bigger lol!!. we will be keeping a very close watch over the pup and zelda for at least 8 weeks after getting the pup. ie pup will be crated while we are out and at night time when they are all asleep. we will also be taking zelda down with us to see how she reacts with the pup at the breeders house.

You've been given some poor advice by the breeder. The reason you should NOT get another Rottweiler puppy at this time is because Rottweilers are a breed that need alot of training and work the first 2 years or so of their life. By getting another puppy...you will have too little time to devote to your 7 month old pup. There is also the chance that...having two bitches so close in age...in the future ( at the age of 2 or 3) they may decide that they want to kill each other. Same sex aggression is very common in the breed, and even though they bond now....as they age...anything could start a fight. Once they fight...it's almost impossible to change things. Are you prepared to keep your dogs seperated for the rest of their lives?

For things to work out the best in your home, is to get a male puppy. Male/female combo's always work out the best in Rottweiler homes. Males are NOT more dominant...they are sweet, and loving....and I've often found the males much easier to deal with.

I would put your plans on hold for getting another puppy...wait till this one is mature and all trained (usually 2 or 3 years of age), and then get a male puppy if you think you need to add another dog to your h ome.

Gina

[brunie's mom]

Please read this thread; http://www.rottweiler.net/forums/beh...t-bitches.html

It's a sticky in the Behaviour Forum. Very interesting reading.

Gina

[AngelBunny]

Short sighted advcie your vet and those other Rottie owners gave you re: bringing home another puppy when you already have a Rottie puppy.

Consider this: My Rottie rescue group wouldn't adopt one of our dogs to you, regardless of the age of the dog you wanted to adopt, simply due to the fact you have a puppy.

Our belief is it's hard enough to successfully raise and socialize one Rottie puppy, never mind two. We'd tell you to go home, do a good job with your first Rottie, then come back to us. We don't want any animal adopted from us--puppy or dog--to get lost in the shuffle.

Furthermore, a really good breeder--the type of breeder RDNs encourage people to seek out--won't sell you a puppy because you already have a puppy.

Rethink your plans for a second puppy, given the fact a rescue group and bona fide breeders won't sell you a second puppy.

[mrrsteelers]

I've not really heard of Rotts being "territorial" in the way you seem to mean. (Not accepting new members to the pack later in life) From what I've read, that's a Pit Bull trait although I've never experienced it even in Pitts.

[Sharon Marples]

Originally Posted by mrrsteelers

I've not really heard of Rotts being "territorial" in the way you seem to mean. (Not accepting new members to the pack later in life) From what I've read, that's a Pit Bull trait although I've never experienced it even in Pitts.

Well, that all depends on how long you have been breeding and raising Rottweilers and how many have lived in your home. With almost 25 years of experience behind me, I can well attest to the fact that there are some bitches that may accept a puppy but as soon as that puppy goes through puberty, watch out! If and when the pup decides that he/she wants to take over the alpha role, and the older bitch decides she will not do that, you can run into tons of trouble. Rottweilers, expecially bitches, can be very territorial.

Please do your research, talk to EXPERIENCED breeders and find out the truths and facts about our breed before you jump into this. Most vets are not experienced enough with our breed to offer advice about it. You need to talk to people who have LIVED with the breed for years.

[moz205]

Although I would love to have another Rottie and look at rescue dogs daily online, I know it would be a selfish act on my part. My guy is 11 mo but I want to make him the best he can be. I feel this can not be done when my attentions are divided between him and another puppy. He needs all my attention and I will continue to give it to him.

[peteandnanette]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

You've been given some poor advice by the breeder. The reason you should NOT get another Rottweiler puppy at this time is because Rottweilers are a breed that need alot of training and work the first 2 years or so of their life. By getting another puppy...you will have too little time to devote to your 7 month old pup. There is also the chance that...having two bitches so close in age...in the future ( at the age of 2 or 3) they may decide that they want to kill each other. Same sex aggression is very common in the breed, and even though they bond now....as they age...anything could start a fight. Once they fight...it's almost impossible to change things. Are you prepared to keep your dogs seperated for the rest of their lives?

For things to work out the best in your home, is to get a male puppy. Male/female combo's always work out the best in Rottweiler homes. Males are NOT more dominant...they are sweet, and loving....and I've often found the males much easier to deal with.

I would put your plans on hold for getting another puppy...wait till this one is mature and all trained (usually 2 or 3 years of age), and then get a male puppy if you think you need to add another dog to your h ome.

Gina

hi gina the problem we have is the breeder sold zelda to us as a breeding and showing dog. she has this condition and we asked for half our money back but he refused . he said that he would ask his mate whos dog was having pups if he could buy a pup from him and we could have it. so we agreed as we were left out of pocket. we were told by a friend who has had rotties for over 20 years to buy a female as her experiance with the males were horrid. she stated that they were very dominant and agressive. we have an 8 year old son so that is why we didnt want a male one for safety reasons. we were told by a couple of other people vets included to have a bitch as they are less dominant. the breeder has now paid for this new bitch for us so we dont know what to do. do you sugest that we ask him if it wuld be possible to swap for a dog?. but as i stated im a little worried with owning a male as this would be our second rottie zelda was our first.

[AngelBunny]

Originally Posted by peteandnanette

..the breeder sold zelda to us as a breeding and showing dog. she has this condition and we asked for half our money back but he refused . he said that he would ask his mate whos dog was having pups if he could buy a pup from him and we could have it. so we agreed as we were left out of pocket. we were told by a friend who has had rotties for over 20 years to buy a female as her experiance with the males were horrid. she stated that they were very dominant and agressive. we have an 8 year old son so that is why we didnt want a male one for safety reasons. we were told by a couple of other people vets included to have a bitch as they are less dominant. the breeder has now paid for this new bitch for us so we dont know what to do. do you sugest that we ask him if it wuld be possible to swap for a dog?. but as i stated im a little worried with owning a male as this would be our second rottie zelda was our first.

The easiest going Rottie I had was a male. The toughest, most challenging one I had was a female. It all comes down to temperament and the fact each of us--including our Rottie companions--are unique individuals.

I'm confused--you want someone who's not Zelda's breeder to take her from you in exchange for a puppy this person bred?

I think you should accept the fact Zelda is what she is and do your best to train, socialize, and raise her properly. The fact you are not questioning generalizations people make to you--can't bring another dog into your home when Zelda is older because "she would have formed her little territiory so may not accept another pup," you don't want a male Rottie for "safety reasons" since you have an 8 yr old son--says you have alot to learn. Zelda is your dog. She didn't ask to come into your home. It's not Zelda's fault you likely didn't do enough homework on her breeder before you bought a puppy from him or her. Now it's your responsibility to do right by your dog.

Keep her, train her, socialize her, spay her. It would be a smart thing for you to put off getting another puppy until you know alot more.

[peteandnanette]

Originally Posted by brunie's mom

You've been given some poor advice by the breeder. The reason you should NOT get another Rottweiler puppy at this time is because Rottweilers are a breed that need alot of training and work the first 2 years or so of their life. By getting another puppy...you will have too little time to devote to your 7 month old pup. There is also the chance that...having two bitches so close in age...in the future ( at the age of 2 or 3) they may decide that they want to kill each other. Same sex aggression is very common in the breed, and even though they bond now....as they age...anything could start a fight. Once they fight...it's almost impossible to change things. Are you prepared to keep your dogs seperated for the rest of their lives?

For things to work out the best in your home, is to get a male puppy. Male/female combo's always work out the best in Rottweiler homes. Males are NOT more dominant...they are sweet, and loving....and I've often found the males much easier to deal with.

I would put your plans on hold for getting another puppy...wait till this one is mature and all trained (usually 2 or 3 years of age), and then get a male puppy if you think you need to add another dog to your h ome.

Gina

Originally Posted by AngelBunny

The easiest going Rottie I had was a male. The toughest, most challenging one I had was a female. It all comes down to temperament and the fact each of us--including our Rottie companions--are unique individuals.

I'm confused--you want someone who's not Zelda's breeder to take her from you in exchange for a puppy this person bred?

I think you should accept the fact Zelda is what she is and do your best to train, socialize, and raise her properly. The fact you are not questioning generalizations people make to you--can't bring another dog into your home when Zelda is older because "she would have formed her little territiory so may not accept another pup," you don't want a male Rottie for "safety reasons" since you have an 8 yr old son--says you have alot to learn. Zelda is your dog. She didn't ask to come into your home. It's not Zelda's fault you likely didn't do enough homework on her breeder before you bought a puppy from him or her. Now it's your responsibility to do right by your dog.

Keep her, train her, socialize her, spay her. It would be a smart thing for you to put off getting another puppy until you know alot more.

no you have me all wrong. i am keeping zelda without a doubt, he offered to take her back but we had owned her for 8 weeks and told him under no curcumstances we were giving her back as she will be a pet only now and she is adored by all of us, besides what would the breeder do with her as he couldnt show her and couldnt breed from her (i hate to think) at least if she is with us she will get the very best of care.the vet told us to ask for half of our money back as she was sold to us for a purpose to show, the breeder has been informed that what zelda has is genetic so he carnt breed his bitch again the father has sired 15 litters and all have been fine, it was his females first litter so that is where the fault had come from. since the breeder wouldnt give us half our money back her sugested in asking his friend whos dog was due to give birth to give us a puppy that i would be able to show as what zelda was bought for. i have taken into account what you said about a male pup and have looked on here about a male rottie and i am pleasently surprised.i just dont want dog fights especially between bitches. my dad also has 4 spaniels which are all bitches but all his get along really well two of them are from the same litter. im really confused . zelda will be spayed once she has had her first season. we done a lot of searching and asking breeders about what to look out for in a rottie etc the legs started to bend so you could notice it a month after we bought her. two vets didnt pick it up until she was 4 1/2 months old. she was ten weeks when we bought her

[Shelby427]

I suggest you NOT get another puppy right now. Rotties are a very slow maturing breed and are not "adults" until 2-3 years of age! Do you have time to train them separately? Do you have time to spend with each one separately? Just hold off for another couple of years then add to the pack. There is no reason now to put yourself through that. Concentrate on one dog now, get Zelda to be trained, well mannered, enrolled in ob classes, then consider getting another puppy.

[peteandnanette]

Originally Posted by Shelby427

I suggest you NOT get another puppy right now. Rotties are a very slow maturing breed and are not "adults" until 2-3 years of age! Do you have time to train them separately? Do you have time to spend with each one separately? Just hold off for another couple of years then add to the pack. There is no reason now to put yourself through that. Concentrate on one dog now, get Zelda to be trained, well mannered, enrolled in ob classes, then consider getting another puppy.

hi i myself are here all day with my two dogs as i do not work my husband works four twelve hour shifts a week so i have plenty of time on my hands to train zelda, she is very limited to what she can do because of her legs she tires easily.to tell you the truth she would rather sleep all day . i have my dad to help me train zelda as he breeds & trains his dogs for gun dog trials so they must be well behaved at all times. the vet pointed out that zelda would have had the potential to have been a quality show dog if only she wouldnt have had this condition.the vet also said she has a fantastic temprement. on zeldas fathers side there are 4 champions and on her mothers side there were three. we didnt just go out and buy a rottie on a whim we had wanted one for over 6 years and we did a lot of asking around and went to see a lot of rotties at shows etc before we decided to own one as i myself was a bit worried with one with my son. to tell you the truth i dont think i would have another breed of dog again as she is a joy to own and is very sweet natured.

[Sharon Marples]

One other suggestion.........

Please look in the Breeding Forum. There is a thread there about contracts.

Please read it and see what you should find out about contracts and how they should protect you.

I definitely would not get another puppy without a good, ethical contract in place.

You also need to look at the Sticky in that forum and see what type of health certifications you need to make sure are in place BEFORE you agree to take another puppy from a breeder that you don't even know! What are you going to do if the sire and dam are not health certified and the pup develops HD or worse, SAS and drops dead in a year? There is so much for you to learn, you just don't take a dog from someone to even your $$$.

[peteandnanette]

Originally Posted by Sharon Marples

One other suggestion.........

Please look in the Breeding Forum. There is a thread there about contracts.

Please read it and see what you should find out about contracts and how they should protect you.

I definitely would not get another puppy without a good, ethical contract in place.

hi as for that issue we have demanded a full vetinary rapport on the next one as advised by our vet as like i said we thought we had the best dog for showing purposes and we travelled over 126 miles each way to purchase her from this breeder. we could have bought one from down the road but we didnt. as the vet says it was really unlucky and very rare to purchase a pup with her condition. he has been a vet for over thirty years and has never come accross this condition in a rottie before. as i said we couldnt just part with our zelda as shes our big third baby (1st my son 2nd my j russell and 3rd zelda) besides zelda and my son adore each other and they are like partners in crime.

[peteandnanette]

Originally Posted by Sharon Marples

One other suggestion.........

Please look in the Breeding Forum. There is a thread there about contracts.

Please read it and see what you should find out about contracts and how they should protect you.

I definitely would not get another puppy without a good, ethical contract in place.

hi as for that issue we have demanded a full vetinary rapport on the next one as advised by our vet as like i said we thought we had the best dog for showing purposes and we travelled over 126 miles each way to purchase her from this breeder. we could have bought one from down the road but we didnt. as the vet says it was really unlucky and very rare to purchase a pup with her condition. he has been a vet for over thirty years and has never come accross this condition in a rottie before. as i said we couldnt just part with our zelda as shes our big third baby (1st my son 2nd my j russell and 3rd zelda) besides zelda and my son adore each other and they are like partners in crime. as for health rapports my vet says you can go out and buy any dog with the paerents having the best hip scores etc and the pup could have a really high hip score. the breeder to the new pup is registered as a breeder in the kennel club as was the breeder of zelda. my vet sent a full vetarary rapport to the breeder and did state to him that if he found a fault in the new pup he purchases for us he himself will be held resposible for it. so i really dont think the breeder of zelda will take a chance of purchaseing a pup for us which woul tarnish his reputation.