Looking to add a new addition to the family.

[CleasMommy]

Hi. I am the proud mom of a 6 year old female Rottie named Clea. She is my pride and joy and I love her to death. We rescued her approx. 3 years ago, and she has been excellent. Recently we have been thinking about getting a companion for her. We have fostered many rotties and she does well with all types of other dogs, the only thing is I have never seen her with a pup, so I'm not sure how they will interact.

Also, someone told me that getting a younger male would be best for her, since she is a dominant bitch. So that's what we've been looking at. I've been checking different shelters and rescues, because I would love to adopt again, but I have found a male puppy that I think would be great for the family.

Now with her being older should I be ok with bringing a puppy in the mix, or should I go for an older dog? Any and all suggestions will be appreciated, We love our Clea and just want to add to the family and hope she that she will love a new lil friend.

p.s. I just found these forums last night and I am so excited that there is a place like this for dog lovers to interact!

[AngelBunny]

The only reason to get a second dog (or a third dog) is because the people in the house want another dog. It's a misconception to think dog #1 needs the company or is lonely or would be happier with another dog buddy. Most only dogs are perfectly happy to have their people all to themselves. I doubt Clea is an exception to this.

That being said, if you and your family want another dog, the smartest thing to do is make dog #2 a male. A dominant bitch is not likely to take kindly to sharing her house and people with another female. It doesn't make much difference how old that male is--just as long as the people in the house can properly care for a puppy.

[SABELLESMOM]

Your bitch is 6, and used to having fosters around. I hardly think she wouldn't be just as kind and benevolent with a puppy. Six years is a nice long span between them.

My girls thoroughly ENJOY each other's company. Sable sat on the couch for 2 days as rambunctious Raven (8 weeks) played. Finally, having assessed the situation, she picked up a tug toy and taught Rave to play with her. They've been playing ever since.

Most folks, here advocate the male/female combination. I have no problem with that. Depending on the dogs, well, lets just say there are horror stories. These stories are true personal experiences, which should be taken to heart.

Not as a recommendation but, "on the other hand," I find age and personality make a bigger difference than the sex of the animal. Experience in having same sexed dogs may also be a factor. My friend, Judy, has 4 Rottweilers of her own and brings in Rottweiler rescues. I have 2 girls and added a female long term boarder (2 years). Not one problem.

[CleasMommy]

AngelBunny, you are so right when you say we want the second dog for us, I'm sure Clea would be content to be an only child, but I think she would like a little bro too :) So I hope it works out!

Sabellesmom I am going to take your approach on letting Clea get warmed up to the new Pup, I am in contact with her previous owner and she said Clea liked being around puppies.

So hopefully we'll add a new little guy to the family. I have found a 10 week old male from a great breeder and I hope he'll be a good match for the family. I'm so glad I found this site so I can get all the advise I can on raising a Pup, I haven't had a puppy since I was a kid and got Clea at 3 years old and she was trained! It should be an interesting experience.

Thanks for the help!