Thinking of Adopting Another Dog

[JazzFest]

I have Jazz, a rott/lab mix, who is just about 7.5 months old. Great temperament (thanks to this site for all the help in this area). We've had some health issues, allergies mainly, but nothing too extreme.

Well, I found another dog, older than Jazz but still young, just over a year old, who I'm considering adopting.

This pup has some issues though.

Marr-Velous Pet Rescues & Adoptions -  Oliver

Fearful of most people, but not aggressive. Been passed around a few different homes. Also has hip dysplasia. He's getting surgery for before getting adopted out.

It seems like I have a perfect environment for him, but I don't want to jeapordize either Jazz's or Oliver's mental or physical health status.

Is Jazz too young to think about adopting another dog, especially one with so many problems?

[luvkoenandBriley]

Originally Posted by JazzFest

I have Jazz, a rott/lab mix, who is just about 7.5 months old. Great temperament (thanks to this site for all the help in this area). We've had some health issues, allergies mainly, but nothing too extreme.

Well, I found another dog, older than Jazz but still young, just over a year old, who I'm considering adopting.

This pup has some issues though.

Marr-Velous Pet Rescues & Adoptions -? Oliver

Fearful of most people, but not aggressive. Been passed around a few different homes. Also has hip dysplasia. He's getting surgery for before getting adopted out.

It seems like I have a perfect environment for him, but I don't want to jeapordize either Jazz's or Oliver's mental or physical health status.

Is Jazz too young to think about adopting another dog, especially one with so many problems?

I have 3 youngish Boys. One is 3 one is 1.5 years old and one just turned one. I would wait until your guy is 2 or 3 and fully trained. At 7.5 months he has lots more to go. And to bring in another boy dog with issues probaly is not the best idea. I know how hard it is to train more then one and to make sure each dog has all the excercise, training and love he or she needs.

[AngelBunny]

It is hard to successfully raise one Rottie without complicating things by trying to do the same with a second young dog. I laud your compassion, but encourage you to hold off until Jazz is a year or two older. Doing a great job with Jazz before adding dog #2 means you won't be shortchanging him or your new dog.

[Gunnars mom]

Having dog sat Gunnar's brother fo a couple of weeks was fun but I wouldn't want to do it full time. I did recently adopt a well balanced 2 yr. old Corgi mix which has worked out wonderfully as he and Gunnar play well together. Watching the little dog play tug of war with 95lb. Gunnar is a hoot.

When training them I just have one do a down stay while I work with the other one.

Two 7 1/2 mo. old Rotts would be too much though for me.

[JazzFest]

Thanks for your input. Jazz is turning out to be a wonderful dog, but I know he has a long way to go.

I think I'm going to have to block my access to petfinder.com b/c its verry difficult to say 'no'.

[SABELLESMOM]

Most would advise not having 2 dogs so close in age, of course. But you have a mix of Rottie and Lab, with health issues. The other dog is a very shy Lab with HD. So... the age similarity may be more moot than we usually think.

Two pups close in age (with health issues) and both still very young may bond in the way littermates do. Since they both have health issues, they actually could be a bit more sedate in nature. It depends on the dog. They would have to be introduced and see how they do, actually. So if you find your heart is broken for this guy, chance a few meetings. Then, decide if it's more than you can handle.

[Steelerfan]

Originally Posted by JazzFest

Thanks for your input. Jazz is turning out to be a wonderful dog, but I know he has a long way to go.

I think I'm going to have to block my access to petfinder.com b/c its verry difficult to say 'no'.

That could be the best solution. We've got two dogs now, after about 16 years of living with three. The difference is striking, much less work, and savings in food and vet bills. And we can afford to donate more to local shelters.