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Would another dog help
by Joanne Rexford
ORIGINAL MESSAGE:
Our 15 mo. old. want's us to play and chase him, all the time.Would getting another puppy, help him stop? He starts in , the minute my husband comes in the house. I"m having a hard time finding another Maltese,from breeders like you suggest.They all want to get rid of them at 8 weeks , etc. Any advice ??
DISCUSSION:
I would certainly think having another ready and willing playmate for your dog will take some of the pressure off of you and your husband. I would just like to suggest that you be sure that you and your dog are well bonded and established in your relationship before you get another because there is the possibility that your current dog will bond more closely with the new dog and they may both then consider you "second fiddle" so to speak. Some canine alliances get to be so strong even obedience training is negated. Of course, this may not be a concern to you. I just know that I want my dogs to be loyal to me first, and then their "brothers and sisters" (I have four dogs), so I thought I'd mention it. Having said all that I will add that I LOVE having multiple dogs, it certainly makes it easier for me to be sure they are exercised, I feel better when I have to go out because I know they are not alone and I get hours of amusement watching them play and playing with them myself.
Chris M.
How do we bond more with our little boy. I am home all day, and he follows me around or my husband. But when we have company, he seems to want them,all the time. He has done this, since he was a few months old, When he was younger, we kept him in his cage, in our bedroom at night.when he was about 10 mo. we started letting him sleep wiyh us. Would that keep him from bonding closer to us? He always has been a very hyper puppy, and we did get him at 8 weeks, and he was little. He is 5 lbs. now. I wish I had used my husbands computer, before We purchased him, and found, this chat on maltese. Then we would have done things different. Well, back to { How to bond more?}
Joanne
I agree with Chris about making sure that the first puppy is stabilized in his relationship with you first and that you have a routine down for him where his level of behavior is acceptable to you. By this I mean aside from the wanting to play all the time, does he come when called, potty trained, sit or down stay? Basic obedience type things. Does he listen? I love having multiple dogs also and maybe this is more of a problem with larger breeds but from experience with my two Cockers I have found out that you can create triple the problems with two dogs. I was in an apt with my female Cocker and a cat. I decided she needed a friend. I got my male cocker when she was 1-1.5 yrs old. She listened moderately well but was very hyper, wouldn't come until she was good and ready while off leash. So then I had two hyper dogs that could dig out of my yard in about 5 minutes. So now I am a hobby obedience trainer thanks to them. We like our new hobby though. All of us are much less stressed now since but the training process is on-going. Just keep this in mind when deciding to add a second dog as a "friend". My two are bonded to me but also to each other (i.e. they want to be on my lap at the same time).
Mary
Joanne, as far as bonding more with your puppy. I think you got him at a good age (mentally) to bond with him. Physically, maybe toy breeds aren't ready to go to most homes until later. My dogs are crate-trained in this manner and I don't have a problem with bonding. Of course they would rather be on the bed if I gave them a choice, but... Anyway, from what you describe I would say he's just excited to see the new people and is very social. To me this is a good thing. I'd rather have them super-friendly than scared or agressive. It's easier to deal with. If you really want him to respond to commands from you and such around company then try a basic motivational obedience class. This will help him learn that rewards come from mommy/daddy. If commands, i.e. staying put in one place or coming when called when in the house with company aren't that important to you (I guess it depends on the company-kids, non-dog people); then I say let him have his fun with the new people. He does know who mommy and daddy are. I wouldn't worry about that. Ever left him for a weekend or so and then returned? I'm sure he was very excited to see you guys.
Mary
Joanne, If I were you I would not consider getting
another puppy. It doesn't seem like you have enough time for the one you have. your baby is still a puppy and puppies play
constantly, especially if he's home by himself all day. Beleive
me they grow out of it. Turbo got his name cause he was in constant motion. now he's a couch potato!!! get another puppy because you absolutely love the one you have and can't live without another, not because you want something to occupy your puppy instead of you.
jade
Jade makes some very good points about having enough time for more than one dog and also about dogs eventually growing out of the constant need for playing, etc. Of course, SOME never outgrow it but it will probably come down to a managable level. As far as bonding, I have found that obedience training creates a very strong bond with one's dog and it's really handy to have a dog that minds his/her manners and does what you ask! And I can't tell you just HOW valuable obedience becomes when you have multiple dogs, a situation you are probably considering as you read all these replies! Good luck to you and let us know when/if you get a new addition!
Chris M.
Fifteen months is still very young. Your dog may develop a calmer, less demanding personality with time and training. A second dog will need attention from you, too. Also, you may not be able to predict the relationship the two dogs (and you) will develop. Years ago I got a second female dog to be company for my then young adult terrier mix, Penny. (Also because I fell in love with the second dog at first sight.) Penny was delighted. Then, maybe after another year or two, Penny became a much more sedate lady. However, the second dog did not. I spent 8 or 9 years playing tug of war and chasing games with the second dog while Miss Penny watched from the bay window or couch. But if I sound like I'm advising you not to get a second dog, I have not followed my own advice. Six months after the second dog passed away, I got little Spunky who has persuaded Miss Penny to act more like a puppy again. But Spunky at 2-1/2 still needs lots of attention from me. Thank heavens Spunky loves to fetch and will fetch while I lie on the couch.
Margy S
Thank you all for your advise. Our little Midget MacMuffin,is the love of our lives,and he has been to training classes.I am with him all the time. In fact he wants to be carried,alot.which we enjoy.I talked to three trainers, and they think we pamper him to much. I am so glad to hear they slow down, though. We want another dog very much, but want to do what is best for Midget.As I said before, he loves it, when other dogs are here, But again, I am sure a new puppy would get spoiled too. We will think over all the advice, you nice people have given us,but my heart says "yes.
Joanne
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