Introducing a new puppy

M

monicaann00

Forums Regular
Hello! I am new to the forum. I have a 18 month old sheltie, Berkley. He is my second sheltie. Huckelberry, my first sheltie passed away 2 years ago at the age of 13 and was so loved.
I am going to look at new puppies at the same breeder that we got Berkley at on Saturday. I have never had 2 dogs at the same time before, other than a guest, and I am wondering how to prepare Berkley? Berkley is a male, and the puppies I am going to see are all female. I feel that since Berkley is a bit choosy about what male dogs he lets in his area, a female will be best suited to him at this time.
Berkley has some undesirable traits that training has not been able to curb, and I am now thinking that the extra stimulation a companion dog will bring may decrease his bad habits. Currently he throws tantrums if I use the microwave, open windows or blinds or use the toaster :(... There are more things, but these are the most dramatic. We do exercise Berkley a lot, but he still has a lot of pent up energy and I feel that he needs more "dog" activities. LOL hopefully these traits do not rub off on my new puppy!
Any advice on how to best introduce the new puppy to Berkley would be appreciated. Should I bring Berkley with me to the breeders to choose his new friend?:o
Thanks guys!!
Monica and Berkley
 
Hi Monica! Welcome to the forum!

I think that the best thing you can do before you bring home your new puppy is to talk to the breeder about what dog would be the best fit. Does Berkley have a lot of energy? Or does he find energetic dogs obnoxious? Is he sensitive or pushy? Finding the best fit for his personality is something that the breeder should be able to help with.

Secondly, I don't think it's necessary to introduce them before bringing them home, but I have heard that it's helpful to introduce them in neutral territory if you're worried about it (neighbor's yard, side yard, etc...) I brought my girl home and she walked into the house, onto my male dog's bed, and she has been in charge ever since!

Once they are both in the home together it's very important to pay attention to both of them, and give them both one on one time. You don't want Berkley to feel replaced. I taught my dogs "Bentley's turn" and "Lexi's turn" and when we first brought Lexi home, Bentley got to do everything first (treats first, outside first) so he didn't feel jealous.

And lastly, I would make sure that your reasoning for getting another dog is not just to fix Berkley's issues. I would always assume that your puppy will pick up your other dog's bad habits. Obviously this is worst case scenario, but it's better to assume that way. How would you feel if you had 2 dogs who barked at the toaster, microwave, etc? Would you be okay with that? Just something to keep in mind.
 
Speaking from experience (we have three Shelties, our second trio), I highly recommend you work with a trainer for your pup's issues first, then consider bringing another Sheltie into the mix. As you know, a puppy is a lot of work so you may find yourself getting a bit frazzled catering to two dogs. Our blue merle female just turned two years old and finds new things to react to every week! Sometimes I get so frustrated with her antics that I find myself neglecting my other two angels. Please really think about this decision before you take on another Sheltie.
 
Thanks, good points. I am not looking to correct Berkleys issues with a new dog, but I do hope that some of his energy will be better spent with a new friend. I see your point about behaviors being introduced and transferred onto the new puppy. I suppose I do need to think about that a bit. I also like the idea of introducing them on neural grounds, I wouldn't have thought to do that!
Thanks for your tips!!
Monica and Berkley:biggrin2:
 
It is very likely your new pup will pick up your current dogs habits. Puppies do tend to learn behaviors from the dogs they are around regularly.
I'm so thankful I started with one really, really good sheltie who has no major undesirable behaviors. Nor were the second, or the third... and as it has carried on, all others that have come through *as young puppies* are good as well.
 
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