My Dog won’t want a Brother :-(

[OneDogDad]

Hi all,

I’ve got an AMAZING little 7 year old miniature schnauzer.

He is amazing with kids and other people.

He’s “ok” with bitches, but he HATES other dogs.

My sister has dogs, and we’ve tried to get him to get along, but he’s just not having it.

I’d really like a German Shepard.

I didn’t know if introducing the new dog as a puppy, it would give my dog time to learn to live with a new family member?

Any advice would be fantastic.

kind regards.

 

[JudyN]

My guess would be that even if he accepted another dog - which is a big if - he would be much happier being an only dog. If he only at best tolerates other dogs, a new dog isn't going to enhance his life. And a new puppy is likely to drive him round the bend and push him till he feels he has to retaliate.

If you want help with him being more accepting of other dogs in general, you might find something useful here: Dog Reactivity

 

[Tinytom]

If he is ok with bitches can you not get a bitch .....

 

[Hemlock]

He can't tell you much louder that he doesn't want another dog in the house. And I know it's only a turn of phrase, but another dog wouldn't be a "brother" so it might help your empathy - because you are such a good dog owner for pausing and thinking rather than just doing what you want - if you see it as a rival for resources. Imagine if someone just dumped a toddler on you and went out - it makes a noise, tries to eat your food, gets in your face......

Some dogs like other dogs way too much, and the result is they don't have a great deal of interest in their humans. Most multi-dog arrangements are in reality varying degrees of tolerance at best and armed truce at (nearly) worst. Some work really well, but that means the human side is doing a lot to make it work. Your dog doesn't like other dogs. My suggestion is that you enjoy the dog you have now, and get yourself a GSD after he has left you.

 

[Finsky]

Hi all,

I’ve got an AMAZING little 7 year old miniature schnauzer.

He is amazing with kids and other people.

He’s “ok” with bitches, but he HATES other dogs.

My sister has dogs, and we’ve tried to get him to get along, but he’s just not having it.

I’d really like a German Shepard.

I didn’t know if introducing the new dog as a puppy, it would give my dog time to learn to live with a new family member?

Any advice would be fantastic.

kind regards.

I don't have anything new to add what others haven't already said, I agree with others. Having all round 'sociable' character to start with is important to have any chance introducing another dog one into family. You do hear these 'miracle stories' about animals becoming amazing 'friends' with others..even with different species, but some of them are just off chance happy accidents or the starting point is already favourable and the 'hoomans' are making huge effort for the new addition to the family to work. You fancy a breed that has very different character and size to start with...little Schnauzer would not be able to be the 'boss' for very long and if things don't start off well, it could have negative effect for GS pup and its character as it grows up.

 

[Zula77]

I guess you need to weigh up the pros and cons. Does your desire for another dog really outweigh the potential for 2 unhappy dogs (and owner) and potential aggression... Or think about getting a female, preferably docile natured breed, and introduce them to see if they get along

 

[Suzette]

I have the sweetest little Corgi. She actually loves people and most dogs. BUT... she doesn't want to share her home with them. When I pet sit for my sisters dogs, she is fine with them, but she is not herself either. And when they go home, she would throw a party if she could - lol. So I have never even entertained getting another dog as I know that she would not be as happy as she is being an "only". Her happiness and well-being have and will always be my priority. If you know your dog will not get on with a male and is just "okay" with bitches then I suggest considering letting your dog be an "only" too. Let him be your priority and do what is best for him.
Just my thoughts based on my own experience. I do wish you and your dog all the best whatever you decide to do.

 

[malwhit]

I've always had sociable dogs and always had at least two. For years I had two Mini Schnauzers and two Labradoodles, the only male being my Schnauzer.

If he's not good with males and only tolerate females it might not be the best idea to bring another dog into the house. But you could try to introduce him to GSDs and puppies when you walk him and see how he reacts.

When I brought my first Labradoodle home she was already the size of my Mini Schnauzers. Daisy told her off the first day and Lottie respected her from then, even when she was twice the size.

If you get a puppy I'd go for a female and probably one from a less hyper\dominant breed.