Adding second dog

If you have recently taken in a rescue Schnauzer or rehomed a Schnauzer and need some advice, then please feel free to ask here. Whether it be about integrating your new dog into your home, health or behavioural issues, someone is sure to be able to help.
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Hannah
Puppy
Posts: 5
Joined: 24 Nov 2019, 15:35
First Name: Karen

Adding second dog

Post by Hannah »

Hi, I adopted my rescue 4 months ago at the shelter I volunteer at. She is a 4 year old mini who is completed trained and the most adorable thing ever. Her only issue is she cries the entire time we leave her alone for a few hours. She is not destructive when we are gone. The vet recommended a companion pet but my husband is worried she won't like that. She follows us everywhere all day and sits in our recliners with us. there is another cutie mix at the shelter and I want to bring her home for a trial. Any thoughts? How long before we would know if she bonds to the new little girl (slightly bigger than she is) Thanks for any input. This is my first experience with this breed.
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zeta1454
Moderator
Posts: 5136
Joined: 19 May 2011, 16:58
First Name: Leigh
Dog #1: Magic
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 20 Apr 2010
Dog #2: Trilby
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 15 Mar 2012
Dog #3: Pip
Born: 21 Feb 2014
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Location: North Yorkshire
Contact:

Re: Adding second dog

Post by zeta1454 »

Hi Hannah and welcome to the Forum :-)

Personally I would not recommend getting another puppy / dog while you still have issues with the first. There are too many unknowns anyway with shelter dogs in terms of knowing their previous history and how they will adapt to family life, other animal companions etc. Although it may work out OK, if it doesn't, there is a great risk in causing more distress and damage to either or both dogs.

Even with puppies from a good breeder, I would always recommend waiting until the first is settled and mature before getting a second as you don't want the second dog to be affected by any unresolved issues or behaviour problems of the first.

If your current mini is suffering separation anxiety, you need to concentrate on trying to resolve this before thinking of adding another dog to your family, in my view.
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud


https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/C ... 916994967/
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zeta1454
Moderator
Posts: 5136
Joined: 19 May 2011, 16:58
First Name: Leigh
Dog #1: Magic
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 20 Apr 2010
Dog #2: Trilby
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 15 Mar 2012
Dog #3: Pip
Born: 21 Feb 2014
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Location: North Yorkshire
Contact:

Re: Adding second dog

Post by zeta1454 »

There is some useful information on this link too :-)

https://vetaround.com.au/blog/is-a-gett ... ing-to-do/
Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

Magic - Silversocks Sharade at Darksprite
Trilby - Darksprite Rosa Bud


https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/C ... 916994967/
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Riesen16
Member
Posts: 187
Joined: 04 Jun 2016, 12:54
First Name: Gillian
Dog #1: Enya von Amber
is a: P/S Giant Bitch
Born: 30 Sep 2015
Location: Switzerland

Re: Adding second dog

Post by Riesen16 »

Zeta 1454:

Well said!!

If your current mini is suffering separation anxiety, you need to concentrate on trying to resolve this before thinking of adding another dog to your family, in my view.

We waited until our puppy was 12 months' old and sufficiently well trained. Our Landseer male was too old to enjoy a puppy but when I said "Hey Ben" "play a little with him. He did a sort of "shadow boxing with him".

Gaucho, Fila Brasilero,12 wks, joined us when Eric, Briard, was around 14 mths and was overjoyed as he watched from the Terrace as we carried Gaucho into the house. They were excellent together: France and Brazil united!!
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GaryThomlinson
Moderator
Posts: 1148
Joined: 25 Mar 2013, 18:23
First Name: Gary
Dog #1: Penny
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 20 Mar 2013
Dog #2: Daisy (Rescue)
is a: P/S Mini Bitch
Born: 28 Aug 2006

Re: Adding second dog

Post by GaryThomlinson »

How are things going Hannah? A year down the road has your little one settled, did you adopt another?
Gary
Hannah
Puppy
Posts: 5
Joined: 24 Nov 2019, 15:35
First Name: Karen

Re: Adding second dog

Post by Hannah »

Just to let everyone know, we did rescue a second mini schnauzer and it has helped calmed Hannah down tremendously. She has much less anxiety.
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Dinkum
Tech Team
Posts: 2576
Joined: 10 Jan 2011, 12:47
First Name: Dean
Dog #1: Rupert RIP
is a: Black Mini Dog
Born: 24 Dec 2010
Dog #2: Watson
is a: Black Mini Dog
Born: 21 Feb 2012
Location: Tunbridge Wells, Kent

Re: Adding second dog

Post by Dinkum »

Hi Karen

Thanks for updating us on Hannah. Really pleased that you managed to rescue a second mini and that it helped with Hannah's anxiety.
Dean (Dog dad)
Rupert, black mini, 24/12/10 - 01/03/24
Watson, black mini born 21/02/12

I offer my advice freely, but I am not an expert, breeder, groomer or behaviourist. It is simply my experience of raising pups in a way that seems to make sense.
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