We recently put one of dogs to sleep. We like the dynamic of having two dogs, so we will definitely adopt another, but obviously right now is not the right time. Aside from being 30 weeks pregnant, there's a decent chance we will be moving in the fall. So we are looking at next spring at the earliest.
I want ant to make sure we choose the right dog for our family and the right time. We have a 12yo Staff Terrier and we want another pit bull. We really like their disposition and their activity level is a good fit for our family. From what I gather if you're going to have two pit bulls, it's best to have opposite sexes, true? Our current pup is a neutered male so we'd be looking at spayed females.
Also based on my reading, I think it's best for us to get an older dog (2-3yo at least, but I'm open to older) because small puppies are hard with kids (too much crazy and the just rile each other up) and I don't really have the desire to do house or obedience training from the beginning. Of course there will be accidents and we will need to work with the dog on her manners and fitting into our family (we use NILIF with our dog now). But not starting from the very beginning would be helpful. Does this sound right?
anyone have any resources to share on how to choose a pit bull to adopt? Signs of a good temperament and a physically healthy dog? We don't have any local pittie rescues, but our local shelters have several pits in foster care awaiting adoption right now, so I assume they usually have at least a couple.
DS1 will be 5 by the time we are seriously looking into doing this and I really want to set a good example for him in how to go about choosing a pet for your family. MH adopted our current dog before I met him and the dog we recently put down was a stray in our neighborhood that we took in, so I've never gone through this whole process as an adult. My parents bought our dogs from pet stores when I was growing up
ETA: Also, is it fair to add a new dog to our house when our current dog is so old? I'm a bit worried that it's somehow mean to give him a new sibling when he's 13 yo. Is that irrational?
Post by redheadbaker on Jun 26, 2015 22:11:32 GMT -5
The thing about opposite sexes is old, outdated advice.
Make a list of qualities you're looking for -- young but not a puppy, on the mellower side, has basic commands already. Take that to a local shelter or rescue and let them match you up. They should allow you to do a dog-meet before finalizing the adoption.
We have a neutered male, and he does just fine with his brother. Brother will be neutered soon, but they get along fabulously. Of course, ours is still young at 2 years, but it was like it didn't really affect him- that having the younger pup was there all along after the first day or two of newness.
I did forget rather quickly about how much it sucks to housetrain and sleep train a puppy. The 5 month old still wakes up to potty part way through the night every single night. I swear, no more puppies for me in the future- they're adorable but a ton of work. Next time I want to aim for around 2 years old, or older.
My heeler was 13 when we adopted our second dog a 5 year old GSD. The thing we learned is that she really wanted someone to play with and be rough with and he didn't look for that so much anymore. There was some fights, mostly them getting stuck on the staircase and my older dog retired with my parents (this was due to more than just the dogs fighting. My dad wanted a dog around and has been trying to steal my heeler for years)
I don't feel guilty for getting him a companion at an older age, I think overall he enjoyed having her around and still likes her even now at 15. He was pretty social and I think she kept him company while we were at work etc.
One thing with the kids is older dogs can be more mellow around them versus the 1-5 year olds. But I think this really depends more on their temperament. Our GSD is female and she loves babies, but toddlers not so much. She has been learning how to deal with them since my nephews are around and I want them to be able to be safe. Overall she is really motherly, but disinterested in food and still a little fearful from being in the pound.
Our heeler is a food hound, but he hated kids... hated them. But he learned over time that toddlers drop food and so now he loves the kids.
It might be easier for a puppy to adjust to a home with young kids, but honestly talking with the foster parents should give you a good idea of if a rescue would do well in your home around your son.