Hi all, well as the title says, we are thinking of looking for another dog.
Some of you know I have a boxer and a staffie (both bitches). We have had them for 5 and 3 years respectively and have decided that another would be nice. A bit of advice though please, both the dogs are absulutely brilliantly behaved and we would like another boxer but if we did and the new one was boisterous (as boxers can be) do you think that it would throw the other two out of whack and I would end up with three boisterous dogs on my hands? (we want a fully grown one and it could be set in its ways!) Also would it be advisable to get a dog or bitch (even though mine are spayed)?
This is a decision that we have come to after a lot of thought and although I would have liked a little lap dog, my O/H won the debate with the boxer!
Anyway what do you think?

Hi muckyknees!

Well... dogs will learn from each other so yes, if it's badly behaved - it will most probably affect your other two. Eddy was 11.5 years but still had an effect on T's behaviour and she also had an effect on his (he got naughtier!)

I'd say get a boy just to even it out - if bitches fall out, they tend to fall out big time and fight. However - the fact that your two are spayed will probably make it pretty easy to introduce another bitch so it's completely up to you, I doubt it'll make a big difference :)

Hi muckyknees!

Well... dogs will learn from each other so yes, if it's badly behaved - it will most probably affect your other two. Eddy was 11.5 years but still had an effect on T's behaviour and she also had an effect on his (he got naughtier!)

I'd say get a boy just to even it out - if bitches fall out, they tend to fall out big time and fight. However - the fact that your two are spayed will probably make it pretty easy to introduce another bitch so it's completely up to you, I doubt it'll make a big difference :)

Defintely- get a dog not a bitch and as Lotti says, be prepared for the naughty ones to exert their influence if you're not careful.

as long as you don't change to accomodate the new dog, the changes in all dogs should be acceptable.
i've always homed older dogs, and it's always been easier when i've already got a dog.
i dog sit my sisters cocker and daughters lurcher frequently and they all adapt to "our" ways whilst here then revert when they go home.

I got a third dog in April. I already have 2 bitches and decided that it was time for a boy! My girls are very set in their ways and even though the new guy was an unruly abandoned stray, he quickly settled into our routine. He was about 12 months when we got him and very boisterous but he has calmed down a lot as a result of a strict routine, a feeling of security, love & attention and being put at the bottom of the pecking order by the other two & by us. We had to let them all fight it out at first to establish their position in our 'pack' and he ended up at the bottom! We also adhere to the instuctions in Jan Fennel's 'The Dog Whisperer' which is a fascinating book about dog behaviour. He has a few bad habits which we are addressing at the moment but this has not had any effect on the other dogs' behaviour.:)

Hi have you seen the thread about the springer spaniel young dog? I know chele has been tring to find a new home for him for a while - he sounds lovely, might be worth thinking about.

Thanx for the great advice you lot, I'm swaying towards the idea of a dog rather than bitch because my two have never had a cross word between them in all the time we have had them and I don't want to spoil their relationship. We definately want an older dog and it would be nice to have another active dog as mine love nothing more than having a run in a field together.
I will have a look for the springer spaniel thread Katkin :)

Well, I pm'd Chele and she may have already found a new home for the Springer (alfie), :(, I will keep looking though!

Great news for Alfie if chele hs found a new home for him- keep looking muckynees, yours will come along soon, I'm sure

Lots of nice ones being shown on our site

Also there are some pics of just SOME of the dogs desperately waiting for new homes down at the council kennels. They really really are waiting for that special someone. Contact details on our web site.

There is a 6 year old tri-coloured collie with Sheffield Dog Rescue whose owner died. Sounds as if he'd slot in with yours. His name is Flint and he's very placid apparently. Tel 255 0469 for further information.