WERE GETTING ANOTHER DOG!!
The problem is that Walter can be very bad with other dogs, so this is kind of risky. I really think that he will be happy and would love a playmate, but it might not work out so I am not getting my hopes up (too much). Wish us luck! I am going to contact the sheepdog and st bernard rescues around here and see what they think about trying things out with wally!!! *also- a question for anyone that does rescue/foster. If someone came to you and said that they have an adult dog that has a hard time getting along with other dogs, and we would need a somewhat dominant dog that doesnt put up with another dogs nonsense... would you think I was crazy? |
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| Oh good luck! Usually people involved in rescue work with you really hard to find the perfect dog to place in your home. They will probably look at Walter when they do the home check, maybe have him meet another dog, and of course try and match you with a dog that is good with others!!! How old is Walter? |
Lil Walty wrote: *also- a question for anyone that does rescue/foster. If someone came to you and said that they have an adult dog that has a hard time getting along with other dogs, and we would need a somewhat dominant dog that doesnt put up with another dogs nonsense... would you think I was crazy?
Hey, Heather. That is exciting, but you do need to be careful about which dog becomes part of the home with Walt. This is a tough questions, but one you need to ask yourselves, why exactly do you want another dog? If you recall, Annie doesn't like other dogs and she puts them in her place immediately upon encountering them. If I had put another dominant dog with her, I'm sure more blood would have been shed other than the two little marks on Foz's nose. As I'm sure you will too, I spoke with numerous people within OES rescue and breeding to assist in our decision to get a male puppy. Foz personality seemed to show that he wouldn't be dominant nor would he let himself be a doormat. We turned out to be right on as Foz does argue back with Annie, but knows his place and it works out well. A suggestion we were given was to possibly "try out" a dog for a few days to see the reaction. This didn't work out for us as there weren't any available, suitable young male sheepies around. Maybe that's an option for you. |
| Walter is 3. He is a very strange dog, I used to take him to dog daycare when I worked there and he used to pick on the puppies and the submissive dogs, he would run into them full speed and nip. He NEVER drew blood or seriously hurt a dog, he just scared the crap out of them. And I do trust that he wouldn't ever draw blood, he's just anxious not mean.
He had a few friends, he absolutely loves to play chase with them, and I know he had a blast doing it. Also he really likes being by dogs, I just think he doesn't know how to play (totally my fault for not socializing him earlier). With a dog that won't take crap with him, but won't fight with him either, he eventually settles down and leaves them alone or tries to play. I warned my parents about all this, and we all understand that it might not work out. But we all have a feeling that Wally would love a playmate and if we find the right one it would work out really well. It's just a matter of finding the right one, without scaring a bunch of dogs in the mean time! |
| Heather,
I hope you can find the perfect dog that gets along with Walter. I bet he would love a friend...he just doesn't know it yet  |
| good luck and keep us updated |
| I do rescue and dog assessments, and matching of dogs to dogs and homes etc.
First of all I would suggest you think long and hard about why you want another dog. To get a dog for a dog is not a good reason. We would never adopt out a dog to be a companian for another dog. The rescue needs a home where the rescue is wanted for themself, not as a pet for a pet. Especially since it doesn't seem like both your parents are on board with this decision. That being said, if I was to place a dog with yours I would be looking for a dog that gets along with ALL dogs. A solid, reserved dog that would ignore all Walter's carrying ons, and know how to deal with it. A dog very well versed in doggie language and would deal with Walter by minding his own business. I wouldn't put a dominent dog in to put him in his place, as that is just asking for trouble. You want a calm dog that will ignore yours, unless he behaves. In my opinion.... |
Momo is the same way - she pesters other dogs a lot.  My teachers dog I believe put her in her place though. He wasn't taking anything off of her and he meant business. 
I would try to see if Walty is a dominant dog or if he is just poorly socialized and acts like a dork around other dogs. (Don't worry - I did the same thing!  ) I really regret it now - but she's done better since she got to know my teacher's dog.  |
I would try some tests first. We have a Pet helpers rescue here, that is always looking for foster homes. If I were you, I would offer to do that, and see how walter reacts. When I first got Miller, him and Max fought all the time. Blood was drawn, etc. But over 3-4 months they learned how to be around each other. And I'll tell you it was the hardest thing I ever did, and I wanted to quit everyday. I felt so bad for Max, whom I had had since a puppy and now all of sudden he was getting picked on and not getting all the attention anymore. but in the long run, things have worked out. Miller runs Max though. If Max has a ball and miller wants it, he takes it. There are times though when Max basically says "enough" and does it back to him....  |
| Heather, if you want Walt to be put in his place or see how he'd be with a younger boy, bring him over to meet Annie and Foz when you get home. Of course your parents are more than welcome to come over...we're just minutes away! |
| I understand all the concerns, but we are definitely not just getting a dog for a playmate for Walter. Of course my number one concern is making sure Walter is happy, but we are all dog lovers and have discussed getting a rescue for a while.
I think what I will do when I get home is call the St. Bernard rescue, tell them about my bratty boy, and see what they recommend. I think a trial run would answer a lot of questions... but we are all really excited and are hoping that this will work out, so wish us luck! Stacy- I think I may take up your offer... but Walter can be a real jerk to puppies so maybe we can just see how Annie and Walter do? |
Lil Walty wrote: Stacy- I think I may take up your offer... but Walter can be a real jerk to puppies so maybe we can just see how Annie and Walter do?
Of course! Foz might be good experience for him too. He can really hold his own against Annie. She growls/snaps and he barks his head off at her. I'm curious to see what Annie would do if another pup was aggressive with Foz. Would be a learning experience for all of us. We can watch them and make sure noone gets hurts. Just let me know when and where! |
Stacy wrote: Lil Walty wrote: Stacy- I think I may take up your offer... but Walter can be a real jerk to puppies so maybe we can just see how Annie and Walter do? Of course! Foz might be good experience for him too. He can really hold his own against Annie. She growls/snaps and he barks his head off at her. I'm curious to see what Annie would do if another pup was aggressive with Foz. Would be a learning experience for all of us. We can watch them and make sure noone gets hurts. Just let me know when and where! Maybe Annie and Walter will fall in love  Two grumpy dogs find their perfect mates and live happily ever after  |
| Ahh, how fun! Hope Walter enjoys his new brother/sister! |
| Can't wait to see pics. |
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