What's the best age gap between dogs when adding a new puppy?

Bruno won't be fully mature physically and emotionally until he is at least 18 months to two years of age. That's because large breed dogs mature slower than the smaller breeds of dogs. But that doesn't mean you can't get a puppy now, and I would recommend having Bruno neutered before getting another dog. Unneutered dogs can and do become very territorial and aggressive when intact dogs enter their home, and that can cause a lot of problems for you to deal with daily. In addition, if you get a female, this can lead to unwanted puppies when she goes into heat. GSDs are a very active breed, and if you have the time and energy to give both dogs all the exercise, attention, and training they need, there is no reason why you can't get another GSD.

Most dogs do well with a companion in the home. It will take some initial training on your part to get Bruno and a new puppy used to each other. I would recommend not leaving the new pup alone with the older dog until they are used to each other. It is also important to make sure the older dog still gets plenty of attention and exercise when the new puppy comes along. Good luck!

You can get a new puppy at any time. All breeds can get along with one another just fine--this is really an issue more of basic personality. Puppies in general do well with each other because they are usually more energetic than older dogs, and tend to bond very quickly. Hope that helps!

If she gets along with other dogs then I think an adult dog would be fine. But if she is a threatened by bigger dogs she may do better starting with a puppy. I would allow them to sniff esch other through a barrier like a crate or a baby gate. I would only allow them to be with each other under supervision for awhile until you know that they will be okay together. I would not feed them, give them any bones, or any any toys that she may be territorial over! Most dogs do great! Good luck!

If your german shepard is not well behaved or aggressive I would highly recommend getting him under control before bringing a new dog into the situation. If he is aggressive as in growling/biting at people he should see a veterinary behaviorist. If he is just wild/doesn't listen, he should go to a dog trainer (with you) to get under control. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation for a trainer because not all trainers are equal. Once your dog is under control you can consider adding another dog into the household IF your dog is not aggressive to other dogs. You may consider working with a dog rescue who can find a dog for you that gets along well with other large dogs and will allow you to test the dogs out together. Breed doesn't matter as much as personality of the individual dogs.

This is a great question! Adding a new dog into a household will certainly change the dynamic of things. I would be hesitant bringing any large breed adult dog into a house with a small breed dog without having the dogs meet first. However, since you are considering adopting a puppy, I would have no major hesitation. Each individual dog has a different temperament and reacts to animals, people, and lifestyle changes differently. There is never a guarantee that any housemate dogs will get along as time goes on. Since the puppy would only be able to remember his life with Wilfred, unprovoked attacks seem unlikely. If you go forward with bringing a puppy into your house, make sure Wilfred's lifestyle is relatively uninterrupted. Make sure he has a safe, comfortable space away from the puppy. Be sure to feed them separately - even in a separate room if one is possessive of food. Continue showing Wilfred plenty of love and make sure he has alone time with you.

Hi, you have quite a collection of animals! I would not advise a puppy because your animals are older and a puppy can be too much stress for them. A puppy can seem to tolerate older animals then reach sexual maturity and challenge the older animals of the house. I suggest going to your local shelter and bringing your dogs to meet some possible candidates. i suggest any age over 2-3 and spayed or neutered already. Try some visits and see how the new dog will react to the animals you have. Also have the shelter to a cat test to make sure the new dog won't chase them. There are plenty of adult dogs who need homes with excellent temperaments. Good luck, i hope this helps!.