My GSD doesn't like strangers. Can I safely adopt another puppy?

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!

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.

They should be fine together, of course it is highly recommended to have them both neutered to avoid any aggressive tendencies, you should also introduce the puppy under your supervision only for a long time until you are sure your dog can be trusted.

Hello. With any dog type you have the risk of them fighting. Spitz are more likely to fight. Labs less likely, however another GSD will be fine. The best way to make them not fight is to get them both neutered or spayed. The earlier you get Bruno neutered the less likely he will be to fight with a new puppy. Good luck with them!

Sorry, my answer was cut off. That will arouse Bruno's territorial instincts to protect his area and will likely cause problems with the new puppy. Instead, take both the dogs to a neutral location where neither has ever been and introduce them there. That way, Bruno will be bringing his new buddy home instead of resenting him as an intruder. if you need further help with this, Just click on the prompt to initiate a consult. Good luck!

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.

Yes, if you are careful and keep them separated and monitor his behavior closely. Most dogs will adjust with training. Marco could become aggressive to the puppy if you are giving it too much attention and ignoring him. I also recommend neutering all of the dogs to prevent aggression. Aggression is particularly common when they reach sexual maturity as Marco has. It would be best if the puppy bonds to another household member and not you to prevent jealousy. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dogs.