New Puppy Help Sa ?

[3greytjoys]

I understand the feelings of wanting another dog to share the love you have overflowing in your heart. Although our first Greyhound was always excited to go for walks, hikes, car rides, vacation travels with us, etc., while at home he was so wonderfully calm, quiet, confident and independent we almost forgot he was in the room with us. Since we had the financial means, extra time, and excessive love, we adopted another Greyhound.

 

I'll share some thoughts after living, working, and training many different breeds of dogs over many decades (including puppies):

 

If I recall correctly, you have grandchildren. Please keep family safety in mind when you decide on any dog. Some breeds are much more tolerant of children than other breeds. Each dog is an individual, but be aware that some small-mouthed breeds can be intolerantly fierce biters of children.

 

Carefully research the breed or mix of breeds before adopting any dog. Many traits are genetic (energy demands, temperament, medical issues, etc.). Understand the working purpose of the breed/s; e.g., some dogs are bred to work on ranches 12+ hours a day with non-stop endurance. Some guard dog breeds may not have a sound temperament to be safe around young children. Some small hunting breeds may dig non-stop in search of underground vermin; other endurance hunters may need excessive exercise to lead a happy life in a home.

 

Adopt from a reliable source close to your home so the dog or puppy is likely to have had a neutral professional evaluator of his/her disposition, and will provide back-up support for that animal.

 

A puppy is more of an unknown risk than a mature dog, and is likely to require an unexpectedly high level of your energy, but if reared properly and trained with positive reward-based methods, a puppy can eventually become a great addition to a family. Also keep in mind that any dog can develop SA, especially when the dog is reared with humans at home nearly 24/7. As a new big sister, Ruby's presence could help another dog feel more comfortable during your departures or could backfire by inadvertently teaching the new dog to enter anxiety mode.

 

Our severe SA hound is surrounded by 3 other hounds (and has never lived without other Greyhounds). They do nothing to calm her anxiety when her targeted human/s leave the house. Keep in mind that Ruby has had years to develop her strong attachment to you, so another dog may or may not help her.

 

I echo others' suggestion to foster or pet sit other dogs first to evaluate Ruby's comfort level. A brief one day visit really isn't enough time to test Ruby's longer term tolerance to sharing her space, toys, feeding routine, favorite humans, etc. There are many great aspects about having two dogs for those who have the long-term commitment for the duration of both dogs' lives, the financial means, extra time, and a happy loving home. Good luck, and please let us know whatever you decide.