Need some help...
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| I have adopted a rescued male OES to go with another male OES on three occasions, most recently earlier this month. One dog was older while the other two were just over a year old. All three times it has worked out (in the case of my current pair, it is still working itself out) but there is always some tension among males and males, and females and females, particularly if both are younger dogs and even if you have never seen any signs of dominance or aggressive behavior before. You said that Simon is very active. If you mean excitable, I'd say that may be a red flag for bringing in another male. Even though most sheepdogs are pretty laid back, my older rescue (6 years old joining a 3 year old) actually fit in the easiest because he was completely unimpressed (read threatened) by my active, younger male's antics. If one or both dogs are un-neutered, you are even more likely if not certainly going to have problems.
I have never had any tension with my three male-female OES pairs on the other hand. Have you considered a female for Simon? I believe that the pair-bond that forms between dogs of the opposite sex is clearly different, closer, and without dominance conflict (although one may clearly be more dominant-- usually the female). I strongly encourage you to think about a female if you have the opportunity. If you do get another male, it will take a steady and firm hand to set the ground rules for acceptable behavior from the beginning. Try to show equitable treatment with both dogs even if you have to modify your habits with Simon and be on the lookout for insecurity, fear, or dominant behavior in either dog. |
| That sounds fun!
Simon seems so laid back, I don't see him having trouble with either a male or female. At our house we have 2 females and 5 males without conflict. In fact our female coonhound aggravates my Simon continuously!! And she seems to love doing it!  |
Simon is very laid back...at times. He is not excitable, he just has a lot of energy and it needs to go someplace. He goes for runs and romps and chase me at the dog park almost every day and agility once a week but it doesn't seem enough. He needs a playmate! The cat is not amused with him and does not want to play. Kristine has already come up with a couple possible's and Randy is finding fault with them. He wants a "perfect" dog like Simon  I say we take the imperfect(to a degree) and work with them like we did with Simon and we'll end up with two perfect dogs  |
| Remind Randy that my Simon is 8 years old!!!
I agree, your Simon is high energy, but only in a exuberant way. His personality is so nice. I have not seen him with another dog that he didn't consider a friend.
Time will settle him down, but a good personality is not as easy to acquire if you don't have it from the start. |
| It's the other dog you have to be concerned with. Just make sure that the dog is fostered first so you know what the particulars are. I made that mistake with my last attempt at rescue.
Luckily we had Bella drop into our lap last month, and she is perfect for our 7 month old Nigel. He needed a bossy 3 yr old female to tell him what to do. LOL |
| And she is Bossy at that!!!
LOL |
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