Opinions?
The problem is Walter is sort of dog aggressive. He has met several dogs that he gets along with well, and once he gets to know a dog he loves running around with them. But the first time, everytime without fail, Walter meets another dog he will run into them, knock them over, growling, and nipping. He has never, and I am pretty confident that he would never, really bite a dog hard enough to break skin. If the dog he meets is more dominant or fights back, Walter will usually back down. If the dog is submissive he will keep going and going, usually scaring the other dog into a corner. (haha hes a big bully) I think he could do well with an Alpha Male or even a female that won't take his crap. I want to rescue a sheepdog, but I am worried that most rescuers will look at me like I'm crazy when I tell them Walter's situation. I also think that it's possible that we would create all sorts of problems in the house (food aggression and fights over territory), but I also think that another sheepdog could be just what Walter needs. Any opinions? |
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| There was a recent episode of The Dog Whisperer where a lady wanted a companion for her boxer, but he had similar issues to Walter. Cesar was able to interview the dog & his upright, then go to a Boxer Rescue and picked out the perfect companion for him.
I think if it were the right match, Walter would really enjoy a companion. |
I'm in a similar situation as you and Walt! Should we get him and Annie together and see what happens?  I'm sure Annie would put him in his place! If you've been following posts, I'm debating on getting a puppy. My worries are that Annie is food aggressive (when she eats and when we eat). No one has been able to tell me how Annie would be either. We may just need to take the plunge.
How about kids? Is Walt good with them? They usually have a lot of energy and could wear Walt out. |
| Hi,
Dunno what to suggest as I can relate as Merlin and lil Walty always seem to be from the same mold. Bossy! I think making sure that no matter what you do , it's best to let Lil Walty choose his playmate...an older female perhaps? Marianne and the boys |
Has he ever had another dog in the house? I think some dogs are sometimes just better off as only dogs if it'll take a lot of work and getting used to to add a second. Sometimes I think Lucy wishes that she was still alone. She's a little older now and her whole life is different with Clyde around and sometimes he makes her crazy! However, she's not in any way aggressive, she's just a princess and finds Clyde annoying. 
I got Clyde with similar thoughts that he'd be company for Lucy. I think she kind of likes having him around (secretly of course, she has an image to maintain around us!) but she still has the same solo tendencies that she did before. She likes her alone time and will hang out alone outside for hours if I let her. Clyde gets bummed out if Lucy is too far away from him, especially outside of the house (like the groomer, dog park, day care) but Lucy is still completely independent. It turns out, from what it seems, that she was happy alone too. On the plus side, she lost 35 pounds of fat since Clyde got here and she's in the best condition of her life. She gets more exercise and gets to do more fun stuff now! Anyway, as I ramble on, I guess all I'm saying is that don't worry about him wanting a buddy too much. He may like being alone and really just miss you being around. he might wind up unhappy with another addition and then you're in a weird place with 2 dogs, one new one and the old one not liking him or her. Don't misinterpret this as discouragement either-- I'm always in favor of more dogs! I just wanted to share my experience since I sort of shared your same reasons. Jill |
| Another point to consider is your parents - do they want another dog to take care of while you're away at school? Can they handle any conflicts that might come up if Walter becomes too aggressive with the new dog? Can Walter handle sharing the attention he now gets solely?
As much as I love my Drez and as much of a people dog she is, she is much more content being an "only." I often thought about getting another dog, but have always put the thought away, knowing Drez would not be a happy camper and she was my first consideration. Chris |
| stacy- i think it actually might be interesting to get walter and annie together to see how things would work out... i could see if an older more dominant female would give him a run for his money or if he would just continue to be a little bully.
my parents have the same reservations as me about getting another dog, but im certain if walter was good with other dogs we would already have a playmate for him. my dad loves sheepdogs just as much as me, so i think he would like having another furball. do you think rescue groups would think i was crazy if i asked to bring my semi aggressive dog in to see if theres any dog he might not beat up? |
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