Doberman needs Friend

[mshipway]

Hello
I have a 2 year old Doberman. He is a family pet, no training i protection.
I have been his main 'friend' we dont have friends or neighbours with dogs I would trust around him.
I spent a lot of time to train him to be calm and play nice and be super friendly.
I have no issues with the kids waiting on the bus saying hi to him he loves it and gives lots of licks and smiles etc.

Even after I take him out for Long runs off leash etc, he seems to always want to be in my face waiting on my next move, as if he just wants me to play or something. If i even move an arm or a leg while sitting on the couch to relax, he is up and waiting on my next move.

If i bring a puppy into the mix, as his 'friend' he will get that dog dog interaction I want for him and potentially they will play with eachother and allow me to relax for a bit. Im not at all looking to wipe my hands of responsibility, I just feel he deserves more dog dog interation and a friend he can reliably play with day after day? And yes im aware a puppy creates a whole extra can of worms, but i also thought since my boy is 2 and decently trained, he is the role model..

THoughts?

 

[Doberman Gang]

Hello
I have a 2 year old Doberman. He is a family pet, no training i protection.
I have been his main 'friend' we dont have friends or neighbours with dogs I would trust around him.
I spent a lot of time to train him to be calm and play nice and be super friendly.
I have no issues with the kids waiting on the bus saying hi to him he loves it and gives lots of licks and smiles etc.

Even after I take him out for Long runs off leash etc, he seems to always want to be in my face waiting on my next move, as if he just wants me to play or something. If i even move an arm or a leg while sitting on the couch to relax, he is up and waiting on my next move.

If i bring a puppy into the mix, as his 'friend' he will get that dog dog interaction I want for him and potentially they will play with eachother and allow me to relax for a bit. Im not at all looking to wipe my hands of responsibility, I just feel he deserves more dog dog interation and a friend he can reliably play with day after day? And yes im aware a puppy creates a whole extra can of worms, but i also thought since my boy is 2 and decently trained, he is the role model..

THoughts?

If you want to dogs that is fine but your dog doesn’t need a dog friend. That is a great misconception that people have when they humanize their pets. Crate train and if you need time put him up to rest while you get down time or other things done you need to do. Two dogs means twice the training time twice the poop, and everything else. Training will need to be done separately and they will need time with you alone as well. They will be able to play together at times put under your supervision, so not much for you if you are looking to rest and have you time. Then you will be crating them both. If they don’t get along you will be crate and rotating them. This is even more work, trust me none of our males can be out together and neither can the 2 females so it is a full time rotation

 

[JanS]

I really like having 2 of them but the things DG said are true too.

I think a two year age difference is perfect since the older one is matured enough to set a good example and still young enough to want to play with the pup. They certainly wear each other out more without needing you to constantly keep them entertained but as stated, they also have to have their one on one time with you.
Albert is almost exactly 9 years older than Phoebe but he still plays like crazy with her, but puts her in her place if she gets too rowdy.
I would definitely look for a female so you don't have to worry about SSA though.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Even after I take him out for Long runs off leash etc, he seems to always want to be in my face waiting on my next move, as if he just wants me to play or something. If i even move an arm or a leg while sitting on the couch to relax, he is up and waiting on my next move.

My dog is 4 years old and he still does this He watches my feet to see if I'm going anywhere near his toys and then his expectations sky rocket. His toy closet is near the bathroom, so he gets disappointed a lot Oh look who woke up...cue the whining...then the howling... You want two of these?

 

[mshipway]

All great points thus far,
And yes we did actually want a 2nd dog I was just thinking about this as I was being stared at by my boy

 

[Gelcoater]

. Two dogs means twice the training time twice the poop, and everything else. Training will need to be done separately

Absolutely agree there needs to be separate times for training each one as an individual.
And my own anecdotal experience tells me that yes there is twice the food, but somehow 3x the poop!

 

[Gelcoater]

All great points thus far,
And yes we did actually want a 2nd dog I was just thinking about this as I was being stared at by my boy

Careful what you wish for
You just might get it

 

[Maze]

Hello
I have a 2 year old Doberman. He is a family pet, no training i protection.
I have been his main 'friend' we dont have friends or neighbours with dogs I would trust around him.
I spent a lot of time to train him to be calm and play nice and be super friendly.
I have no issues with the kids waiting on the bus saying hi to him he loves it and gives lots of licks and smiles etc.

Even after I take him out for Long runs off leash etc, he seems to always want to be in my face waiting on my next move, as if he just wants me to play or something. If i even move an arm or a leg while sitting on the couch to relax, he is up and waiting on my next move.

If i bring a puppy into the mix, as his 'friend' he will get that dog dog interaction I want for him and potentially they will play with eachother and allow me to relax for a bit. Im not at all looking to wipe my hands of responsibility, I just feel he deserves more dog dog interation and a friend he can reliably play with day after day? And yes im aware a puppy creates a whole extra can of worms, but i also thought since my boy is 2 and decently trained, he is the role model..

THoughts?

I believe, he will still gravitate towards you. Who's to say the puppy won't emulate the older dogs personality and become another attached dog at your other side.

If youre ready for that possibility go for it.

I suggest to just give him a toy he can entertain himself with, don't give him so much attention, maybe?

 

[JanS]

If you're ready, these are the moments I cherish and only that can happen when you have two.

 

[Oh Little Oji]

That whole if I move a leg thing – exactly.

Yes, if you were already wanting to get another dog, then this might not be a bad idea. It won't be without its tradeoffs of course.

They say dogs don't need dog friends, and I tend to believe that; but I can see how it might give them exercise and stimulation. Great idea to have the older dog trained and pretty well behaved first. You can have your puppy learn acceptable behavior from him.

 

[jazzies mum]

If you're ready, these are the moments I cherish and only that can happen when you have two.

Oh, @JanS I loved this! Makes me wish for two all over again! For me though, it's not practical. Every time I take Jazz on holiday there are many different situations where we run into uncontrolled dogs, sometimes aggressive ones. I haven't the strength to control two big dogs while defending them against incomers!

 

[Oh Little Oji]

I wish I just had a nearby neighbor with a good compatible playmate for Oji. It takes a certain dog, that's for sure.

A few years ago I posted a couple videos here of Oji playing with a female whose owner identified her as a Catahoula but it seemed to me it might be mixed with Pit. They had an epic play session – lots of going up on hind legs and paw play (Oji pounding her with his big paws. Thump thump thump!) Oji was taller and stronger but she hung with him just fine.

Near my house is a park space that seems to serve as a very unofficial off-leash dog park at times. I tried letting Oji play, but while a smallish Doodle male seemed compatible with him, Oji put an Aussie in its place kind of hard. Uncomfortable! The dog needs to stand up for itself or Oji will bully it pretty hard. At the same time, if it's too dominant, and especially a male, there'll be a fight. Then there are dogs that will put Oji in his place, as he doesn't really like to fight.

All these compatibility issues could be worked out in a home environment, but as mentioned above, stay away from getting another male to live with your male Dobe.

 

[PhilT]

I think its a difficult decision as some off the comments above point out , when King was coming up to three I thought about getting him a companion since he really enjoyed playing with other dogs we would meet up with daily it was a varied group of different ages and breeds, we also used to look after a couple of this groups dogs when they went on holidays which King seemed to enjoy.what the decision would be do I get another dobie or a diffront bread with similar drive and behaviour traits or even a rescue of a similar age I decided in the end against it as although he enjoyed play time with other dogs and was ok with a couple staying for short spells would he object to permanently having another dog in his home where he commended our attention in the end decided against doing it not sure if it was the correct decision in the end if you think its right for you and your boy then you should go ahead and do it you have been given lots of advice so would be well prepared good luck will be interested how it works for you

 

[Ddski5]

I will be getting into this situation pretty soon.

@C908 acquired a pup not too long ago just for as you described I believe. I think it is going well for him too. Maybe we can get him to post an update, he is due.

 

[Ravenbird]

If you're ready, these are the moments I cherish and only that can happen when you have two.

@JanS - Great video! Around Asha's birthday I was wondering how to make photos into a youtube video. Off topic I know, maybe I should start a new thread to ask?

I haven't the strength to control two big dogs

Me too - mentally more than physically! I can't imagine having a second one, even if it was half as tough as Asha. She is pretty well behaved but the constant constant never ending management the first year or two? While this one is still around? nope. Everyones dogs are different and a younger me might have wanted to take it on, but nope. I love the one-on-one relationship and can't even imagine having to divide my attention to raise another with her around.

 

[Kaiser2016]

the constant constant never ending management the first year or two?

Or 4 Or forever

 

[Rits]

Me too - mentally more than physically! I can't imagine having a second one, even if it was half as tough as Asha. She is pretty well behaved but the constant constant never ending management the first year or two? While this one is still around? nope. Everyones dogs are different and a younger me might have wanted to take it on, but nope. I love the one-on-one relationship and can't even imagine having to divide my attention to raise another with her around.

Honestly, I don't blame you one bit. If it were just me? And I didn't have the help of my husband? Or an older seasoned dog paired with a young dog? I'd be quite content with just one. Two is great but it IS twice the work and can be a headache at times. If you have one dog pestering you, now you'll have two. They'll play together but I personally don't want mine rough housing whenever they want. I find they do get bored of each other and still need that mental stimulation which will tire them out far more than physical exercise. The puppy is going to take up almost all of your time too, especially in the beginning. So keep that in mind that the first dog will inevitably receive less attention for a bit than they did as a solo dog. That is if you want to train separately, which I would advise. There's just not enough time in the day to commit to both 100%. I know this sounds bad but its reality. Once the puppy matures and advances in training things will balance out again!

 

[JanS]

Around Asha's birthday I was wondering how to make photos into a youtube video.

I use Windows Movie Maker and it's really easy. It's a free download (if you have a Windows system) if it's not already on your computer.

 

[Ravenbird]

I use Windows Movie Maker

Ok, thanks. I have a Mac & googled about it, it's doable, I just need to set aside some time and work on it. Yours came out great.

Or forever

That's what I'm thinking.

the first dog will inevitably receive less attention for a bit than they did as a solo dog

Since I share a house with another person & her dog, I didn't have to be the one to make sure Reckless got all the attention that she needed, not my dog. But for her to have lived 6 years without another dog & then all of a sudden have to share the house, the space, the attention, I feel like I've taken a chunk out of her paradise by bringing a puppy home. Reckless is tough but pretty sensitive - all the NO's aimed at Asha, Reckless thinks are aimed at her too. And since she has impeccable manners, she doesn't get why all the commotion and No's happening. Thankfully, most of this phase is past. I've only lived with two dogs once before - my ex had a standard poodle and I had my Doberman and they were about 8 and 4 when we met, so two mature well behaved dogs, got along great. Anyhow, yep, the new puppy thing with another dog isn't a cakewalk.