should i have the dog

im 27 and have a jack russell i dont work due to illness im recovering from anorexia . the thing is i know someone who has a little boy jack russell and needs a new home . my jrt is a spade girl who is very timid and quite attached to me,  hes very small so it wouldnt be any hassle to walk him as well as tessa , also i would hope he would become like a friend to tessa so she becomes less dependant on mean. does anyone have any experience on bringing another dog home to your own dog ? I dont know what to do ? my mum keeps harping on about how it will tie me down but i cant get him out of my head

Do the dogs get on well together?

If your dog is very timid she may not like another dog around.

If you are seriously considering this I would start by introducing the two dogs on neutral territory (such as the park) and see how it goes from there.

Have you gone to meet the dog with Tessa? Have them meet someplace neutral that neither have been to (outside the place that has the other dog is at). I've introduced 2 (family) dogs to my beagle and he got along with them just fine (but he's a beagle).

How is your dog with other dogs? Like when you walk her and you happen to pass another dog, how does she behave?

Original Post by cptbunny:

Have you gone to meet the dog with Tessa? Have them meet someplace neutral that neither have been to (outside the place that has the other dog is at).

thats what i was thinking too bunny.

once we rescued a young female doxie about a year after we rescued an older male rott/dobie. they got along great. she was soooo the boss. sometimes she would get on his nerves and he would get up on the trampoline where she couldnt get him anymore. they were funny together. i like having paired critters so they have each other too.

where is augustnkate? do you know here tessa? shes rescued 100s of dogs. she would have excellent advice for you.

where will they be once you are healthy and working or going to school? will your mom have to care for them? thats something to think about too.

Original Post by watergirl:

augustnkate

She is one of the most amazing people I've met on this site!

tessa seemed ok with him , she barked when he cocked his leg up in the garden but a happy bark. she isnt to fond of other dogs well the big ones anyway she gets frigthened but little dogs shes been fine with . ive never known her show any aggresion to them . it was funny last week there was a little yorkshire terrier it mounted her i thought she may react but she just stood there :). i guess what worry me is that she will change and become like depressed or become nasty . im not really sure what i will do when im better probably a part time job .

Recently my daughter moved back home while going to school and brought her 2 dogs with her -- I have 2 dogs.  The female doesn't like my aussie mix much, but the others all get along great.  Sure there are some selfish fights over toys. treats and whatever one dog has the others want but thats just dogs being dogs.  The 2 dogs that are brothers play and get along the best and I think the momma dog is just jealous of the big dude cause he knows how to play fetch better than them all.

It might take a couple days or weeks but its doable.

Hey, we got a second dog a few years after we got the first. It did take a while for them to acclimate, but now they get along fine! 

I think this is a great idea Tessa! I know you've been looking for more things to keep you occupied during the day, and this would certainly help out. Good luck :)

I think you should focus on getting yourself better first before anything.

If this dog is not going to interfere with your recovering, and you can take good care of him as well as taking good care of yourself; then by all means adopt him.

I've just heard too many stories of people who neglect their own bodies/lives to care for someone or something else (children, pets, disabled people, the elderly...etc.)

Surely this is a little extreme, and I don't think a puppy would cause one to disregard all the progress they've made... but an extra dog will cause extra stress which you may not need right now.

ps. I LOVE dogs btw, but at this time you should do whats best for you

Original Post by watergirl:

where is augustnkate? do you know here tessa? shes rescued 100s of dogs. she would have excellent advice for you.

 

Thanks WG and cptbunny.  :)

IMO, two dogs are easier than one.  One dog expects their human to do everything with them.  Two dogs can occupy their own time until the human is needed for something.  Introduction is very important.  Have them meet in a neutral location first.  If you are not nervous, they will not be nervous.  They should both be on leashes and allowed to sniff each other.  Pay attention to body language.  If there is any sign of dominance, try walking them together or distracting them when it comes about.  A dog putting his/her head over top the other or trying to mount the other is dominance.

If all goes well, try it for at least a week.  Because they are the JRT breed, feed them in their own bowls away from each other until they get used to each other.  If they swap bowls because they want what the other has, don't be too concerned.  JRT's are not all possessive of their food but can be. 

JRT's usually do very well in pairs.  When you get a part-time job, these two will be able to play and keep each other company.  It tends to keep them calmer because even though you are gone, they have companionship in each other.

When you are having a down day, you will have two dogs trying to cheer you up with cuddles and kisses instead of one.  At first they may compete for your attention, but they will work that out. 

Good luck!

thanks everyone , augustkate that really makes sense thanks for giving me that knowledge . im still undecided i think ill introduce them again see what happens h x

I haven't read what others say but I think that you should definately NOT get another JRT.

I have one as well and these are solitary dogs. I do not think they like being around others. My JRT always becomes a completely different dog when my parents dogs are around. He is always with me and in my room, I've had him for 10 years so he is attached. I feel like others say the same about their JRTs.

JRT's are very attractive dogs I am sure that little boy won't have a problem finding a home for him where he can rule the nest and not have to have split attention.

Jack Russells can be aggressive toward other dogs.  I understand that a male and a female are usually ok, but it's recommended not to leave them alone together.  I'd say keep introducing them and proceed with caution.

I knew a male JRT that was a complete pushover. I think perhaps aggressiveness can be fixed in the breed if socialized when young.

I have three dogs, all brought in at different times.  I have two males and a female.  As long as the 'sniff test' is done on neutral ground and they approve of each other you should be OK.  I dont have any experience with JRTS as I have two Border Collies and a Lab X Border Collie.  There are typically less problems with mixed sexs.  Is the male neutered?  If not I would have that done.  I personally will never keep only a single dog.  They are very much pack animals and need canine interaction.  I say go for it but of course, let her decide.  There have been lots of dogs that I wanted, but if the other dog(s) don't like than it's no-go.  (Don't want to set either dog up for failure).

Good luck!!!

thanks everyone im still taking an open mind h x