I have an old dog here (she is 17) that has seen a good number of fosters come and go, and also welcomed 5 other dogs into our home that we have kept (she has outlived two of them).

Of all of those, most gave us a better dog in her. She loves getting new mates.

There was an exception and one foster dog had to be moved onto a new foster home, as my old girl and her took a dislike to each other that could not be resolved, although both were fine with most every other dog. My original girl was as much to blame as the foster girl.

It shows that sometimes personalities just seem to clash and thought should always be put into the idea that that might happen.

Ruby

Yes.

We had problems between Hoki and Stumpy at first but things settled down and whilst not loving each other, they tolerated each other and were able to relax in the other's company.

I then took in Tip, a failed working dog who was going to be pts. Neither of the girls had a problem with him and in fact Stumpy loved to play with him. But I wasn't really prepared for the upset he would cause (unintentionally).

Tip was probably the most clumsy dog you'll meet and on nearly every walk he would end up running into Hoki at 100mph sending her sprawling. By the time she got up, Tip was long gone, but Stumpy was usually close by and Hoki got to thinking that Stumpy was attacking her. Even in the house when Tip would be clumsy and stand on Hoki or knock her, Hoki was convinced that it was Stumpy.

In short, the relationship between Hoki & Stumpy completely broke down. There was constant tension and the slightest thing would kick of a fight between them and neither would back down. We managed the situation for a short while, but the 'management' (e.g. putting Tip in a crate at certain times) wasn't ideal for any of the dogs and we decided to rehome Tip. It was the right decision - my two girls are back to being relaxed around each other and Tip is happy in his new home with a lab bitch who doesn't mind how clumsy he is!


Possibly - if it had been an older dog who was not so boisterous, it might have worked. But then I realised that bringing in a 3rd dog would not be for my existing dogs' benefit at all, so we will stick at two. Once Hoki goes to the bridge (which I hope will not be for another few years - she's probably 10 years old now), the situation will be different. I think Stumpy would enjoy a male dog's company.

I would suggest matching the energy level and likes if possible (e.g with an older dog) for an almost certain success. As long as the dogs are not to different and have both been well socialised you should be fine.

if it is an older dog and a new puppy might be harder in the beginning but depending on how the older dog responds they should get used to each other as the puppy learns manners and boundaries.

I am going through this at the moment, my dog Nacho was really rough with the pup and didnt want to share anything or anyone! 6 weeks down the line of strict supervision at all times - they now do everything together Nacho is so much happier with a little brother to look after I don't think I'll ever have one dog again

My 2 boys are very stable and I thought earlier this year I would introduce a third dog. The newbie was a confident, assertive male and the chemistry with my boys was completely wrong. We persevered for 2 months but after numerous fights, the last one spraying blood all over the floor and up the wall I had to return him. It was a very sad day but I didn't have any choice. It took a good 3 months for my GSP to relax and return to how he was before. He was quite clingy, which was not like him at all.

Would it have been different with a female? Quite possibly or even a submissive male. If I took on another dog it would be as a foster, hoping that it would be long term. Much as I would love another dog, my 2 are so settled and happy together it seems a shame to risk messing it up again. But ....I get so much free dog food from my butcher that I am constantly having this conversation with myself.

Its something you wont know untill you try it.

It will all depend on the indevidual dogs and their temperaments, both as puppies and as adults.

I have been very lucky with my dogs. I have bought puppies and grown up dogs in to foster (been a failed fosterer too ) also bought a puppy earlier on, and touch wood have never had a problem. All of them have learnt from each other, but I do introduce each new dog/puppy very carefully.
Denva was brilliant with the newbies, showing them the ropes and what was acceptable and also what wasn't.
I dont think I could ever go back to being a one dog household.
All of them have cuddles and never is one left out.

Maybe i over analysis things a bit much ..lol

No but it is a compromise ! Tom was and is top dog and has accepted Bella graciously ! But i feel guilty maybe a bit like a second child that I dont do enough with Bella as she has slotted in with Tom but trying to rectify that , she is doing her first meet and greet without Tom for RGT on Sunday , it will let her socialise as Bella and not as Toms mate ! But no regrets whatsoever about dog no 2 and trying to talk hubby into dog no 3 , I would love a pup for Tom and Bella to look after !

if you are ever bringing a new dog into the family with existing dogs the safe bet is always calm submissive and that way you know if there is any competition it very unlikely to end in a fight, and if it did would not be too serious