A future companion - right timing?

Hi all

There are so many experienced dog owners here, and I know some of you work with rescue dogs too so hopefully you will be able to give me some advice on the right route to go.

I eventually want a companion for Jessie (SBT currently just 17 weeks old). Although I've been around dogs practically all of my life (my aunt usually had 4 or 5 dogs, most GSD's, so I grew up with them), I've never actually kept more than one myself. Now I know I'm probably jumping the gun a little here, but I would like to plan for a possible companion for Jessie now. I'm also of course prepared for the fact that she may not be suited to sharing with another pooch (I hope not, but it's a possibility!).

I'm not discounting another puppy, but ideally would like to take on an adult (rescue) dog. Would it be best to introduce an adult dog while Jessie is still quite young, or better to wait until she's a little more mature? If so, at roughly what age would you advise? Or if you think getting another puppy would be better, how old should Jessie be before I consider bringing in a new addition?

Also, do you have any advice on what breed would be best paired with a Staffie? I know a lot depends on individual dogs rather than breed per se, but obviously Staffie's are quite strong dogs. I'd hate it if somewhere down the line I got a dog and Jessie squashed it or something.

I don't have a particular breed in mind, but a small - medium dog would be best I think. I've been thinking of a JRT but I'm nowhere near having my heart set on any particular breed. I also have 3 cats, so need to consider them too.

Not saying I want to go out and get another dog next week, I'm just contemplating the pro's and con's at the moment. Well, the sensible side of me tells me that this will be many months away yet, looking through the rescue centre websites tells me I want to take home 50 tomorrow! But the sensible side will win, I won't take any gambles with any of my animals.

Any input will be gratefully received.

Well done for thinking things through in advance

I would wait until your pup is at leat 18 months old before contemplating the introduction of another dog - be it pup or adult. By 18 months Jessie will have bonded completely with you, looking to you for all the good things in life. Bringing another dog into the scene while she is still young can mean that she will bond more strongly with the dog than with you. Also, by 18 months she will be well trained, and her good habits will provide an example for another dog, especially if it is a new pup.

It is generally safest to get a dog of the opposite sex to the resident dog. Same sex can work, but there may be more chances of disagreements.

I would choose a dog of similar size and robustness - one which requires the same amounts of exercise, food, etc. However that is not to say that opposites will not get on - just that similar requirements tend to make life easier both for us and them

I wish you well in your search when you feel the time is right

I agree thoroughly with SB, get some time on Jessie first, do the training with her and most importantly - the socialising. Try and allow her to play with as many different types of dog as you can.

Two youngsters together can be difficult - I know I did it! Also as SB pointed out opposite sexes are better. You are less likely to get conflict - that is not to say that another bitch wouldn't work, it might, but if it didn't you are faced with a difficult decision.

If you decide on another Staff then I know that Barbara Green of Staff Rescue is always inundated with dogs. There may be one that would suit you. The most important thing first though is to take the time with Jessie. Good Luck

Thank you both, much appreciated.

I do realise I need to spend lots of time and effort on Jessie before I start to look for another, I just wasn't sure of what sort of timescale I'd be looking at. 18 months sounds good to me.

And thanks novavizz, I will keep the Staff Rescue in mind (is it local?). Not sure yet whether I'd want another Staffie or not, will see how it goes with Jessie first. But I have been contemplating doing some voluntary work for a rescue centre too, I just haven't found many locally (I don't drive so has to be quite near to me).