How to choose a second/companion rescue dog?

[shivvy]

For some time I have been considering getting a second dog as a pal for my current dog and hope to do so in the new year. All my previous dogs have been rescue dogs and that is what I plan to get again.
I have done quite a bit of research about how to choose a second dog ie how to match a new dog to your current pet, but am interested in hearing the views of all you good folk on answerbank.
My current dog is a 2.5 year old spayed female of fairly dubious pedigree! She no doubt has some sort of terrier in her - when her nose is down, her recall is totally lost! She is an extremely afftectionate dog and seeks body contact from dogs and humans alike. She has enormous energy and could walk, run, chase ball etc for hours on end. Her favourite kind of play is when she finds another dog on her walk who will play chase with her. She loves being chased and that is one of the reasons why I thought she would get alot from having a canine companion.
What would be really useful would be if people could advise what sorts of things (traits, breeds, ages, gender etc) I should absolutely be looking for, and indeed, what I should absolutely avoid.
Thanks.

[woofgang]

my best advice would be to talk to the rehoming centre. they can then assess your dog and you and match you to a suitable new friend

[lankeela]

Personally I would avoid another terrier type, as they tend to want to be top dog. Some kind of spaniel would usually be ok, and up to the exercise it sounds like it will get. Also two females can sometimes spark off, so I would go for a castrated male. Maybe a Springer, they have bags of energy and are often rehomed because people can't cope with their level of activity, but sounds like you could. I would avoid any of the hound breeds as they tend to follow their noses and not come back. Normally I would say get a Greyhound, but again if running loose you could find difficulty in getting it back.

[shivvy]

I wish that I could take your advice woofgang however the shelter that I will be getting the dog from just want the animals moved on. They put the dogs to sleep if homes are not found and never have too much info about the dogs. They certainly don't do home checks etc.
I don't agree with their practice but that is why I get my dogs there. Other shelters have no-kill policies so rescuing a dog from this shelter really is taking them off death row.
I think I would rather do the 'assessment' of the dogs myself.

[tamborine]

Dogs dont need other dogs as companions. Being territorial you may upset your dog. If another *** they will fight if a dog he will dominate her, bring her into heat/annoy her when she is in heat. Stick to the one dog you have.

[shivvy]

Thanks for your advice lankeela. Yes, I will choose a neutered male and will def avoid a terrier!
Could age be a factor in terms of compatability?
Also, has anyone got any advice about what to look for when I first introduce the 2 dogs?

[dothawkes31]

we got Bingo as an 8 week old pup in Jan 1996, when I changed from part-time to full tiome work again in 1999, I took bingo and my 2 youngest kids to Bolton Rescue centre to get another dog as 'company' for Bingo during the days we were out. We looked at alot of the dogs but there was only one that seeme3d half interested in us or Bingo, and so we took him , he was called MAX. 10 years on and we had to have Max put to sleep on Nov 16th last (Bingo's 14th birthday) as he had Liver cancer. In those 10 years, Max and Bingo hated each other with a venegence, Max was so jealous of Bingo and the pushy one, he stole anmy food of any sort that came within his reach, he ate like a pig and dominated Bingo so much Bingo had several epileptic fits due to the stress.

I miss max so much and all those years of his jealousy and naughtiness are fogotten, I just cit up the last of the turkey for Bingo but called Max to eat it too, still foing that , whateber dog you get, you won't know how he /she will react or settle in. I believe Max came from a bad home, the rescue centre people told us so, which is why he had the instinct to eat whetver he coule get at, he had the best life with us, you give the dogs the life they choose, not the one you decide for them.

[dothawkes31]

sorry for the rubbish typing I wasn't concentrating

[shivvy]

Tamborine - I wasn't asking whether I should get another dog or not, and I know that dogs don't 'need' a companion. Also I don't agree with your very generalising opinion of both male and female dogs which suggests that no 2 dogs can live together successfully.
Thanks for taking the time to reply though.

[lankeela]

Tamborine you really have some strange ideas. Anyway shivvy already said her girl was speyed. Very few males every have a problem with a female, whereas two of the same sex can often have problems. Dogs are pack animals, and certainly do like company, whether human or canine. Pity the poor dog left shut up all alone while owners go to work.

[Postdog]

Horrible losing dogs innit!

I had 2 terriers for 14 years. Jack got a broken leg just before Christmas last year, and had to be put down within an hour of being told that (I thought it was his old leg problem flaring up). Noticed it cos living alone, Christmas is the only time I do a roast dinner (for me and them) - that year I was only in the mood for a sarnie.

Lost Gizzy in the summer (old age).

Anyway, before she went, she seemed down so I thought about another dog to buck her up a bit. Didn't quite work. They didn't fight, but they didn't gel and Charlie, the new one, is very hyper in comparison.

I did actually take gizzy to the rescue centre to see how they got on before getting him. Like I said, no problems, but it didn't work as I hoped.

[shivvy]

Thanks for all your replies.

[tamborine]

I have two dogs but they're brother & sister.

[leelapops]

Hello shivvy, I am very happy to hear you're considering a second dog!
Your girl sounds lovely, and providing the introduction was well planned (maybe a walk with your potential new dog etc.-you'll know all this!) I think she would very much enjoy a furry companion.
After 5 years of chipping away at my partner, we have finally got a second dog-a Greyhound sister for our Collie (see "Greyhound-the sequel" thread!).
I have always liked Greyhounds, and their energy levels don't exceed my existing dog's: so no pressure for him! I am not sure what to advise you-just that my experience so far has been a successful one, and that you can only try it! Get a dog as lively as your girl, and I would echo other people when I say a boy dog would be my choice. Same age or a little older maybe? Mysti is 5(ish) like Jack.
Please keep us updated xx