Ok. Here's the deal. We're thinking of getting a second dog. There are a few things to consider before we do, so we're trying to figure out timing.
1.) we will be adopting a shelter dog. Something about the size of a whippet would be ideal, but easy to care for and that gets along with cats (essential)
2.) I'd like a dog with a bit of a play drive. Our current dog hardly ever plays.
We have a wonderful dog now, who will be turning 10 in January. She gets along famously with our cats, and is one of the most easy-going dogs I've ever known. She is, however, a bit insecure around new/bouncy dogs. We're hoping she'll be ok once she gets to know the new dog.
We are also planning on starting a family very soon, so that's another consideration.
So what it boils down to is this: we want to know if it's better to (a) adopt a dog before we throw a newborn baby into the mix, so we know that the dogs and cats will get along and everyone is secure in the routine and their place in the pack... we'd like the new dog to learn the "rules" from our current dog... sort of use her as a teacher for the new kid.
or
(b) wait until the baby is born, so we know that there will be someone around to ease the introductions and take care of things... make sure everyone gets along.
My biggest worry right now, is that Dixie (our current dog) will get jealous/insecure around the new dog and/or that we have an untrained, "green" dog to deal with along with a newborn baby...
Any ideas?
1.) we will be adopting a shelter dog. Something about the size of a whippet would be ideal, but easy to care for and that gets along with cats (essential)
2.) I'd like a dog with a bit of a play drive. Our current dog hardly ever plays.
We have a wonderful dog now, who will be turning 10 in January. She gets along famously with our cats, and is one of the most easy-going dogs I've ever known. She is, however, a bit insecure around new/bouncy dogs. We're hoping she'll be ok once she gets to know the new dog.
We are also planning on starting a family very soon, so that's another consideration.
So what it boils down to is this: we want to know if it's better to (a) adopt a dog before we throw a newborn baby into the mix, so we know that the dogs and cats will get along and everyone is secure in the routine and their place in the pack... we'd like the new dog to learn the "rules" from our current dog... sort of use her as a teacher for the new kid.
or
(b) wait until the baby is born, so we know that there will be someone around to ease the introductions and take care of things... make sure everyone gets along.
My biggest worry right now, is that Dixie (our current dog) will get jealous/insecure around the new dog and/or that we have an untrained, "green" dog to deal with along with a newborn baby...
Any ideas?