Hi all My name is Linda. Ny husband and myself have a four year old female shih tzu named Maggie She is the princess of the community. She is a covid pup. We take her everywhere. From flying to restaurants and even to meijers in her stroller Here is my question. I put a deposit down on another shih tzu pup...thinking she may like a little playmate. I am now thinking this may be a mistake. Maggie is super jealous uf anyone comes near me or even if I leave the house to get the mail. She is unbelievably spoiled and im pretty worried. Maggie dislikes other dogs...she likes to pretend to be a bully...when actually she's scared i think I did take her last night to see the pup...she sniffed at her and put her head the other way. What do i do?? I dont want to lose that carefree innocence and free spirit she has. .. Any info or recommendations would be appreciated Linda and Maggie
My logic is: if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Right now, you are able to take Maggie out with you everywhere. It's easy. She's happy. You're happy. With a second dog, you may find that it is far more of an effort to take them both. And you will feel guilty just taking one. So, you end up leaving both home. And that means Maggie spends less time with you. If Maggie is fearful of other dogs, then you could just create more anxiety for her by bringing in the puppy. And some dogs just don't want to be with other dogs - they want to be with their person(s). If you were getting the puppy because you and your husband really want a second dog for YOU, then I would say do it. But you are getting the puppy for Maggie and it doesn't sound like she needs or wants a canine companion.
I agree with the above post. I brought in a second dog for my then Border Collie. He didn't like 'sharing' us and the two dogs tolerated one another all their lives. I often regret that decision and still feel guilt and spoiling life for my Collie
It is certainly more difficult to take more than one dog out and about with you. I have my first single dog in 70 years of dog ownership and it really is easier to just pop one into the car, and only have to wipe one set of muddy feet! There can also be problems with jealousy when the new puppy appears to be having more mealtimes, different toys, and more cuddles. Some dogs do love a companion, but this type are usually keen to be pleasant to other dogs when they are out and about. Sadly the Covid lockdown cohort were deprived of this opportunity to socialise via Puppy classes, friendly meet-ups and the like, so many of them have never developed the skill of reading other dogs and being able to interact with them. None of us really know how our dogs will react when we introduce another member into the family. Even a pack oriented breed like mine can be prone to the jealous guarding of food and possessions, and some dogs can resent the energy and sharp teeth of puppy play. I think that you are less than 100% sure that your girl is going to take to this new puppy. The situation may resolve, but what if it doesn't? Is the puppy's breeder experienced? If so, share your worries with her/him and see if she/he is prepared to either help you through the introduction, or release you from the commitment.
