Hi All,
This is Ilene (the dog owner from a previous thread about getting a second dog). Well, we decided to get a second dog and are very excited!
We took Smudge (4yr old male flat coated retriever/lab mutt) to the local rescue league shelter, where we met a dog that is a bit smaller (Smudge is 60lbs, this dog was about 1/2-2/3 his size) and 8-10 months old. This dog, "Jet" (another male), was very puppy-like, sweet, a bit hyper (as a puppy) and VERY friendly. All he wanted to do was play with Smudge, wag his entire body at us and be petted, and followed Smudge around the shelter's doggie play area!
My husband and I fell in love with him, but here's the thing -- Smudge (an easy-going, slightly shy dog) let Jet follow him, jump and try to play w/him, but Smudge seemed to be saying "OK I'll tolerate you but I really don't want to play". Smudge was a bit overwhealmed with the whole visiting-a-new-dog thing which could have been part of it.
Now, Smudge does play with very playful BIG dogs (we can't have another large dog) but with the smaller dogs, he tends to tolerate them, at least in a neutral ground in the field.
We'd like to adopt Jet, but are not sure which of the following will happen: (1) Jet brings Smudge out of his shell a bit and Smudge learns to love him and play w/him, OR (2) Smudge is annoyed because this jumpy puppy keeps bugging him to play, OR (worst) (3) Smudge gets agitated and goes more into his shell because this other dog just won't leave him with peace and quiet.
Ultimately, this other dog is to provide companionship for Smudge, who seems to enjoy the company of other dogs but it's difficult to tell how he'd like Jet, since they seemed to get along fine but not perfectly (which is about how he is with smaller dogs).
So, should we skip Jet and wait for a slightly older less puppy-like dog, or bring Jet to the family and know he'll outgrow the puppy phase and Smudge will grow to love his companion?
Sorry for the long post.... we love Smudge and fell in love with Jet, but want to do the best for our Smudgie!
We put in an application to adopt Jet, so I want to make a decision soon so that we can take him home next weekend or leave her for another family.
Thanks SO MUCh for any guidance
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