Can someone explain? Male vs. Female?

[CountryWolf07]

So, I've been thinking a lot lately about getting another dog, but my own. I have seen Hank's behavior towards other dogs - he shows fear, aggression, whatever it is, that his hair sticks up on the back of his neck - he has shown this at the dog park a couple times and would only go to the people. So, the dog he only gets along with is the next door dog, which is a female, a year old Collie mix. The dogs he absolutely did not like or get along with are males - Mike's dog, Dozer, about almost 7 years old and my other friend's dog, Brutus, a Boston Terrier. So, I'm thinking what's wrong? Is it because they are males, not a female? I've been considering a female puppy a lot lately. Thoughts?

[Husky_mom]

same sex dogs tend to have more issues among each other than opposite sex dogs...

there are exceptions as well..

my girls were fine together when I had a male.. since he passed... fights started and hence had to kept them separate...

maybe if introduced early and being the other dog a pup.. Hank won´t feel as threatened in his alpha position... but female sounds great... whichever works out best...

any breed in mind?...

[Taz_Zoee]

When you adopt at ARF (the shelter I volunteer at) they mention that opposite sex dogs get along better. Not that they won't adopt a same sex dog, but they just tell you that.

It sounds like a female dog would be ideal in your situation. Usually if you adopt they require or allow you to bring in your dog to meet the potential new dog. This also helps so Hank and the new dog are meeting outside "his" territory so he doesn't feel threatened in that way.

Good luck!

[CountryWolf07]

That makes sense! Thanks. Oh, I am just open minded about what I'm looking for. Probably another hound mix, but who knows, maybe I'll surprise myself. Ideally, I'd like to get another Husky but not right now.

[Asiel]

Husky Mom is right, same sex dogs do have more problems getting along. Sounds like your dog has shown he's favouring a female. Maybe he's afraid another male might take over his top spot.

[Seravieve]

Generally I would agree with the others, same sex dogs tend to have more issues with each other... Like Zeke and Eli did. Zeke didnt like Eli from day one, but we were able to manage it. He got used to him being around, but didnt like it when E over-stepped his boundaries.

On the other hand.. Take Bunny and Mia or Bunny and Treo (formerly Lily, our new addition).. From day one Bunny hasn't had ANY problems with either of them. She loved Mia.. they played and played and played. She plays with Treo as well... maybe not quite as much, but she still does. They all three cuddle on the bed, etc. No issues what-so-ever.

I'd say generally, yes, but it's varies dog from dog really.

[chocolatepuppy]

Can't tell by my house that same sex don't get along. Lacey and Layla get along fine. It's Jake and Layla I have to watch for fighting, male and female. Also, Lacey and RB Mandy got along quite well with only a few scuffles. Again, two females.
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Freedom]

I have a different thought. Rather than spend the money just now on another dog, and vet bills, etc. Would you consider taking Hank through some classes to learn how to control HIS behaviour? To maybe help him CHANGE his behaviour? In the long run, it will make life easier all around, for him, you, all the other dogs both current and future additions.

Just something to consider.

[kokopup]

The females never forget or forgive either. They will hold a grudge for the rest of their lives.

Sounds like my First wife.

I think a lot also depends on the breed. Koko a Lab/Golden mix seems to get along with all breeds male or female. I saw her get ill with a male dog once when we stood in line at a SCHS gathering to get her chipped. I think in this case she was just tired from standing and being sniffed non stop.

[luvofallhorses]

I think the opposite gender is the way to go. I have both but Ginger my corgi mix hates Buster my coonhound. She's evil though.

[k9krazee]

I have a different thought. Rather than spend the money just now on another dog, and vet bills, etc. Would you consider taking Hank through some classes to learn how to control HIS behaviour? To maybe help him CHANGE his behaviour? In the long run, it will make life easier all around, for him, you, all the other dogs both current and future additions.

Just something to consider.

I definitely agree with this as well. Maybe take Hank to some classes, and work on his behaviors. Not only will this help Hank become a better family member and member of society, but it will help you learn what to do with your next dog, so hopefully they won't have the same behavioral issues as Hank.

All of my dogs/puppies that I've gotten (5 in my lifetime) taught me something different and what to do and not to do next time. I've also been doing a ton of reading on socializing puppies and basic training because I feel like I slacked with my other dogs when they were younger and it shows. It makes me feel a little more prepared for when I do bring another dog into my life.