Separation Anxiety.

[Varga]

I've also heard that dogs get along better if they are the opposite sex.. But I have had two females in the past and never experienced any problems.

I have also taken care of a male Cavalier King Charles Spaniel once when I only had my female Jack Russell and they didn't get on at all. He wasn't much of a gentleman I'm afraid.

At the moment I have my JRT and a male Border Collie mix and they get along superbly. They play together and my JRT has gotten a lot better with her anxiety of being in the car since he got here.

So yeah. I guess what I am trying to say is that dogs don't automatically get on well together just because they are the opposite sex but it probably has more to do with their individual personality.

[Giselle]

It depends on the breed. Certain breeds tend to have same-sex aggression. Tosa Inus come to mind. However, Tzus are very gregarious animals and I have never heard of a Tzu attacking a pack member simply due to gender. A general rule is that multiple females are worse than multiple males. I, however, have not found that to be true. In fact, I haven't heard much about same-sex aggression in real life, so I think you're safe to bring in either a female or a male into your home. Just allow them to meet properly, and the rest will fall in place =)

I hope your SA is getting better! One thing to try is NILIF, or Nothing In Life Is Free (just Google it). It will help the SA indirectly because your dog will realize that you are a calm, firm, benevolent leader and nothing bad can happen to her while you are thus. Also, it's good to leave and come nonchalantly and do it frequently. Stay calm, stay consistent, and stay positive. Remove anything that induces stress (I had to close the window curtains) and give her anything that will encourage calmness. Stuffed Kongs are a very good choice! My dogs looooooved Kongs stuffed with yogurt, real meat, peanut butter, honey, bananas, etc. Be creative!

[lunasmom]

Thanks for everyone's replies! I found a yorkie on craigslist, and he came home with me today for the first time. We're trying it out for a few days to make sure everything works, but he seems to fit right in. He and Luna have already been playing together quite a bit, and she seems happy to have the company.

Luna didn't really "get" the kong at first, but once she realized that she could get the treats out, not just smell them and carry the kong around (LOL!!) she really took to it. I think that's helping too...