Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Hi, everyone! We have a nearly 4 year old female Yellow Lab. We have the opportunity to get a German Sheppard puppy from a litter of 9 that were born a few weeks ago.

I am not sure whether we should get another female or get a male (which is what I really want). Someone told me that if you already have a female you should stick with females. I'm not sure if she will have some kind of jealousy issues with a male if the male should develop into the more dominate one as he matures or if it will sort of "put her in her place" as far as calming her down? She is very strong willed, but also doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She loves to play with other dogs as I sometines put her in day care to socialize; she just plays very rough with us! I think that's because she is alone until my son comes home from school at 2:30 and she has a lot of pent up energy. She is a very needy dog with separation issues, especially with me (I can't even go to the bathroom without her barking at the door). I figure bringing in another dog would give her a companion and calm her down and lessen her hyperness when I come home from work. Any advice? Thanks!!!!!

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

I grew up with only female dogs and then we had a litter and kept a male. So we had a mother and son and they played great (this was the only way we could get a 2nd dog because the female hated all other dogs) -now we only get males

I have a male and he plays great with a few other females both who are good instigators - all the males my dog plays with need a good female instigator to wrestle

we found males easier then females- they got along better with other dogs and calmer personalities (oh we have goldens)

the german shepard we paly with is male and he plays my male golden but neikther one is an instigator so the usually need another dog to get them to wrestle

just a note about getting a puppy - be careful going to the dog park when the puppy is smaller - the older dog can be protective of the puppy - we have noticed this even when they are not related and just live int he same home or spend lots of time together

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Thanks, Snowprincess! Awww, I think that's so cute! The female instigator, LOL! Layla is certainly an instigator so it sounds like it would work with having a male. I had heard that the males are calmer. Lord knows I don't need another crazy female in the house, my son is already outnumbered, lol!

Thanks for the heads-up about the dog parks, I had no idea that might happen. Although, I am hoping that Layla will think the puppy is her own and want to look out for it .

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

It probably won't matter that much but I would probably opt for a male if already had a female. Sometimes, not all the time, the same sex will have more tension than one of each. Same thing with people too! Sometimes it doesn't matter at all, it's more the dogs themselves but again I would probably go with the male.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Thanks, RadioLau! How would be the best way to introduce the two? When the pups are ready we have to drive Upstate to get it. Of course, I want to sit, play and observe all of them before we choose, but what about Layla? I mean, I'm not sure - do I just bring the puppy home, or leave the chosen pup there and bring something home that smells like the new puppy for Layla to sniff (like you do when you bring home a human baby)?

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

I wouldn't count on having another dog in the house to resolve separation anxiety. We have 2 dogs now and one needs constant training and reinforcement to resolve the anxiety.

If you're purchasing from a reputable breeder, they should be asking you questions about your situation and assisting you in choosing a dog from the litter based on your needs and your current dog's personality. If they aren't, and don't seem to care one way or another which you pick, I would refrain from purchasing from them. This is one of the many things that separates a reputable breeder from a backyard breeder.

Dogs have personalities as individual as human personalities. If there's anything I've learned about dogs, it's that you take each one as they come. We opted for a male for our first and female for our second but that was incidental - we chose based on personality. Our female is the boss and our male is submissive. It's a good combination and they have less spats over toys, food and attention.

The greatest asset to a female dog over a male is their habit of being less particular about doing their business. Boys want to mark their territory. Our girl is no-nonsense in that way so walks with her are about enjoying the company, less about sniffing and marking.

Lastly, we chose to leave our dog home to pick up our second. Typically, having them meet for the first time on completely neutral ground - someplace each has never been before - is the best situation. After being around our new dog for the long ride home, we realized there wouldn't be an issue, so we chose to have them meet in our own backyard.

Holy cow this is long, sorry! I get a little taken away about dogs.

Message edited 10/25/2010 12:32:21 PM.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

A dog trainer once told me that out of the 3 possible options, female to female is usually the least ideal. (Not saying its always a problem) But they, like most woman, hold grudges and can be bitchy to eachother at times (who? us? nooooooo)

Message edited 10/25/2010 12:32:59 PM.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Greenfreak, I haven't spoken to the breeder yet. My ex-h knows that I was considering another dog and spoke with an acquaintance who bought a German Shepard pup from this breeder and gave me the heads-up about the new litter. I am totally against backyard breeders and would not purchase a pup from one, so the points you brought up are very helpful and informative and I will see how the conversation goes with the breeder. Thank you!!!

To DeniseMarie, LOL!!!!!

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Great to hear, Laura.

If you're open to options, check out this beauty



Gorgeous, right? I found him on Shepherd's Hope Petfinder page.

Not sure what energy level you're prepared for (I thought most Shepherds require lots of exercise) but here's another beauty



Although we're set on Labs, these faces kill me.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Aww, so cute, but that second one with the tilted head . I am a little concerned about bringing an older dog into the mix, but NOT against it. Didn't you adopt Ginger from a rescue? Maybe you can help me with what to look for and easy transition for both dogs (if there's such a thing, LOL!).

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

We got Brinkley at 9 months old, and Ginger is about 3. We, as a society, really don't give older dogs enough credit and the person who coined the term "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" is an uninformed @ss.

Ginger knew how to sit, but that's it. I don't think we'll ever have a puppy because I'd rather avoid the sleepless nights, housebreaking, teething, etc. that comes along with that. We've since taught Ginger:

Stay, come, down, up, off, leave it, take it, drop, search, with me, wait, paw, and currently are teaching "turn" and "heel". She recognizes the words bone and ball and if it's in another room and I say "go get your ball", she will pick the right toy and bring it back. Regardless of whether there are three balls and four bones, she knows. She also has a knack for problem solving that our other dog doesn't have. He's very obedient and submissive, and craves direction. Ginger's more of a free spirit.

I think people tend to hold on to things much longer than dogs do. We are often the ones who hold them back, claiming they must have had abuse or fear in their history. As long as you work towards being a leader and reinforcing confidence, it doesn't matter what they've been through. Rescue organizations who foster dogs will work on these things before adoption, and be honest about the challenges and what's required to continue their training.

I'm not saying all dogs will be exactly like this but it's important to give them a chance, learn how to communicate with them, and how to train them in a way they understand. Not much is out of reach, especially with such an intelligent dog as a Shepherd. If you put in the time to meet dogs (and make sure your dog meets them too), and spend time with them evaluating their temperament and personality, you can be more confident of getting the right fit. We met four dogs before we decided on Brinkley, and three before Ginger. When you're making a 10+ year commitment, you should take your time making a decision.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

I agree it is really important to introduce them on neutral ground most times but it also depends on the dog. Puppies are wonderful and could grow very nicely with your older dog, but a more mature dog that really likes other dogs could work even better sometimes. The puppy could grow up to be the more dominant one which you would never know with a puppy. An adult dog will have a more predictable temperament. There are pros and cons to both.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

The more I think about it, the more I think a rescue could work. I have a very soft heart for animals and HATE, HATE to see any animal suffering, especially a dog. And you're right about how dogs don't hold onto anything. My very best friend adopted a Maltese who was physically abused and wouldn't venture out of his crate. He turned out to be the most loving, playful, mischievous little guy ever. Lots to think about and lots of research to do!

You ladies are wonderful! Thanks so much.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

My pleasure Laura, and I hope you find a great new family member.

I thought of you today... I'm reading a book called "For the Love of a Dog" by Patricia McConnell and it reminded me of another great book she wrote called "The Other End of the Leash". I learned SO much about dog psychology from that book. If you enjoy reading, it might be worth the time, so you can practice recognizing physical signs of how a dog is feeling. When we were interviewing dogs, we would watch how they reacted to new people, toys, noises, etc. Even the way a dog holds it's tail or if it's mouth is open or closed tells so much about them.

Ok I'll stop rambling now.

Re: Getting a New Puppy - Male or Female????

Posted by greenfreak

My pleasure Laura, and I hope you find a great new family member.

I thought of you today... I'm reading a book called "For the Love of a Dog" by Patricia McConnell and it reminded me of another great book she wrote called "The Other End of the Leash". I learned SO much about dog psychology from that book. If you enjoy reading, it might be worth the time, so you can practice recognizing physical signs of how a dog is feeling. When we were interviewing dogs, we would watch how they reacted to new people, toys, noises, etc. Even the way a dog holds it's tail or if it's mouth is open or closed tells so much about them.

Ok I'll stop rambling now.

Message edited 10/26/2010 4:30:05 PM.