It really all depends on the chemistry between the two dogs, and the easiest way to determine that is to arrange with the foster to bring the dog home for a trial period and see how things go. Most fosters require that a dog be returned to them if the dog doesn't work out in the adoptive home, anyway, so arranging a trial visit should be an easy solution.

Laurie

My fixed male dog will play with anyone who wants to. Male or female doesn't matter in the least. Like Laurie said it's the chemistry between the dogs that will decide.
Since she is fixed too I wouldn't worry about marking.

I have one male (neutered) and one female (spayed) dog. We don't have any marking issues. In fact, I really enjoy having both sexes because it's very interesting how they differ in personalities. I don't see any problems with your idea - see if the two can meet (ideally on neutral territory) to determine if they'll get along.

The only thing that you'd want to be sure is that YOU want a second dog. It's great that you want your dog to have a companion, but are you ready for double the vet bills, double the training (and then some), double the food? As long as you are okay with that, a second dog sounds good.

One thing to keep in mind, since your dog is fairly new and possibly not yet trained, is that the dogs will be a distraction for each other. That means you need to spend some time with each alone for things like training & walking before you can do it with them together. Also, it's important for each dog to have some alone time with you on a regular basis so they don't bond more to each other than to you.

I reread what I wrote and it got me confused. I am not worried about Chip marking when I get the new dog, a female. I am worried about him marking when my daughter and her dog come for a visit. My daughter's dog is a male. That would mean two fixed males would be under the same roof with a fixed female. Would Chip mark because he might consider my daughter's dog competition?? Angie

Probably not, since all three animals are desexed. There are, however, no guarantees where animals are concerned.

Laurie

I agree. It will be less likely to happen since all the dogs are fixed. But as Laurie said, there are no guarantees.

Dogs fixed at an early age will be less likely to acquire this behavior. My mocha never does it (neutered at 8 wks). Rusty wasn't fixed until 3 yrs old when I got him, so on occasion, he will do this outside, especially on a neighborhood walk. He never does it inside oddly though, and we've often had visitors over with their dogs.

In particular, I have a friend from my shelter-days who has 3 large rescues of her own that visit from time to time. They get along just fine and one is a very large pit mix (male also). Her "jake" and my "rusty" are both dominant males neutered later in life. However, I suspect that since they know both Amy and I are their alphas, they just don't worry about competing so much and take their cues from us.

I just wanted to add something here, I stated above "large pit mix" only to indicate the dogs size. I am not blind to the potential hazard that *could* arise from a pit's natural genetic traits. Jake however, is not dog aggressive and is now 8 years old. The dog-on-dog-agression gene did not manifest with him.

I guess I will stop worrying about Chip marking. Worse comes to worse I will just have to clean it up. Saturday Chip and I are going to meet the new dog and if they get along then we will have a two dog family. ;-)) Angie

{{!gwi}}

Here is the second dog who I hope to get Saturday. Angie

Adorable! Good luck with the meeting! :)

Aww Angie, it looks like she and chip are really good match (If that's chip I saw on the other thread). They'll probably do great together.

I have 2 males and now 2 females in the family.

I got mocha at 8 wks old and ginger at 6 months old. When they were 1 yr old, I got rusty (who was 3 yrs old at the time). I haven't had any trouble with them getting along. Rusty is now about 8 yrs old.

In addition, my dadinlaw moved in 2 yrs ago with his little 10 yr old female who wasn't fixed. I insisted she had to be fixed to live here, and she's doing just fine with the gang. She is also much smaller than them. In fact, she actually sort of rules the roost here.

They do look very much alike, almost like they could be brother and sister. I got Dixie today and they get along very well when they are outside. Chip wants nothing to do with her once they come in but I am sure in time that will work itself out. I left her alone in my bedroom for about half an hour to go buy her some toys and a bed. By the time I got home she had destroyed a flashlight and was chewing on the batteries, ripped up all of my tissue box and tissues, ripped the electric wall cover off of the wall, and pottied on my area rug. I was told she was housetrained. I have never crated a dog but I am getting one tomorrow so when I leave the house she is going in it. She is use to one because the foster lady used a crate. Hopefully I won't have to use it at night.

You should DEFINITELY still use the crate at night. The dog won't acknowledge "oh, it's night time so I shouldn't chew this lamp cord, etc." A lot of times when people say a dog is "housetrained," they simply mean for bathroom purposes.

It was a new place for her. She was left alone with nothing of her own. You're definately taking the right steps (toys, bed, crate). Just be patient, and be diligent. It could have been much worse based on what you said she chewed on (batteries, electrical cover - yikes!).

Good luck.

I agree with jmzms above. I'd also make sure to put the crate in your room at night so that she's near you and not "ostracized" from her pack (you and Chip).

In addition, sounds like a little separation anxiety going on. Right away, give up one of your fave shirts that has your scent on it. Make sure you put it in her crate, and keep the door open during the day. It will become a familiar reminder of you and a comfort. My Rusty began going into his crate on his own during the day just to nap and get away from Ginger (who aggrivates him to death with affection still to this day -- 4 yrs later).

In addition, at the shelter we sometimes used Rescue Remedy by Bach's (google it). It helps to lessen anxiety. It was great for incoming nervous dogs not use to the commotion of a busy animal shelter.

I use it for Rusty still for thunderstorms. It can also be helpful with separation anxiety and has a mild calming effect. I use the spritz form rather than the dropper. Its waaaaayyyy easier.

They both slept in my room at night with no problems at all. Thanks for everyone's advice.