Because your current dog is not cut you could be up for some serious trouble. You have to know that it is not just your dog which might react to your current dogs raging hormones, even bvring a dog who has been spayed back to your place may be trouble... Is Sam get along with dogs outside of his territory? What about dogs inside his territory? Please think about getting Sam cut before you bring a new dog into your home, it will make whatever you do easier on everyone. As far as picking up a dog from the shelter, it is best to let them knonw you have Sam and after Sam has recovered to bring him with you to chose a new pup. Then take the dogs to a park where they can play for awhile while being supervised. Try bringin the new pup home on a Friday afternoon or during the weekend, when you can be there to supervise for a couple of days before leaving them alone.

Thanks for the advice Mazer. Yes, Sam gets along with other dogs extremely well, both inside & outside his territory. Sam recently lost his best buddy, a male hound the same age, the alpha in our dog family, to canine anemia. Sam's very lonely now without his pal. The issue for me right now is convincing my DH that it would be best to get Sam altered; Sam is a fine example of his breed, and has an excellent disposition, and DH thinks we might want a Sam Jr in the future. I think he's wrong about this, and I think I will ultimately win this argument, but that's another story. Meanwhile, poor Sam is lonely.

I have been exactly where you are. I have three yellow labs. 1 female and 2 male labs. The female was 7 or 8 when we lost our first lab and I wanted to give her a companion. She mourned the loss of my first dog terribly. Then came the second lab and 2 years later, the 3rd. My dogs are ages, soon to be 12 (female) and 5 and 3 (males) I was thinking the same thing about my youngest dog. While my breeder usually sells all her puppies with limited registration, she sold him to me without the limitation. I would have loved to had a pup from him since he is a wonderful dog and from good breeding. However, my time is limited and after researching studding, etc., I opted to have him neutered.

Unless you are serious about studding your dog and there is alot involved with doing this. Less for you than the dam, but still work, have the dog neutered. You can always get a puppy from the same breeder if you are that happy with Sam. If your husband wants a Sam, Jr., why not just get another dog from the person you got Sam from? Just curious.

I can't think of any breed that a labrador will not get along with. My guys even love the cats!

Best of luck to you.

Labmomma, I have to tell you that I can't remember every having a smarter or more loveable dog than Sam. He has a little more energy than I was prepared for at first, but has settled down nicely now that he's a full-fledged adult. He belonged to a co-worker of mine, and they got him from a breeder in Kentucky. He was a little more dog than they were prepared to deal with around their toddler, so they gave him up, and we're glad they did, because we think he's the greatest ! I suppose we could contact the breeder, but we live in Florida, and I hate the idea of shipping live animals. Anyway, I don't envision us actually pursuing the breeding thing; besides, I've seen some really nice looking labs and lab mixes at the shelter. It's so sad to see the nice dogs there in their little pens.....

Yes, I think that that's a good point - labs get along well with other dogs. I have many dogs and my lab mix is so tolerant and I can put him with any of the other dogs and it's ok. Not so with several of my other dogs - have to be careful who they are grouped with.

I'm an experienced shelter-adopter and remember this - at least at a government "pound": if you see a dog that you want and it's not technically up for adoption - ask about adopting it anyway. I just recently adopted a wonderful boxer that they were not even going to put up for adoption - they kill for the smallest reasons!

Generally though, I would get a female - that's your best chance for compatability. Besides, females are better, right??? I prefer females - males will pee on ANYTHING!!

my two cents
vicky

Thanks for the advice luvdogs. Yes, that's kind of what I was thinking too. I don't want to upset the natural hierarchy that I'm assuming will take place with the original alpha gone now, and I thought that a female would probably be best in that situation. Next problem is the age thing: any new dog brought into my household must not threaten the others already here, which includes cats and birds. So a puppy or young dog would be easier to control, but it's nice not having to deal with chewing of shoes & furniture, and the house-breaking thing.

Let's see...as a foster, I have had over 200 dogs in the past 9 years (coming and going...some staying for months)...I monitor my all of dog's reactions to each other very closely and these are my observations:

Stagger the ages...don't get a 3 year old dog (since yours is 3)....two years apart is a good rule of thumb.

That is the biggest determining factor in dominance/hierarchy among dogs...it really has nothing to do with size.

Other than that, if you choose a male and he has recently been neutered, he may still retain the hormone/pissy tendency a bit longer and may threaten your dog for position.

A one year old female should work out fine...females tend to be more dominant over the males, but the males will usually allow this.

As far as introductions go....something that has worked EVERY time for me (I take the foster dogs to their new homes):

Leave your current dog in the house and enter the back yard through the fence or other route. Walk the new one around the perimeter and if you think they feel comfortable and are responding well to you, take him/her off the leash. Allow them to explore for awhile until they come back and start hanging out with you. (This might take a couple minutes or a little longer usually)

Then let your dog out....don't be anxious, don't talk to either dog, don't pet either dog, don't look directly at them, don't have either one on a leash, just basically ignore them as if "there's nothing new here...it's no big deal". Even if your dog comes to you for reassurance, don't pay any attention, but do keep an eye on them passively.

Once the first dog play bows and the second reciprocates, then you can interact slowly.

There may be future squabbles over food or toys, but it shouldn't be major...let them work it out...be ready with a pitcher of water if necessary. Dogs don't normally horribly injure each other...but it is possible.

Definitely get your's neutered first...even though your dog gets along with others, he is also sending out a "scent signal" to other dogs that reeks (no pun intended) "I am in charge and there is nothing you can do about it...I dare you to try". Basically it is read as a challenge and there will be some dogs who will take him up on it.

In the training world, we also mention that a big reason for spaying/neutering early is that the hormones don't get the chance to come on so strong (the true appearance of adulthood)...we will have (generally speaking) a much easier time with them if they remain in "puppy status".

Hope that helps.....

Petfinder.com and going through a rescue group?

They usually offer trials.

There are usually plenty of wonderful labs and lab mixes in the shelters. You probably won't be able to find a purebred puppy but plenty of lab mixes. When I worked at a kill shelter we would get some really nice purebred lab adults though. Many seemed to be under 3 yrs old, male, and black for some reason. I remember it was really difficult finding a lab rescue to take them because they were overrun with them. That was many years ago, things may have changed, but that might be a good option for you. We killed(gas chamber):-( many big black dogs.
Bless you for looking for a shelter dog to save.Good Luck

You probably won't be able to find a purebred puppy but plenty of lab mixes.

Hmmmm....a minimum of 25% of all the dogs in our shelters are pure breds...I say minimum because some are probably, but are incorrectly ID'd. TONS of purebred Lab adults and puppies filter through our shelter...probably the number one breed we see...by far.

I can only speak from experience, but males do not pee more than females.

I added a female to a male in the house 12 years ago. All was fine. No problems. Then old male died and I added male puppy with the existing female, whoa, trouble at first pack issues, but resolved and no problem. Last addition was male only because he was the last dog my breeder had and she was thinking she would keep him as a second male dog for breeding, but then had a change of mind when a subsequent litter produced a black male.

So, I respectfully disagree about the male peeing - well as far as the labrador group. You could get any dog at any age with your Sam and he will be fine.

Only thing that may be a consideration - females tend to be more dominant and want to be the leader (most breeds). If Sam has already established this position you will have some issues tho not as many as with some other breeds.

Pick your puppy out from your instincts. Get a book or read online about the correct way to pick a puppy. You want a puppy that when you pick it up and lie it on its back on your arm or body, it lies there, it doesn't struggle to get back in the original position. In other words, it is happy and relaxed enough to lay there and let you hold it in your arms the way you would a baby. JMHO

Good Luck!

There's a few really good sites out there for finding out what breed will be best for you. Yourpurebredpuppy.com is good. Click on "reviews" . There's another site out of the UK that even gives you an estimate on what it will cost to feed the dog unfortunately I can't find it in my bookmarks and can't remember the name of the site.

Yes 25% of dogs surrended are purebreds. Many of these end up in breed rescues. I was just thinking that if she want's a purebred lab from her local shelter, she will probably be able to find one but it will be doubtful she'll find a pup.
There aren't even that many puppies in rescue.
If she is going to adopt a mix, the only problem will be deciding just which wonderful bundle of joy she brings home. When I see people willing to adopt from their local shelter, I do all I can to encourage it.

How about contacting a lab rescue organization??? Do you want a lab specifically??? Get on line and expand your search, I know there are hundreds of oprganizations saving dogs from horrible conditions and even taking them from the pound to save their lives....Good luck, keep us posted.

No, not specifically looking for a lab, and I don't think Sam cares either, he just wants a friend. My dilema is choosing which one at the shelter: big ? small ? male ? female ?. I'm really trying to select a dog that's not a puppy, only because I know that the other dogs are less likely to be adopted. Everyone loves a puppy, me included, but I'm trying to give an older dog a chance to make it out of the shelter alive.

One of the dog's I've been considering is a 1 year old female that the shelter has listed as a bluetick. She doesn't look like the blueticks I've seen though; She's almost completely white with only tiny brown freckles on her face and back. Anyway, she's very sweet and I think she might work, but DH wonders if bringing a dog known for hunting into our home is smart, considering the parrots...

I spent all afternoon at a shelter with a friend. She really wanted a chocolate lab, not a black dog. Female not a male. She had several wishes. But she has cats, several cats.

She took home the cutest 10 pound black, male Min Pin. I so hope he works with the cats. He was cat tested while we were there.

I think you just need to go in with an open mind and when you see the dog you'll know.

I have a 90 lb male Rottweiler from the pound and a 40 pound female cutie from rescue. They get along great and I enjoy having a little bit smaller dog.

I wish you luck.

Thank you Kim. That's kind of what I was hoping to hear...I think I'd really like a bit smaller dog, as long as it's big enough to satisfy Sam's need for play. I have cats as well; Sam doesn't really bother with them, but I like the idea of "cat testing" a new dog before I adopt it.

We got our lab-mix a beagle-mix about 7 years ago. The labx was a dominant female (we learned this at the dog park), so we got her a male. It worked great. The beagle mix was playful and gave her a run for her money. The little boy was 7 months when we got him, and he never has marked in the house. A second male (dalmatian/hound mix) joined them a few years later and things got a bit wild for a while there. Now that our dear Megan has passed on, the boys are doing fine together.

Just curious Beeanne, what are area of the country are you from?

We in the KC area (puppy mill capital) have heard that there are "shortages" of dogs in some areas...we find it hard to believe....

I could find you a pure bred lab puppy in rescue or a shelter at just about any time of the day....name the color...it could be found....sad, but true.

Oh, the 25% doesn't just represent those surrendered...that is of ALL dogs in the shelters (strays, confiscations, drug busts etc...) in the U.S. We might actually be a bit higher here.

I sure wish we could ship all of these great dogs that are doomed to the areas that are "lacking" and have trouble finding good dogs...

Telly2, try a rescue group that has fostered a dog from the
shelters....they will truly know if the dog is "cat friendly"...
When they are in the shelter, the true personality is somewhat in disguise. I am not trying to discourage you from the shelters, but the rescue groups will go save another anyway. Going through the group is a win-win for everyone involved.

Just a thought.

telly2, take your time.

First neuter your male dog and give it time to recover.

Then speak with the shelter staff to see what they recommend. I would be surprised if they would even allow you to adopt one of their shelter dogs if you have not yet altered your existing animal.

I'll add my thanks to you for wanting to save a shelter dog's life! Or a rescue dog - to me they are the same - the rescue groups here just usually don't have enough $ to build a shelter.

The shelter where I volunteer would have you bring Sam in to meet any potential adoptees. I agree with Measure Twice - they may not allow you to adopt w/o having Sam neutered first.

I have 5 dogs - from 10 lbs to 95 lbs, the biggest is a lab mix. She has always gotten along with ALL dogs, except now she's getting a bit crotchety in her old age. I think Sam will be happy with anyone you choose as long as they want to play with him.

Good luck and have fun in your search!
Sher

I just wish shelters didn't lie about why the animal is there and I know from experience they do. Yes, not always but it is very frustrating to adopt a dog/cat and know almost immediately why the animal is there!

I will be adopting soon and will not do it without a guarantee that IF they know the history, they will tell me.

Roberta, animal shelters don't lie, the ones who turn them in do ALL the time. The shelter can only go on what they are told. Another reason to go to the rescue groups...they will discover/correct these potential problems before adopting the dog out. At least, the good ones do.

What was mentioned above: the rescue groups here just usually don't have enough $ to build a shelter.

The rescue groups get the majority of their animals directly FROM the shelters. They have a shelter license (at least they are supposed to) and will do what is called a "shelter-to-shelter transfer". They generally receive the dogs that the city/county shelters did not think should be euthanized/gassed...the "good dogs" This gives these animals more time since the rescue is a private organization and is not required to "make room" for more animals...they can have a seemingly unlimited amount of time to find homes for these lucky animals.

Hope that makes sense...support your local rescue network...they work VERY hard to save lives.

WebKat, I never ever meant to give the impression there were any "shortages" of dogs in my area. If I did, I'm sorry. I do find that purebred lab pups usually do not show up in rescue until they are at least teenagers and out of the "cute puppy" stage. That's all I was saying. I sure wasn't complaining, just stating what I thought to be a fact.
I live in West Texas now, but most of my work with rescues and shelters was in Ohio. No "lacking" of good dogs here or there. Just a lack of good homes just like every place else.

I would definitely check with a rescue organization before the shelter. I would prefer a dog that has been in a foster home--not a kennel. I say this because every animal I have ever brought home from the shelter has gotten very sick--for dogs it is kennel cough and for cats it was pneumonia. It always cost me a bundle and in one instance the pneumonia was transferred to my other cat. I also had a neighbor that brought home a puppy from the shelter that had parvo. She didn't tell me and my non-shelter puppy ended up catching it and dying.

The more dogs that are housed together the more likely they'll get sick so be careful bringing a new animal into your home since you already have pets.

De

Just a note, but the range is higher than 25%. 40% of all dogs turned into shelters are purebreds. As far as what kind, it depends on the area you live in.

Example.. In TN you can find purebred labs, rotties, and herding dogs all day long. In some areas, you will find pyraneese or poodles. It really depends on your area.

When my Mocha was 6 months old, I took him to the local shelter where I worked and let him choose his own companion. I had to decide whether this dog was for me to cuddle, or a true companion for him. The dog I'd wanted was great, but he couldn't stand Mocha. Mocha found his own pal, Ginger, and they were like instant magnets. Hah.. he picked the one dog I wasn't even fond of. That was 3 years ago though, and they are still great pals -- plus she is a real "mama's girl". You might ask the shelter if Sam can come with you to meet his new pal.

I agree, cindyandmocha. I see lots of purebred dogs in my quest to find Sam a buddy. I would say definitely more than 25%. I was at one shelter today & saw 2 dobies, a rottie (beautiful dog!), 2 labs,a jack russell, 1 maltese, and a dalmation. This was out of a total of only 17 dogs available for adoption.
Our shelters encourage us to bring Sam along to choose a new dog, and on several occasions we have. The problem is that Sam likes them all; also I've come to the conclusion that while you do need to make sure there won't be instant dislike, all the dogs (including mine) are excited & distracted; it's been hard to tell which one would make the best match for Sam.

Telly, I can totally understand. The thing that is usually very telling is either instant dislike -- which means no way... or indifference. Indifference or actual like are both good signs.

I've found that indifference usually leans toward the animal liking the other animal in the future rather than dislike. Dislike is usually very evident. Sounds like Sam is one lucky dog.

I agree to neuter your dog first then take it to meet the potential new dog. I also would like to add to lift it's feet, touch it's ears and handle it's mouth, try looking inside. See how it responds to these. If it is overly aggressive make sure you know what you're getting into and are ready for it. I would even take a brush along and see how the dog acts. Sometimes a dog will get along great with general handling and even with other dogs but be aggressive. The behavior can be changed but takes time and lots of work usually with a trainer. I would also see if the dog has been tested for food aggression. These suggestions are all for adult dog adoptions.

If adopting a puppy and you want one that is a bit more laid back hold it in your hands and turn it on it's back. If it's healthy and doesn't squirm a lot then it's a more mellow dog.

I also want to say that adopting a dog from a rescue group that has fostered it does not guarantee health, mine had gihardea (sp?)! They said that they are not responsible once the dog is adopted. Our shelter has shelter care insurance for 3 months and it would have been taken care of no charge.