Rescue dog, maybe yes, or no ?

Saw the sweetest sad dog on my local shelters websight. 1.5 yr old female black Lab/mix. She was found in a dumpster with 7 newborn pups. Pups are weaned and adopted so she's on her own now.
I'd like to get a companion for my fat dog (yellow Lab, female), just not sure if I should do this.
I may have a meeting this weekend, so the two of them can sniff butts and whatever dogs do, but I'm not sold on the idea yet.
I need some questions I can answer, so I make the right decision. Trying to keep emotion out of it.
Thanks, JB

 

I was unsure about having 2 dogs at a time, but it worked out well. They really do entertain each other. Now I think 2 dogs are better than one. When it comes to training a pup, having 2 makes all the difference. Diesel was 1 year old when we got Turbo. When we wanted Turbo to go outside, we'd tell Diesel to take Turbo outside. When we wanted Turbo to come back in, we'd call Diesel and Turbo would follow. Never knew it could be so easy to teach a dog to go outside and do its business.

I will say that the new dog has to understand that YOU are the leader of the pack. Let us know how you make out!

 

I had the same conversation with myself, that was four dogs ago. Dogs are an emotional thing, do what feels right.

 

I'm going to remember that one

 

greatest thing we ever did was 2 dogs. Hopefully they get along, all will be happy.

 

how old is you other dog? can she handle an active younger dog wanting to play? if so you are good to go. I mean they are both labs.. what will they fight over besides the couch. and table scraps.. I love labs..

oh yeah training a second dog is easy if first dog is trained

 

We picked up an 8 month old lab/beagle/GSD mix a year ago as a companion to our golden retriever, Fin who is 3 now. It took a few weeks for the Fin to accept her but they are best buds now. Although my wife and I both admit that Fin is a member of our family, but Izzy, the new dog, is just Fin's pet. She's a good dog and all, but Fin is practically part human, while Izzy is just a sweet dog.

 

I'm sure you know it's a life time commitment, but I agree that two dogs seem to be happier than one by itself. Its seems to be some type of ying and yang thing.... or is it woof and bark?

 

The fact they're both female should make it a fairly easy transition if you choose to do so. The current dog might be a little put off at first, but dogs in the same home and yard will find their balance.

I'd ask if the dog has any food aggression issues, and how it behaves around children. Above all, if you bring new dog home, make a deal out of showing both dogs that you are the top dog (even if current dog is well behaved).

 

I just read that to the wife...

 

For what it is worth, I think two dogs behave better than one. So long as I am able to take care of my pets, I intend on having two dogs with me. I'm a lab man but I am sure it would work out with other dogs.

 

Thank you all for the input. Not surprised that no one said - "No! Don't do it!"
So, we're dog shopping tomorrow. I know, sounds weird.
I haven't heard from the one shelter about "Iris"- black Lab. on whether tomorrow works or not. My closer shelter will expect us tomorrow mid-morning for a meet-n-greet with a few candidates. So, we're all in on a new family member. Oh yeah, and a new cat. grrrrrr....
I'll keep an update when we finally decide, but looks like we'll be a 2-dog, 3-cat stick framed litter box before too long.

Oh yeah, WS, asked the wife about the dog/wife trunk thing. Told her it would be a compatibility test, she'd have to do it. I said it with a straight face.

I can't repeat her response in good company.

 

what about in a Pm? cause, I'd love to hear it....
or better yet a video...

 

Heh heh, too late for video.
Brief summary- What the #%$@ are you talking about?! &$#@ that, I'm not crawling in your trunk with those *&@#ing dogs for a few hours, nope! not gonna happen!! You do it, I'll watch !- but she did say it in a mellow and sweet tone if that helps.

I think I spotted.

 

Quick question-
My beast -Lily the Lab.- is pushing 9 years old. Still spry but fat. Should we look for a young dog, or does it matter ?
Just trying to figure out compatibility. Or does age really matter? We saw one we'll look at tomorrow who is around her age.
Just curious about adopting an older dog.