My 8 yr old Frenchie has exhibited aggressive behavior towards other animals in the past. She has never attacked another dog, but she still has me worried. I want to add a puppy into my family, but I am torn. In my heart of hearts, I don't feel that my current dog will harm a puppy, but I won't know until I actually have to deal with the situation. I don't know where to start, what to do, or how to come about a decision. I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks,
crlygyrlbk

I'd find a good positive trainer locally and get them to evaluate your dog. Planning for a puppy of the opposite sex and not TOO tiny as a baby would almost certainly help, but even then, some dogs just need to be only dogs. Better to get some expert advice BEFORE bringing a puppy home and falling in love and having to return them to the breeder. (I can also tell you that responsible breeders would be uncomfortable with this situation unless it'd been addressed by a trainer or they could meet and evaluate your dog themselves (which is not, in and of itself a guarantee that they're reputable- not all breeders are nay good at behavior at all!)

To know that your Frenchie has exhibited a tendency toward aggression is an indication that adding a puppy to the mix would cause a lot of stress toward the Frenchie-- and at 8 years old, it could be very detrimental to his health. Since you currently have only the Frenchie, it would be more fair to both animals if you wait until the Frenchie has finished his life span before adopting a puppy. I know it's hard to wait, when you have so much room in your heart, but if you really love your dog then that would be the kindest thing to do.

I can relate to how you feel, though. My step-mom currently has an ornery little 15 year old cockapoo-- a very grumpy little dog. My youngest brother (age 10) wants a large breed puppy of his own to train up, but they learned from fostering a puppy for just a week that it would be a bad situation (both dogs were under too much stress) for both the older dog and the puppy, and so will have to wait until the older dog passes away. It is hard, but that's the way it has to be sometimes.

I commend you on your foresight in thinking this decision out and seeking input before rushing into it with your heart on your sleeve. Sometimes it is just so much easier to go with our heart's desires instead of listening to logic. However, if the tugging of your heartstrings is just too much to resist, I may have a couple of ideas for helping your Frenchie adjust to the arrival of a new puppy in the pack, as I'm sure some other members here would too. The best of luck whatever you decide!

I agree you should wait. Sure it can be done but is that fair either to the pup or exsisting dog?

I too was in your situation. My boxer hated shareing me. She was fine with other animals if I ignored them. I waited until she passed (14yrs) to get my pup.

The puppy is now 5 and I have a three yr old dog and a 11 mnth puppy.

No jealousy with this pack. I am glad I waited.

[wishbone]

It's definitely not time to get another one, focus first to obedience of your current dog, have some socialization for him with other dogs and people.

we are not sure that your next dog that you are going to have is a harmless dog..but be prepared to train the next dog that you are going to get not to harm your current dog

Successfully Adding a New Dog to Your Pack

Good Luck!!

and

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

yes, train you current dog first, then get that pup you want oh so badly :-)
There might be some problems when you do get your pup at first but it is probably just the pup being taught who is boss.

How much socializing/interaction does your dog have with other dogs? Taking your dog to an obedience class would be the first step to seeing how your dog will react to other dogs. If you can find a good trainer, he or she can also advise you on how to proceed, or if you should proceed at all.

If she seems OK there maybe try getting her into a doggy day care/play group and see how she does. Try introducing her to a puppy or two under well controlled circumstances, on neutral territory.

Just because a dog shows aggressive tendencies towards other animals isn't necessarily an indication that it will be dog aggressive. My dogs are aggressive towards cats, squirrels, raccoons, or any other type of animal they see, but they're not at all dog aggressive.

Many adult dogs are leery of puppies. Probably because they expect a mother dog to come running up to protect her baby. Some adult dogs can be put off by the antics of a puppy, but others seem to enjoy the fun, and appreciate a buddy. I've seen many older dogs perk up and get a second lease on life when they get a puppy buddy. One can never know for certain until one tries.

Originally Posted by crlygyrlbk

My 8 yr old Frenchie has exhibited aggressive behavior towards other animals in the past. She has never attacked another dog, but she still has me worried. I want to add a puppy into my family, but I am torn. In my heart of hearts, I don't feel that my current dog will harm a puppy, but I won't know until I actually have to deal with the situation. I don't know where to start, what to do, or how to come about a decision. I would appreciate any and all feedback.

Thanks,
crlygyrlbk

hope find your answer here.

I think you should wait until your dog is prepared because you will surely have a hard time to train them both.