[chuecafressds]

Hello everyone.. I currently have a 2 year old female pitbull named Nesta. I am currently looking to adopt a rescue. So I have 2 questions.. Should I adopt a puppy, or another the same age? and should I get another female or male?

Thanks in advance for your suggestions

[Gymnfacymoota]

A puppy vs. an older dog is up to you. But I would however suggest getting a male. The chances of a male and female getting along are better than two females getting along. But take Nesta with you when you go to check out another dog so that you can see how they might get along.

[Galvanoidum]

It depends... how does your dog do with puppies, or dogs her own size? You may want to check into fostering to start out with, to see how well she adapts.

Mollie has never liked dogs her own size, so when we adopted Bella, at 3 1/2 months old, Mollie adapted well to her. They are pretty close to the same size now, but get along well. However, they are never left alone unsupervised, and Bella is always crated when we cannot supervise, and every time we leave the house.

While male/female parings are recommended, Mollie and Bella do very well together, but they are always supervised, and never left out together. Be willing to start implementing crate/rotate right off the bat, to avoid any possibility of trouble.

Bone up on all of the reading material regarding crate/rotate, and multi dog households, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Thank you for considering adopting, but remember, your dog doesn't necessarily need "doggy friends" and the addition you are getting is more for you, than a playmate for your 2 yr old dog. They are fine being an only dog, and they love our undivided attention.

[Progniusis]

Male female combos are usually the best, regardless of breed in my opinion. As far as puppy vs adult. You could get a puppy and raise it from early on or you could get an adult and go into it already knowing his personality and temperment.

[Lenny Hensley]

Male & female would be my choice. As for adult vs. pup, is depends on your dog, and your home life situation, like others have said.

Personally, I'm a TOTAL puppy person, & I prefer them for a few reasons; generally, they're easier to intro. to older dogs (although both of mine are super dog friendly so I doubt I'd have an issue with an adult). And for me, I have two cats.. two stupid cats who will NOT defend themselves against a dog, so a puppy is a much safer choice for me.. I get to teach it from a young age that cats are off limits and even if they do chase or pounce on one of them, they can't do the damage a full grown dog can. However, I wouldn't turn down a 'bombproof' with cats adult dog if it came along.

Thank you for adopting!

[chuecafressds]

Thanks for all your help... about Nesta being the only dog is weird... when I have a friend or relative to watch our house when we go away, they bring their dog. And Nesta has a great time, but however seems she is depressed when they leave (the dog). she just loves to play with another dog. I have two cats and only one plays with her very little. This past weekend her doggie friend came over the whole weekend and they had a blast. But when the dog left, Nesta was sad.

[hygtfrdes]

I would get a male, younger(6 months to a year)

[Lenny Hensley]

Thanks for all your help... about Nesta being the only dog is weird... when I have a friend or relative to watch our house when we go away, they bring their dog. And Nesta has a great time, but however seems she is depressed when they leave (the dog). she just loves to play with another dog. I have two cats and only one plays with her very little. This past weekend her doggie friend came over the whole weekend and they had a blast. But when the dog left, Nesta was sad.

I can understand you on this. A lot of people say that Pit Bulls aren't 'dogs dogs' (and some definitely aren't), but mine certainly don't fit into that mold! I also don't have purebred APBT's either though, so it's a bit different. I know my dogs enjoy each others (and other dogs) company, couldn't imagine only having one dog.

[kenowinnumberss]

Thanks for all your help... about Nesta being the only dog is weird... when I have a friend or relative to watch our house when we go away, they bring their dog. And Nesta has a great time, but however seems she is depressed when they leave (the dog). she just loves to play with another dog. I have two cats and only one plays with her very little. This past weekend her doggie friend came over the whole weekend and they had a blast. But when the dog left, Nesta was sad.

Just be aware that dogs' personalities can change as they get older. Odin used to love dog visitors, but now, he'll only tolerate them. I had a friend's dog for a week when I first adopted Odin and he literally sat at the window for two days waiting for him to come back after he left.

Now, he definitely prefers to be the only dog in the house, though. He doesn't get aggressive, but he will growl if another dog bothers him when he doesn't want to play. I was considering getting another dog for a while, but my priority is Odin and he's happier being alone.

[brorialsibers]

I would go with a male and female.not two females together.With two males or two females together there is always going to be that time when they decide who the dominant one is.hopefully you will be there when that fight happens if you go that way.

I have observed and believe that a male unless really screwed up genetically will never attack a female.As far as age difference take in account energy levels of the dogs.

I have a male and female.Reno my male I have had for 21/2 years now and Zena my female that i have had for 7 months or so get along for the most part.there are times when Zena gets on Reno`s nerves because she is younger and has more energy.There is a year or so difference between them in age.when Zena gets out of control keeps jumping on him and won`t leave him alone he just growls at her or rolls her and thats it.

Reno has lost some weight and his energy level has come up since she came to my house.I`m glad I adopted Zena and don`t feel so bad about leaving him home while at work.

[Acalsenunse]

By and far male and female is going to be easier.

Good point on knowing how your dog interacts with pups vs. adult dogs as far as deciding what age to get. I know I personally prefer young adults to puppies, but Lily would freaking adore having a puppy to raise. She's a freak that tries to mother everything though.

I thought my dog would be 100% on board with having a second dog, but its much different having a friend over or a roomie with a dog than it is to share momma with someone else 24/7. And I don't even have "pit bulls", I have very very friendly GSD/Sibe mixes. Just something to keep in mind.

[prpaims]

I'm glad you're considering your options before running out and getting another dog-a lot of people will not do that...then they run into problems and have a sort of resentment towards the new dog.

I'd like to suggest to you to get an older dog. One-you'll know their personality. Two-they'll likely be potty trained. And three-generally in shelters/rescues the puppies move quickly, and the older dogs kind of tend to stick around. I love puppies just like most other people...but I find that they find their homes faster, so the older dogs pull at me more.

I think working with a rescue group or a foster for a shelter would be a really good idea. You can go to any shelter and walk adoption row and there will 10 pairs of eyes begging you to go home...and not many people will know specifics about the dog. Whereas if you work with a foster parent, they can tell you about little quirks. And it's likely they'll be very willing to work with you...and in my experience (I'm currently a foster parent) they won't be afraid to tell you that they don't think your home would be a good fit...in the shelter they really just want those dogs away from death row.

And it would be the same if you worked with a rescue; they're going to know their dogs.

I think the best (smartest) thing to do is not rush. If you see a dog you're interested in, do what you can to make it known...have the introduction with your other dog, and then take a day or two to think about it. It's hard to say no when the dog is right there in your face.

I really think it's important that you know, even if Nesta gets along with whatever dog you decide to adopt now, there is always a possibility that that won't always be the case. And so you have to commit yourself to a crate and rotate lifestyle if that becomes the case. Some people aren't up for that. I don't think there is anything wrong with that-as long as they are honest about it.

If you do decide to get an older dog I would read the "two week shut down". I'll link it for you in a second. But basically, this new dog will be coming from either an unfamiliar/scary situation (most shelters) or one that s/he is familiar with...but now everything has changed. It would be similar to you being dropped in the middle of a foreign country. You don't know where you're supposed to eat vs. poop. You have no idea what they're saying to you and everything smells funny. The shut down allows the dog time to process what's happening at his/her pace. And the dog will recognize you as the one in charge...the one who provides the food.

Good luck in your decision and when you do decide please be sure to share pictures.

---------- Post added at 01:00 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:59 PM ----------

Here's the link for the two week shut down. http://www.pitbullforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=81654

[JennaJJxoxoxo]

Never two females unless you want to anticipate crate rotate. Bully breed females are dominant. I wont adopt out any female fosters to a home with a female JMO

[chuecafressds]

javascriptpenPhotoView('16893898');void(0);

[joeyCanada]

There you go. Its almost unanimous. I would consider this though, if you are adopting a rescue you really have no way to know an adult dogs personality. I agree with MsAcer on this one. Male puppy about six months old.