new dog

shugsie

Had two sheepdogs till two months ago after one died. I want to get a cocker spaniel as I have had them before but that was when I had two other dogs. Is it fair to the sheepdog bringing in two spaniel puppies or should I just leave it to one?

TopTec

Depends on several factors. Is the sheepdog aggressive?, Is it male/female? is the spaniel male/female?, will it live indoors or out with the sheepdog.

TBH you are the most important item. If you take a bit of care when socialising them together they will be fine. The puppy will be submissive at first and will then find its place in the triangle with you at the top.

If the puppy is male you might find it challenging the sheepdog later on but they will sort it out between themselves.

If the sheepdog is aggressive and wants to fight the puppy the first time they meet thats when you could have a problem. That could affect the whole relationship for ever. If you take a bit of time at the first meeting and handle it carefully they will be fine. That meeting is key to a good relationship. You can't just clump them together and hope it all will be hunky dory.

Good luck and treat them well.

TT

shugsie

Thanks for your reply,the sheepdog is male and the cocker is female. He has become a bit territorial since his brother died but is really a very affectionate dog. Got on well with the last spaniel we had but she was older than him and was able to stand her ground

TopTec

You could try him with 2 puppies and see how he gets on. He could well take them under his wing so to speak. Have you considered spaying and/or neutering to keep unwanted ones at bay?

Best of luck anyway.

TT

shugsie

Actually the sheepdog is neutered!