Dutch Shepherd Forum

Hi everybody! Just wanted to introduce myself after pouring over all the information in this forum. I also have a few questions. I have a 3½ month old female DS/Belgian Mal mix who looks all Dutch to me. We've had her for six weeks now, and her name is Dutchess. So far, she is wonderful. What a personality!

As for my questions, #1 - We've started our puppy obedience classes, and she does not seem to like the other puppies. The first day, she was all over everybody, wanting to play and being obnoxious. Classes two and three, she had no interest in playing, and just wanted to sit by me. I gotta say, it made me look good, like my puppy is so well-behaved, when in reality, I think she's a bit of a snob!

#2 - We're going to meet a 5 year old male DS/mix tomorrow. He's had a traumatic past, having been returned to the shelter at least three times. I believe he was a witness to his last owner's murder in 2012, went back to the shelter, and is currently being fostered. My question is if I'm crazy to think I can take on this dog while I have a puppy? Is it even fair to Dutchess? And do you think he'll be way too neurotic?

I'm new to this breed (I had a Vizsla for 15 years, who was super-energetic and SMART), so I value any input you can provide.

Thanks!
Linda

Welcome to the forum!

Personally, I wouldn't take on a second dog right now. Mainly because Dutchess is so new to your family, but you also have to consider how young she is, the fact that you're new to the breed, and the fact that this male has a past that's going to need lots of work. My general guidelines are two years between getting dogs. That gives you ample time to fully train and bond with your first dog before taking on a second.

As far as socializing with the other puppies, why do you want her to? As long as she's not acting out around other dogs and can stay neutral when they approach, then she's doing everything she's supposed to. I grew up doing competitive obedience and it was always stressed to us how important it was to not let dogs mingle during training. I really don't understand the current trends with letting puppies all play together and socialize during classes. It can lead to a big mess when you try to get her to train independently as an adult. Imagine group stays when every dog just wants to interact with each other.

I'm trying to reverse that now in my new female, Elli in fact. I've only had her for 3 months, but she gets so worked up over playing with other dogs that she reacts to being on a leash when she's not allowed near them. She has to learn that training is something her and I do together, not a dog socialization hour.

I second the waiting to get a second dog. Along with what Stephanie said, Dutchess will most likely look to the older dog as ways to learn from and pick up behaviours from him. If they are not ideal behaviours (which sounds like they won't all be) then you'll have a situation where she will learning things you don't want her to during her impressionable learning time.

Thank you for your responses. I really don't think we're ready for a second dog, training Dutchess is plenty for us right now. She is a bundle. It's just that his story broke my heart, and he is so handsome to boot! I've spoken with his foster Mom, and she's going to keep him, which makes me feel a lot better that he won't be bounced around any more.

As for puppy class, I thought she'd want to play with the other dogs. She came from a litter of 12, and all we have here is a cat that couldn't be bothered. As Stephanie said, it will probably be best when we start training. I'd like to do agility with her. I have so many questions about that too, but I'll save those for the proper category. I look forward to chatting with you. =D

Pics please!!! Welcome to the forum