What SHOULD I know about…
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Not all puppies are going to be submissive and he may not really get to be a mentor. Nicky never really cared to be an alpha but I don't think he quite expected that his apathy would translate into the 10 week old puppy we brought home becoming boss pretty much overnight. They have always gotten along well but mostly because Nicky quickly accepted that as the boy even if he was right, if Rally said he was wrong then he was wrong. He has also accepted that each subsequent girl has similar rules though being not dragons (Rally was born in the year of the dragon) they are a bit less iron-pawed in their rules.
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An 8 week old puppy, female, may come in and take over immediately. Been there, seen that! With dogs, adult or pups, "ya just never know" what the relationship will be till it happens.
The better socialized a dog is, the more positive interactions he has had with other dogs, the more likely he will welcome a newcomer, pup or adult. Be prepared for days or weeks of introductions, have a back-up plan in case after a couple of months it still isn't working. Be as relaxed as you can be, dogs really pick up on our emotions and fears. A puppy might be great, a young adult may be wonderful too, already housebroken, good walking manners, but still a playmate. And till you have 2, you will have no idea who the 'alpha' will be, but they work it out and area happy once resolved.
I have 3 now and love it, doubt I will ever have less than 2. They love me, but love each other so much it's wonderful to watch!
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So I guess it's a crap shoot either way!!! Lol
I have a lot to think about and whatever decision I make I will make it work…
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Everyone I know who has gotten a second dog has been happy they did. Spencer was an only dog the first three years of his life, then he lived with two other dogs for the middle, now he has been an only dog again at the end. He thrived with the other dogs and loved having playmates. (And, of course, they tired each other out!) Spencer has become much clingier as an only dog and has developed severe separation anxiety that he never had before. I think a second dog would have helped that.
Good luck either way! I'm sure you'll make the right decision for you and Oakley– and there really is no wrong decision. One Basenji or two-- it's a fun ride! :)
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Oh, and I meant to say– Oakley has grown up to be a beautiful boy. Hard to believe he's not that little puppy, anymore.
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Thanks Pamela, he really has turned out to be such a handsome boy, still as much a goober now as he was but I'm proud! I'm ok with waiting a year or two to add a female but right now I have a promising lead, so I hope that goes well for all, so much for being a planner!
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And he grew into his ears! (I used to get asked that all the time when Spencer was a puppy– "Will he grow into his ears?")
Now all Oakley needs is a little sister to boss around and help him conjure up neat things to do while Mom's away. :)
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Lmao, those ears were like bat wings! Everyone used to notice them, at first it bothered me a tiny bit but they are what makes him special…they certainly look less pronounced since he's grown into them but even now they are a tad large...that might be what throws off his balance (lol)... I really hadent planned on anything until at least the end of the year but two options are at my fingertips, one a pup an the other an adult....my minds in overdrive! I'm starting to have more faith in him being good about adding a second...
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Oh, no, his ears match his body now– they're just right! I had always thought to get another pup when Spencer was younger, but now I'd like to get another adult. I know it would be hard to bring another dog into our pack right now, but there's always some reason not to, so you just have to go for it when the opportunity presents itself. I'll bet Oakley would adapt quickly and be a wonderful big brother!
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So, I've talked with Oakleys breeders and met for play date with some of their pups…things went really well, Oakley took really well to the other pups with me around, so much so I really didnt exist. One pup just clicked and fit perfectly, she would be the perfect temperament and disposition to compliment Oakley and our life...so I'm really glad I got to see what works and what doesn't...one female pup and him just couldn't click the whole time, tensions and such...the dog I originally fell for is a retired female and we tried that as well, didn't go as well- I think Oakley is too abrasive for older females to tolerate...he's a big puppy and acts like it. That cemented for me that a pup really has the best chance of working out. I learned a lot about basenji interaction and behavior, possible issues to be aware of and really just more about Oakley..
It was a very insightful visit and I feel more confident that Oakley will accept the right dog into our home, the decision is really up to me now to see if I can part with Oakley and I being two peas in a pod....still a little worried about having two and not yet having gone through the "having children" phase...the thought of eventually being pregnant with two seems more daunting than one...perhaps some insight into that would be helpful!
