big dogs with little dogs?

[schnzrluv]

Hi! I wasn't sure where to post this, so I hope this is a good spot. I currently have a mini-schnauzer. She is about 14 lbs. We are almost finished building our new house, and when completed and settled in I would like to get another dog. I plan on adopting, and am trying to research as much as possible on what breed type/size i should get. I really would like a larger breed. My question is, should I be concerned with Chloe's saftey? I worry that when playing with a larger dog she may accidently be injured. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!


Lindsey

[britishbandit]

Well, how old is Chloe, if she is still young and hyper you'd have to make sure the dog you get isn't too old to play and won't be bothered by her energy level. Also on whether the 2 dogs would be left alone together or if you crated or seperated them when you aren't home. Supervised they should be ok after slowly introducing them. The best thing is when you bring home your new dog is to let them stiff at each other through a gate and talking them for walks (2 different people, one for each dog), and making sure they can manage that much to start with (and away from Chole's territory, she will want to protect that from any "intruding" dog). If you introduce slowly there should be no reason to worry about them not getting along. But Chloe, even being small will probably try to assume the alpha position of the 2. The present resident dog should hold this position. Check with the shelter and try to find out as much about the dog as possible, whether they know how it is with other dogs. I would be weary and try to keep away from leaving them alone together if one is much bigger than the other. You are right that an injury could occur, but chances are if you are there, you would be able to prevent it, just be sure they are getting along before you allow them to be together in the same room. Maybe a baby gate to seperate until you are sure, and work with them gradually. I had to introduce my new dog to my other dog a couple months ago, and being rottis, there were times when they had to be held back from each other the first day or 2. Tysa wanted to show PJ who was the boss, and the dominace showed. She was "humping" him constantly and once in a while they got carried away and had to be seperated. But I had to allow them to determine who was the alpha, but not letting things go to far. It only took about 2 weeks and everything settled down. Hope this is helpful...LOL

[linnie]

I would be extra careful if it is a rescue dog and larger than the one you already have.
Many on the site have both large and small breeds in the same house perhaps they can add more information.
I would worry about the dog I had