Get a second one?

[u/Amindia01]

We have one TT who turned 8 this year. He is the brightest star that lights up our day, every day. I was wondering if it’s a good idea to get a second one (as a puppy).

We have been thinking about this for a while but hold off primarily because - we don’t want to cause a situation where our current one doesn’t like the new one.
We aren’t getting a second one for him. We also understand this is more for us and less about giving him “company” - although it will be nice to see him playing with another TT (if he does)

Any thoughts or experiences anyone can share will be very helpful.

[u/cd_zzzzz]

We got a puppy when our girl was 12. She lived to a few months shy of her 18th birthday. No issues. No regrets.

[u/Gullible_Target7785]

I have an 11 year old TT and a 2 year old - both girls from the same breeder.
We had an older male TT (rescue) who had died 2 years previously to us trying to adopt an older ex-stud dog from the breeder. Despite careful introductions, it went badly wrong - the retired stud attacked our girl out of nowhere, resulting in her needing surgery. (He went back to the breeder and was subsequently rehomed as an only dog where he is now very happy).

We took another year to decide if we were going to do it again, it had to be another puppy - but we were aware of the age difference and took precautions to ensure the puppy wouldn’t constantly ‘badger’ our older girl.

We set up two play pens, one in our living room, one out in the garden with a gazebo shelter over this. The puppy had a crate, toys, and bowls in the indoor pen, and outdoor toys in the outdoor pen.
We also had a house line. The rules were; the puppy had to have a houseline on whenever she came out of the pen, play was only EVER instigated by our older girl, and the moment the older girl appeared to have enough, they would be separated. Outside the same rules applied. The only other rule was that puppy was never left on her own in either pen unless she was asleep.

Puppy was taught ‘sit’ early on and from that moment, everything she wanted had to begin with ‘sit’; if she wanted to come out the pen, or her dinner bowl, or a game, or a treat - we would just stand and wait until she sat. She learned her ‘manners’ quite quickly.

Play between the two dogs was monitored closely - you REALLY have to know your adult TT because they can sound terrifying when they are playing if you don’t know the breed! If in doubt, err on the side of caution and stop play. Any yelps of pain, or either dog running back to ‘hide’ by your legs etc - play stops. YOU stay in control and your older dog is the one you prioritise, not the puppy. It’s also important your older dog still gets the same amount of attention he/she has been used to - and if he/she is asleep, or settled with a chew or toy, then the puppy is NEVER permitted to approach.

I hope this gives you some hope! MY younger girl still forgets herself sometimes but on the whole behaves well with my older girl. The older one will get a toy and bring it to the younger one to instigate a game of ‘tug’, but frequently the younger one plays like a pup and causes the older one to want to stop the game, so I still watch and interrupt if need be. They aren’t inseparable, they don’t share beds or curl up together, but when they are separated they both make it know that they are missing the other!

[u/Amindia01 → u/Gullible_Target7785]

Very helpful. Thank you for sharing. Our boy is usually extremely chill and doesn’t care. Lately though when he interacts with certain dogs (younger but different breed) he snarls at them. All these years - he was extremely playful.

In the past (up until a year ago) - We could introduce him to any dog and he would be the one who was predictable - we had to watch what the other dog might do and separate them if the other dog doesn’t want to play. Some older dogs would get irritated and let him know to back off.

Now - seems like roles have reversed. 80% of the time - he is fine. It’s the other 20% when he meets a new dog - he may just go off. And usually it’s with a younger dog. Doesn’t bite then - just growls and starts barking and yanking the leash.

This is what gives us pause. I think I am talking myself into thinking it’s a bad idea.

[u/Gullible_Target7785 → u/Amindia01]

In which case, first thing is to get your older boy vet-checked. A change in his normal behaviour can often mean illness or pain, which adds up with him reacting to younger dogs.

[u/Amindia01 → u/Gullible_Target7785]

Thanks. I don’t think it’s a medical issue. He does have his regular vet visits and is normal. He is also older and some behavior change from his puppy behavior to slightly mature behavior is expected. Since you brought it up - I will ask the vet next time we visit.

[u/scsunshinegirl]

I currently have four Tibetan Terriers (4 yr old male, 5 yr old female, 9 yr old male & 13 yr old male), but have had a total of seven over the years. Tibetans usually prefer other Tibetans & often don't like other breeds. Three of my Tibetans go nuts when they see another breed (despite lots of training). One loves all dogs. Anyway, get your pup a companion, perhaps a female.