Dog dilemma

futuretworf

Dilemma .... we went to Lied Animal Shelter yesterday looking for a small (medium) dog for me to add to our growing family already.  We currently have a retriever/chow mix (Rusty - 4 yr) and a chocolate lab (Yogi - 3 yr).  Well, we found an adorable cocker spaniel that was brown spotted and just so loveable through the cages and then we found a blonde retriever that was gorgeous.  So after going through all the buildings and seeing so many unfortunate dogs, the kids wanted to see the retriever first.  He was so playful and should be at only 9 months.  My youngest son fell in love with "snowball" as he called him.  As we were getting ready to see the cocker spaniel someone adopted him.  I was really bummed but the kids were having so much fun with "snowball".  Anyway, DH was not sure getting a 9 month old would be a good idea especially with our existing two dogs.  Kids were somewhat depressed when we left without "snowball" and it has been weighing on me all night.

How bad do you think it would be with a 9 month old?  We have a doggied door in our back slider already and a huge yard (for Vegas standards of course).  I am weighing going back and getting snowball to surprise the kids this week but I need someone to convince me that it would not be a mistake especially with our other two mooses.

Do I or don't I????

m+j

Can you bring your dogs down with you to see if they all get along before you bring home Snowball?  I think they have a little area where you can let the dogs loose and test it out.  That's what I would suggest.  That way you don't get their hopes up before ensuring all of the dogs get along.

I don't know a lot about dogs (I only have one 8 lb-er) but I would think that Lied could give you some input.

futuretworf

From what we have learned, they would be great together.  The only piece that has to be put into the puzzle is convincing DH about it.  Kids are on board and I think it would be perfect as "snowball" just warmed up and bonded with Brandon.  Yogi is pretty much Chris' dog anyway and Rusty is DH's.  Me, I just feed them all.  LOL

Only an 8 lb-er?  OMG, how cute!!!  Want to switch - ours weigh about 70 each.

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Usually by nine months of age dogs are starting to calm down. Do you know if this dog is housebroken or anything?

m+j

I might take you up on that trade.  My dog is so hyper he literally can't be contained.  In his defense, he has calmed down a BUNCH in the past year.  Good luck, and let us know what you decide!