New Second Dog for Replacement

12 years ago I decided that I wanted to help foster Pyrenees dogs. I studied dog training and am very good with working dogs.

My first was a 4 month old mix (Irish Wolfhound/Pyr) that was dumped on the highway by a rancher. So fostering turned to adoption... We LOVE our Jackie! She is doing well and is still very lively at 12. Her "sister" Jinnie was fostered at 5 months old on an emergency, after tremendous abuse. She (half Pyr, Golden Retriever) has been a great dog, and a perfect companion to Jackie. Sadly, Jinnie recently died of cancer at 12. Our hearts are broken. Jackie keeps looking for Jinnie and alerting. We bought a thunderjacket and have tried to console Jackie. After almost two months we think the best solution is to get another dog, especially one that needs us as much as we need them.

The Question: Do we get a male or female? What age range is best for an older female dominant pyr's companion?

I am going to rescue probably 6 month or older since they are hardest to place in a home. The puppies are adorable but everyone will take them. I want to make sure I am helping the community out.

Thank you for any suggestions on breed type, sex, and age for the new family member. Existing pet: 12 years old Pyr/Irish Wolfhound mix female. very sweet and loving.

Jules

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Aug 24, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Opposite sex and not too young - best bet
by: Tressie

I am so sorry for your loss.

I would recommend a male, because there is a higher probability that they will get along. Experts agree that, for things to have the best possible chance of working out, the second dog should be of the opposite sex.

I would aim for an older dog, even a senior because they are also more difficult to place and an older dog would be less annoying to an already senior resident dog.

A Pyr under 3 years is still a youngster and more prone to foolish behaviour, and is considerably more energetic, which may be too much for your senior dog. However, there are Pyrs that are less energetic but younger adults. Find a dog that has about the same level of energy as your dog, and if possible look for a more submissive dog, one who won't challenge your girl's status.

I would work with a reputable rescue like this one, or the National Great Pyrenees Rescue in the U.S. Most of the adoption coordinators know their dogs and would be able to find a suitable match for your girl.

Aug 24, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		companions
by: Anonymous

You seem super connected with your dogs on another level altogether from the daily care and affection you give them.

Jackie, being both Wolfhound and Pyr (double blessings!), will be very sensitive to her changed circumstances. Personally, I believe that when the love connection is very strong as evident from your letter, the dog and family left bereft adjust to the change in their life a bit more at ease because the love never dies.

Finding a suitable new companion takes careful consideration of Jackie's age, and her character. As an aristocrat, she may not tolerate well a spazzo energy/yappy youngster underfoot. So I would look for a medium level energy young dog, with a sweet nature, male or female, that she can meet prior to adoption in a neutral location off leash and with no other dogs present.

Monitor this first meeting carefully...you will know when the pairing is right by how your dog reacts. She will exhibit a puppy-ish response and may suddenly turn to spear your heart with the "mom, this is so CUTE, can I have him??" look in her eyes.

Follow your own heart and hers. Take your time. The new family member will be one lucky pup. Blessings and good luck in your search.
Aug 24, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		Pyr companion
by: Donna

Thank you for deciding to adopt!

I'm not sure what you mean by dominant. There are high-ranked dogs and lower ranked dogs. The high-ranked dogs exude confidence. Lower ranked dogs understand this confidence and actually look up to them and will grovel, sometimes. A dog who decides to take on a high-ranked dog will learn pretty quickly that was a bad choice.

It's always a good idea to get an opposite sex dog to what you have to avoid potential issues.

This is a long article but a good one.

http://www.dogstardaily.com/files/10%20Dog%20Behavior.pdf
Aug 25, 2015
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starstarstarstarstar 		I lost the love of my life King Ralph
by: Anonymous

I recently got a puppy to replace the lose of King Ralph a great pyrenese. He was truly the love of my life! We went from a 400 acre farm to the city of Atlanta Ga. He accepted his new job to protect my car/ truck ( escalade ).

These dogs are working dogs and I feel can do multiple jobs if it's explained properly...dog talk. He transitioned so well. I gave him a lion cut in the summer, a polar bear in the winter and he turned a lot of heads in his day, and hearts.

He was the neighborhood protector, I always felt bad for the guys delivering pizza lol. I will always remember him on top of the highest hill on my property barking all night to keep the coyotes away, to sleeping in the back of my truck in the city and breaking up all the dog fights at the local dog parks.

These are truly amazing dogs for the right dog owner...they just want to work and feel that they are needed for a job....in memory of Ralph you'll always be missed! Sorry baby mommy could not fix your bone cancer:( you are and will always be greatly missed not just by me but by many who were lucky enough to know you, Mom

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