Before husband gives in to planned necessity for another DH I am concerned about making the right choice of companion for my bitch Cailean. Barb her breeder calls her a DH on amphetamines and far too clever. (the equivalent of hyperactive 2 year old human I'm thinking) When we visit Fernhill she will go through each adult dog in succession playing them out till they give up. When meeting other dogs in leash free park it is hard to predict whether she will be completely submissive or aggressive; therefore very hard to imagine what personality in a companion will work out best. I think I would like a not too bright, not too assertive male, I wonder whether and how I should choose a puppy or a little older male. I would appreciate any suggestions from those more experienced?

How old is Cailean? She sounds like Murphy used to be, though he will take off and dominate other dogs given a chance, sounds to me she needs someone a bit like herself, but who can predict what a puppy will be like. I have a Border Terrier as well as Murphy who will be 4 in May and he is so not like a terrier. He is frightened of everything and anything. If he is eating and hiw bowl moves, he jumps out of his skin. Though when out, he is in hunting mode all the time and has gone for a few dogs lately, protecting Murphy (like he needs it!!) he will take on the biggest dog he sees without fear, yet is frightened of plastic bags, wheels, balls????? I think you will find Cailean settles down and whatever dog you bring home she will adapt to, because DH's are adaptable

Speaking from a Male viewpoint, you've got to feel sorry for the "not too bright or assertive" dog that gets paired with a clever bitch. Us men have a hard enough time as it is without the female in our lives being hyperative as well !

Seriously , if she really is a dominant personality, (bitches are always dominant in a canine relationship) , then you need a middle pack dog, that won't be too down trodden and will be confident enough to be chilled with her without feeling the need to take the lead.

If she really is hyperactive, what are you feeding her on ? Commercial dog food can sometime have that kind of effect - too many carbs - sugar frenzy !

Do we really put you guys through the mill??!!!

Seriously though, Murphy used to be a nutter, but he is 4 in May and is a nice dog now, he has only been having half our runs on the field daily, but that is enough for him, he sleeps for the rest of the day and only wakes up for food! He did used to have Bakers complete though and my cousin walked through my door once and aw this fruitcake of a dog an said "He's on Bakers"! Apparently lots of colouring? He is now on Omega for working dogs, even though he isnt a working dog, he likes it and it likes him!!! plus I do cook him up mince and veg to go with it, though lots of turkey for the last week!!

I think you are on the right tracks with a younger male. I small puppy is vunerable as we found out with Daisy. Mack was just so besotted with her he wouldn't let up for a minute she was worn out with his playing and jumping all over her and he often pushed her over etc. None of it out of malice but it was difficult.

Having said that we won't allow any dominance. Daisy has just started to growl a bit at Mack over food etc and Dan has really clamped down on it. She has to know that you and your husband are in charge of the pack if you get a new one and that it is her job to fit in and not boss him about in an aggressive way.

Sorry dog psychology finished now:blush:

Good luck with it.

MrsMc wrote:


Absolutely Right !!! It is up to us as owners and pack leaders to decide what happens within it. You have to bear in mind though that, if the dogs are going to live together and be together while you are not there, they have to be fairly compatible , otherwise you could come home to a bloodbath.

It is interesting as you really can't tell how they will grow up. When I went to pick my puppy, I stayed with the breeder for 3 or so days so that I could get a good feel for them. One was smaller and very fiesty, one was very aloof and one was just happy go lucky but with an iffy tail. I decided against the fiesty one as I thought my girls would go crazy, and ended up picking the iffy tail one (BTW his tail is acceptable) Anyway Lockie has turned into a very dominant dog but with Bree being "top dog". The smaller fiesty one turned out to be the submissive one. You just never can tell.
Like what was said, you need to pull the strings. They will sort themselves out.

This companion is for friendship, or breeding potiential? You mentioned you went to Fernhill. That's a good plan, perhaps the breeder might offer some ideas. I know that when I was breeding, and placing puppies or dogs, it wasn't always possible to do home visits due to the far distances, so lots of communication is soo important in these decisions. I'm sure she would appreciate helping you find a companion. Age of bitch is a consideration, she'll mellow a tad as she matures, and of course puppy trained is always important. Kindergarten classes are fun and teach socializing - to both pups and parents. Having has 12 - 13 dogs at any given time meant they had to get along...except I never put the Silky Terrier (terror) in with the hounds. He was 9 lbs of TNT...and they were 80 - 100 lbs of fun and play.
Good luck

Thank you so much for your thoughts, Cailean is 21 months old. She is a funny duck, sometimes assertive sometimes submissive. This dog has the strangest fears. She is afraid of the sound of chopping onions or carrots- she will actually go and hide down the hall in the laundry room. With Barb Heidenreich's Fernhill pack she very enthusiastically loves everyone but will play rough with all the dogs that let her away with it. I guess I'll just have to relax & when the time is right we will have either a friend for her or maybe a puppy of hers. I do love deerhounds so much.

Yes you are right I shall consult Mama Deerie and Papa Deerie (Barb Heidenreich & Richard Hawkins) are amazing and ready to help at a moments notice. They know I am anxious for another (while hubby wants to wait a while) we'll get there I'll just stop letting all of your fabulous dog and puppy pictures get me impatient to increase our pack before time.

Ah, yes..patience. She is young - enjoy this time with her. This is the very first time in life - at 48, that I have only one dog. I am so enjoying him. The thought of more comes...but then...as with my horses, they're like M&M's, I can't seem to stop.
All the best from a warming Edmonton - -4 on Monday yeahhhh