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Thinking of a Second IG?

© Jane Lightle

Well, as I wrote in one of my previous Suite101.com articles a while back, IGs are like potato chips: you can never stop after just one. HOWEVER, I promised myself that I would not do anything impulsive on this front so I waited until I had my first one for two years before considering a second dog. Now that my IG is two I've just started shopping around for a buddy for her.

Getting a second IG is a huge responsibility-largely due to the demanding nature of the breed. After reading about the breed you will also come to know that the breed is simply not the type you can tie up in the backyard for the day. For starters, they cannot be tied up period (!) and they need to be in the loop as to what their owners are up to-it's a big part of who they are.

Amomg the factors to consider before making the big step is that bringing a second dog into the family could cause your current "one and only" to feel depressed and jealous. It is recommended to go with a member of the opposite sex if you are worried about possible tensions. An IG that is not a dominant dog though will typically get along better with other dogs in general though. A good example for this is my girlfriend's female IG, Annabelle, (who is a dominant dog) and my dog, Annabelle (who is anything but dominant) get along fabulously, yet Annabelle is known to stand her own when there is another dominant female around. Dogs are like humans in this way, in that two type A personalities may clash if they don't have have the same agenda (i.e. not wanting to share the same stuffed toy).

To lessen the odds of a newcomer rocking the boat, a pecking order will need to be in place. For example the current IG should always be fed first (just as the leader would in a wolf's pack) and pet first. With the right approach, the older IG will likely take a new puppy right in under her wing-but you should always take the necessary precautions so that the existing dog doesn't feel any of your love is shifting away as a result of the new dog.

Make positive associations with the new puppy by giving your IG its favourite treats and toys on the day the puppy arrives. To be on the safe side, stay with the dogs for the first few days to make sure that they are developing the healthy relationship you want them to.