Community Chat

[Buck-i-Nana]

Do you have more than one terrier in your home? Did you introduce one years after another?

I have a jack russell mix who is 10 years old and a giant lab/great dane mix. Terrier of course is the boss of the big dog - I'm the "big boss" pack leader in the house. I recently lost my other big dog, a huge English Lab who I still miss so much.

I saw yet again that "dog's will" where he left his home to another needy dog and his owners lap and all that. Then I went to my local animal control to pick up my dog licenses for this year, and there was an sweet little westie mix standing in the outside kennel. She just so touched my heart.

I've always had a terrier in my pack, but I've never had 2 at one time. I strongly considering taking my pups along with me down to the shelter to see how they do with a fence between them and then perhaps adopt her. I'd appreciate any input/insight/suggestions.

Thanks.

[doxie1]

It would be good to let them meet eachother on neutral terrority. I wonder if you could foster to see how it goes. I am glad you are thinking of rescuing this dog. Let us know what happens.

doxie

[Buck-i-Nana]

It's a county shelter, and unfortunately, it's not a no-kill shelter. There is a dog park right across the road from the shelter, and I'm going to call tomorrow and see if they would be able to either bring her there, or let me bring her there with my dogs.

[CamilleP]

Buck-i-Nana, I've had terriers, mostly Scotties, since 1985, with as many as ten dogs at home at one time, three rescue foster dogs and seven of my own. I've had dogs of all ages, from puppies to the elderly, all getting along together. I believe that Westies are very similar in temperament to Scotties, probably a happier temperament, actually, so my guess is that this girl in the shelter will be a good fit in your household. You don't say whether both your current dogs are male, but it sounds as if they are. Typically, males won't fight females, so I'd hope your male JRT will be polite to the Westie girl. I know JRTs tend to be more feisty than Scotties and Westies, but hopefully the fact that you are introducing a girl will mean your Russell will welcome her. Little does he realize, of course, that soon she will have him wrapped around her little white paw. ;-)

[okBlonde]

A guy I work with has 3 Westies, ranging in age from 1 year to 15 years. They all get along great and he told me they got along great from the start, even when he introduced the youngest one to the oldest. In fact, those two hang out together almost all the time.

I'd go today to that shelter, that poor little guy could be euthed at any time. I hate county shelters, they should NOT be called shelters.

[AuntieLaLa]

Buck-i-Nana,

I've had exclusively terriers for about 9 years now. All were "rescued" from shelters or rescue organizations. At first I had a spayed female rat terrier mix and then added a male neutered rat terrier mix. When the female passed, I adopted a neutered male wirehair mix, and the 2 boys are constant companions. The ONLY problems we've had were fights over toys. There just needs to be enough of them so that possession is clearly delineated. Best wishes, and please do go today!

[Buck-i-Nana]

Thank you all so much for your input!

Camille - my JRT mix is a female, my pony (lab/gr dane) is a male.

ETA - just got off phone with shelter. I can bring my dogs with me, in fact she said she was glad I asked to do that. So, gotta run!

[Buck-i-Nana]

Just got back from the shelter and sadly, it's a great big NO.

My terrier and pony-dog were fine, but the westie mix was super aggressive no matter what we tried. I'm talking bared teeth, barking, growling and lunging at the necks of both my dogs.

I talked to the kennel master and he said that they'd not had her around the other dogs at all since she was found, that she had run of her own area as she was the only small dog there at the moment and they keep the small ones and large breeds in different areas. We both agreed that this wasn't something training would easily resolve. Happily though, he said there has been a great deal of interest in her. More happy news was that they haven't had to euthanize any dogs or cats for a couple of years now, that they have the space and the budget to care for more, have them treated, spayed/neutered and micro-chipped and they participate at various pet stores who sponsor adoption days.

I'm not up to handling another large dog, I think those days are long past. I will keep watching the shelter postings though should another smaller dog need a home.

Thank you all for your input and good wishes.

[mousiegirl]

I have two terriers. I had one for a few months, and she wore me out, so I adopted a wire haired/poodle/and more mix from Pet Finder's. The girl, the first here, is definitely the boss, and the boy is a wonderful sweet and loving guy. Believe it or not, the girl lifted her leg and marked the door frame of DD's room when I introduced them, lol, we just stood there in shock! I say go for it.

ETA: I should have read the posts, but I am sure you will find a fit.

[Another new name Sue]

You went about this in the right way, didn't you? The Westie will find a home, and out there somewhere is another pup which will fit you and your dogs' lives.

I've had a Westie for about a year. They are cheerful, independent, confident dogs who play hard. We've had some marking issues, but he's getting much better with a few corrections. I'd like to get a pal for him, but I don't think up to the care for two animals. For now, his pal is the cat who he chases around the house.