Expert: Jana Connell RVT, CVT - 5/26/2010

Question
Hello, i'm 14 and  I need some advice on my dog and i was wondering if you could help.  There isn't a specific problem that needs to be addressed by a veterinarian so going to an office wouldnt be beneficial. For my birthday i really want to get a toy poodle. My mom agreed as long as i consult a vet on a few concerns she has.  We have a white standard poodle named Adrian and a cat named Charlie. We got Adrian first and he is currently 8 years old.  A couple years later we got our cat Charlie and the two get along pretty well. You have to understand that Adrian is the sweetest dog and would never bite or hurt anyone or anything.  My mom is afraid that if we get another dog that Adrian is going to be depressed and upset because she thinks she will get jealous that the attention is not fully focused on him anymore.  However, he did not get depressed when we got our cat.  Thank you so much for reading and responding.  I would basically just like to reassure my mother that our current dog is going to be fine and not hurt or harmed in anyway by getting another dog.

Thank you!

Answer
Cindy you sound like a very mature 14 yr old and I know you will be a good pet owner.
My only concern about you getting a toy poodle is the size of Adrian. He will want to play with this little darling you get but not for a few weeks. He may even growl at her.

He won't hurt her on purpose however, but he will feel the need to let this puppy/dog know that he was there first and he is the boss. Now if he is neutered that is even better.

He may not growl or feel dominate at all since you are thinking of getting a female correct? Well you didn't mention that but that would be a good idea. Adrian would welcome a female into the home much easier than another male, even a puppy.

The cat will probably object much more than the dog will!! Cats don't like new things and especially new DOGS!! He will adjust eventually and poodles and cats love to play.

Just remember that there will be some adjustment time but I think Adrian will do fine. Be very careful about the little poodle being stepped on, or roughhoused with by him too soon. They are fragile as puppies. Make sure you are there at all times when they are together and get her a little crate she can sleep in with you in your room. You will be responsible for her potty training etc.

Always supervise the play between big dog, little dog because dogs in general have no concept of large/small and they all think that they are the same size.

Many broken legs at the clinic proves otherwise!

Adrian will wag his tail off but expect Charlie to hiss and disappear.
Have fun and let me know how it goes.
Also remember that I am not a vet. If you want a vet's opinion, re-post this question to one of them in here. I am a registered vet tech with over 30 yrs experience but I am not a vet.