When should Solo get a friend?

[twiggyandsarah]

I think Solo would like a four-legged friend! He is brilliant with other dogs once he gets to know them, as evidenced by the few times he has now met Mother-in-Law's Dalmatian and an English Setter we sometimes see at the woods. In fact, he really seems to enjoy playing and chasing, and is totally good natured with it.

I've been trying to set up some one-to-one time with a behaviourist to help him with his nervous aggression issues (although it's his fear aggression towards humans that concerns me more than his aggression towards dogs, because he will leave dogs alone if told off by them). I've spoken to the behaviourist lady on the phone at length and she seems great, but we can't seem to fix up a time where she can come out walking with us, which she wants to do as the initial meeting, because it is constantly raining and Solo won't go out in the rain!

So, my question is, should I wait until Solo has worked with the behaviourist and is calmer before looking for his buddy, or is it possible that the right hound companion will help his confidence and behaviour so should do this first? I don't want to spend a fortune on a behaviourist and put Solo through a lot of work if it turns out all he needs is a more confident hound to show him that world ain't so bad, but I don't know if it would work like that! I'd hate to do anything that would make him upset or worried.

Any thoughts you more experienced folk could share please?

[gelert]

Hi Sarah,

Sorry - haven't got any advice for you, but just wanted to say how fabulous it is that you've reached a point with Solo that you are considering a friend for him. It sounds like he is doing so well. Am hoping he feels like getting out of the car at the next Gap show to say hello to us all.

Sophie x

[twiggyandsarah]

Thanks Sophie.

[sammy13]

No real advice but perhaps a more confident dog might help his confidence Im sure someone will give you the right advice.Ive read most of your posts about him and he does seem to have settled down quite quickly

[jodav]

The choice of whether to wait for the session with the behaviourist to work with Solo must rest with your instinct is my advice. The fact that he gets on well with a few dogs is a good sign but it adds a different dimension when they live together and walk together. Personally, my first hound Trace appeared to have nervous aggression around other dogs when first meeting them and I assumed (quite wrongly) that a more confident dog would help her out on walks. In fact the reverse happened and the confident dog got more nervy and now they both act in unison to 'scare away' a perceived threat and it's hard, hard work! However, they are great pals, they play together and they are getting better on walks

It's a really difficult one but on balance I would be tempted to try to settle Solo first. I would be a little wary about thinking that a second hound may be the answer to the first's problem - others may disagree. Either way, I hope you make the decision that is right for you

Jo x

[twiggyandsarah]

Jul 17, 2012 15:23:16 GMT -5 jodav said:

In fact the reverse happened and the confident dog got more nervy and now they both act in unison to 'scare away' a perceived threat and it's hard, hard work!

The thought had crossed my mind that that may happen! That would be a backfiring of the highest order! I suppose it would depend on the dogs themselves as to which way it would go, but I doubt there's any way of figuring that out beforehand!

Thanks for the input Jo.