Bringing On A New Puppy

by Taylor Wright
(Tennessee)

We have a 2 year old Aussie mix. I am really wanting to get a male puppy this fall. Rudy is the light of our lives and is the best snugger and playmate. She is perfect for my husband and I but I have some reservations about growing our family:

Our girl is very protective of us if other dogs come up to us in the park but if they're playing away from us she's fine. She only gets upset if the other dogs come around me or my husband.

She loves the car but if someone comes up to the window she has a meltdown and turns into a guard dog. She is also very suspicious of people coming into our home. I have even has to put her in the bathroom while we've had a repair man in put home out of worry that she would actually bite the man.

We had a roommate for a while who brought along his boxer. She was very dominant over him and would bully him on a daily basis. He never fought back. She would stand over him and even nip at his jaws. He just laid there. I know not all dogs are as reserved as he is...

I've read that Aussie get along well with other Aussies in the home. She has never been around any puppies, only around other adult dogs. I need suggestions for making the transition as smooth as possible.

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