When do you think is an appropriate time to introduce another dog into my household?

[Zizzler]

So I have a puppy (6 month old lab mix) and I am definately interested in getting a second dog. I am a dog person and I love the company of canines, as does my boyfriend. Trust me, I know the responsibility doubles or even triples with a second dog. However, I don't know when is the best time to introduce another dog into my household. I am not worried about him being aggressive with another dog. I was personally thinking two/three years old would be best for my dog and me. Do you agree or do you see major faults in this decision?

Also, I have noticed my puppy to have a shy, timid and almost aloof attitude towards strangers. It makes me nervous that later down the road, he will be not be the most desirable dog for bringing guests into the house and I have never had a dog behave this way. He is great, loving, playful, social w/ other dogs, even with strange dogs, but not that way at all with people. He is only comfortable/affectionate/social with close friends and family. Is this something I should be concerned about? He gets plenty of socialization w/ people (neighbors, friends, family) and I have noticed slight improvement w/ newcomers, and substantial comfort w/ repeating exposures to the same person. What should I do?

Thx for your answers!

 

[Chris Minniti]

Puppies are playful. You have to be careful sometimes with getting an older dog when you have a puppy. Make sure they meet and are compatable. and older dog may get annoyed with a younger dog wanting to jump on it all the time. That's why I got a second puppy. They have matching energy levels and matching play instinct. I thought having 2 puppies would be more work, but it was actually less. Rather than having one puppy that wanted to play with us all the time, he had a play mate that he could have fun with and communicate in his dog way with. he was 4 months when he got another 4 month old puppy.

 

[Aussies are my ? Dogs]

If that is the dog's personality, then there isn't anything you can change as it is genetic. The only thing you can do is continue socializing like crazy to continue to lessen the "threat" of strangers.