Thinking of Getting a Second Dog - Advice?

[Melissa Irr]

Hi all -

We are thinking of getting a second dog. We have a 14 month old Ibizan Hound. He goes to doggie day care three days a week and goes to the dog park each day that he isn't at doggie day care. He pretty much loves other dogs and we thought it'd be a good idea to get him a playmate.

We've found a dog that we think would be a good mix. She's a 3.5 month old female puppy, that is currently about 8 pounds (our dog, despite his size, prefers to play with smaller dogs...), and she's around a number of large dogs in her foster home.

Do you regret getting two dogs or would you do it all again?

Thanks for the thoughts!

[Mario Niepel]

For me having two dogs is much preferable to only having one. I always had the feeling that the second dog really isn't that much more work than only having one. The only caveat would be if you have behavioral problems with one of your dogs. Then you might have to walk the dogs seperately (to be able to work with the problem behavior) wich can be fairly time consuming.

But, all in all, I would always opt to have two dogs if possible.

[Susie B]

I got my second dog almost 5 months ago and have no regrets. I are finishing up advanced obedience tonight with Missy (the new dog) which she has done extremely well. :D I am still walking them separately, as Missy is still having some anxiety issues seeing other dogs. We are working on this but this is the only issue we presently have. My 2 go to daycare 1 day per week which they both enjoy. I think they enjoy each others company from what I see in their behavior toward each other. I just wish I knew a little more about Missy's history. I got her from a rescue group that rescued her from the pound. She was about 13 months old when I got her 5 months ago. I took my other dog, Dooley - 7 yr old mix, with me to see how they would respond to each other. They began to play and seemed to like each other so I took her home. :p

[Jill Ramsey]

We've always had 2 dogs also, and like Mario feel that 2 are not that much more work than 1. But, I did forget how much work a puppy is!!!
Finnegan is now 20 months and Fischer is 4 1/2 mos. They play together real good, and Finnegan is very tolerant of Fischer. This morning, Finnegan was laying in his crate chewing on a nylabone, and Fischer walked into his crate(which is not allowed )and took the bone from him! Finnegan just looked at him. I got another nylabone, took the first one from Fischer, and gave him the second one, and gave Finnegan the first one back.
So, my vote is go for it!!

[Melissa Irr]

I think we are going to do it! We are meeting Cricket, our possible future pup, tomorrow night and if things go well, we are taking her home!

I am so excited!

[Andre Mendizabal]

Not only I don't regret it and will do it all over again, I think its one of the best things ever happened to me. My girls are my life, the give me twice as much love as if I had only one and they get along ok. In fact, I would get another one, but I'm still working hubby on that idea!!!! I think you're gonna do great, and just go for it!!!! its a great great experience!!!!

[Amber]

I would definitely do it all over again! I love both of my dogs...all animals for that matter. I already have my third type of dog picked out for when I move out of my mom's house. Actually, I may have to wait until Sally goes over the rainbow bridge as she doesn't like bigger dogs. I would like a Boxer as my next dog.

[Summer Magic]

If I could have two dogs in my florida home I'd have a second one so fast it'd be done in a wink! I've always had two dogs but my lease in my mobile home park only allows for one dog per unit. So.... one dog till I give up the florida house. (it's almost worth it)

[TimberWolf]

I don't think I could be without two dogs. I got Sparky first from the shelter I worked at. Having one which I did for about 2 years seemed sad. She looked so bored when I came home from work and it was hard to give her so much attention when I was tired out from work. I got a second one and things only got better. She never looked bored when I came home. She had company while I was gone so she was never alone. When I was tired and not in the attention giving mood she had Skye to play with. I had to train Skye but since Sparky was alrready housebroken I think it helped a little so Skye would try to learn some of the rules around the house. Unfortunately because of Skye's breed as being alpha dogs, it took her a while to understand that rules were made for a reason and certain things are just not allowed in the house...for example potty business and chewing up mommy's chairs and work equipment. I just loved the experience of having both in the house. They are so different with their personalities and I got lucky that they love each other so much!