Am I Nuts?

[mwood322]

I have been considering getting a second dog.

I have a 2 yr old female bc/aussie/spaniel mix, who loves other dogs, and as you can expect has more energy than she knows what to do with. Exercising her is quite the chore. On weekends we hike for a few hours, and that helps, but I can't do it on weekdays. The only time I have ever seen her completely tired out was when we dog sat one of my dad's friend's puppy. My dog spent roughly 4 hrs a day playing with the puppy, who btw everyone else refuses to watch due to energy.

Doggie Daycare isn't really an option because I just don't trust anyone to watch my dog like I do and around here it runs 20-30 dollars a day. I don't know anybody nearby with dogs she can play with. She can't go play with the puppy she knows because they have only a 3 foot fence, fine for a low drive Golden Retriever, but nothing to my dog. Bringing her here would only work on weekends, but obviously he would like to see his dog when he isn't working.

Anyway, since my dog likes dogs so much, I've been considering adopting or buying her a playmate. My preference would be another BC or Aussie. I'd want another female, and I'd probably prefer 6 months old or so, though younger would be possible. I have a fenced yard, 1/4 acre or so. I technically have enough time for another as I have no social life whatsoever.

Am I totally nuts for considering another dog when I just got my current one to almost where I want her?



Anyone know any good Aussie or BC breeders in Massachusetts?

--Mia

 

[Fran27]

Definitely not nuts

 

[rottiegirl]

Its actually a very good idea to get another dog.

 

[poeluvr]

here is one aussie breeder i found
Paradox, (formerly known as Chasebrook), Alison Smith, 250 Southampton Road, Westhampton, MA 01027
Phone: (413) 527-3652
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.members.aol.com/paradoxaussies/index.htm
SS, pups, Adults, handling
..in massachusets

 

[Sirius]

No not nuts I have 3 moochies over here and I'm not crazy...yet.

 

[poodlesmom]

For more years than I can remember I have always had 2 dogs. They are great companions for each other. It is important though to spend individual quality time with each of them, especially in the beginning so that the new furpal bonds with you. As long as you have the time, the room and the finances to have a 2nd dog I say go for it!

 

[mwood322]

Well, I looked around last night. I found very small numbers of breeders of BC in my area. I love the idea of rescue, and I got my dog from one, but I feel like I might want to screw my own dog up for a change, rather than fix what other people have done.

I think I'm going to plan for spring or summer next year, unless something really good happens along and I can't resist.

I found these breeders for Aussies:
http://www.muddyfeetaussies.com/
http://www.terrablue.net/index2a.html
http://www.absolootaussies.com/index.html
http://www.katahdinaussies.com/index.html
http://geocities.com/hemlocksaussies/
http://www.sealevelaussies.com/
http://www.vinelakeaussies.com/

Border Collies:
http://www.eyespybordercollies.com/
http://www.breeders.net/breeder/139149
http://www.jaggerwilliamsbordercollies.com/ - prob too far for me PA

Anything scream out bad to anyone?

I know step one is a breeder that tests breeding stock with CERF for eyesight, and ORA for hips, doesn't breed too often, and keeps all dogs in the house. What else should I be looking for? I do not want a showdog, and really can't afford $1000 for a pet-quality show dog. Is there a big problem with looking at breeders who are breeding for obedience, agility or the like, rather than physical conformation, if they are testing the adults, and they are actually competing in those sports?

Yes I'm browsing petfinder every few days as well cause you never know...

The only reason I might be more interested in a BC is less gets cut off. I like my dogs with tails.

--Mia

 

[GSDMom]

If your NUTS for wanting two dogs I MUST BE CRAZYYYYYYYYY
I have 7, if you have the time, the property and the money to feed and Vet them -
I say GO FOR IT !!!!
your older dog will train the younger, you will find the second easier than the first was I am sure ! Good Luck

Bon

 

[SaintlyBulldog]

I have three dogs myself and I find it easier to have three than one actually. They are able to play with each other and help wear each other out. They're able to keep each other company and don't always need my constant attention. Of course that doesn't mean they don't WANT my constant attention. LOL

 

[Zoom]

Two dogs isn't a bad idea, but go check out http://aussierescue.leepfrog.com/ before you head to a breeder. There are so many Aussies right around the age you're looking for that need a home and playmate.

By the way, the featured dog on the home page is full-sister to my dog Sawyer...

 

[SummerRiot]

We have three PUPPIES! lol your not nutz! it works out really really well actually.. except now my Tervuren thinks hes a Sheltie and is quite biased towards them when hes at a dog show lmao! But other then that its great, send them out in the backyard in the morning for about an hour, then come in have a nap during the day until lunch, then send them out again for about an hour bring them in and then they get a few hours after dinner to play in the yard, not to mention daily walks etc.! its fabulous lol they are all tuckered out by bedtime lol
Not to mention the extra love you will be getting
Although, Riot is already quite protective of me and whenever i'm playing with the shelties he gets right jelous and barges in lol

 

[mwood322]

I've been checking ARPH every few days, and trying to make up my mind.

So rescue isn't out of the question, just had to find out if I was crazy first.

--Mia