How do you know when you're ready for two?

[Bailey08]

I've been wanting a second, well, practically since I got Bailey (who just turned 2 himself). I'm less concerned with the cost, housing, etc. than I am with the thought that I could become overwhelmed by dogs. I've seen it happen with family members, and I've felt that way in the past (with cats). And, well, I just really, really don't want it to happen to newbie, Bailey or me.

I've been telling myself that for a long time, and been okay with it. 'Til a dog I really, really want showed up.

 

[wcladymacbeth]

I dunno.. I got a second one because I knew it would be good for Maggie's confidence, plus Justin wanted a more "doggy" dog (Maggie's more like a cat sometimes.) I think you're right to wait for the "right" dog, but that doesn't mean you can't start actively looking for the right one

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Hey why not start walking dogs at your local shelter? You would be helping out and I bet you would eventually find what you are looking for

 

[MPP]

IME, two are not really a lot more trouble than one. THREE, now, that's where OMG kicks in.

 

[*blackrose]

We've always had at least two dogs around, and I don't have any problems with it at all. I'd actually much rather have two than just one! No "overwhelming" problems for me at all...I think the only time I went out of my mind was when we had five dogs in the house all at the same time (three of ours, two guests). I went BONKERS. Granted, the two guest dogs were nutjobs, so that probably had a lot to do with it.

 

[Bailey08]

IME, two are not really a lot more trouble than one. THREE, now, that's where OMG kicks in.

That's kind of what I noticed, for myself and others. My brother said the same (re: his dogs), and said that his mother-in-law said the same about her kids. :lol-sign:

I've kinda fallen for a petfinder doggie and I'm afraid that if I start asking more and meet him, I'll end up with a dog. (He's a couple of hours away.) So I'm trying to figure out if I should stop myself now or see where it takes me....

wclady, how did it go with Caesar?

ETA: Bailey is such an easy dog. I mean, he's young and high energy, but he's just naturally good and easygoing. [I have a friend with two insane dogs and I swear I couldn't deal with one of them, so I've been noticing more and more how easy B is.]

Thanks, guys.

 

[ACooper]

See? That is how we got spoiled and ended up taking in another dog, LOL, Phoebe was so easy to work with. She had her issues coming from the shelter, but she was so eager to please and learned so fast she lulled us into a false security

I really don't think 2 are much more work than 1, even though Orson is our problem child (DA, attention w hore, clown, and high energy) it's still pretty smooth, they do entertain each other somewhat........I shudder to think if Orson was the only one, seeing as he wants attention all the time NOW with Phoebe to divert him for awhile, LOL

 

[Upendi&Mina]

I shudder to think if Orson was the only one, seeing as he wants attention all the time NOW with Phoebe to divert him for awhile, LOL

This made me lol so hard because that's how Mina is. :rofl1: I quite often get the nose flick under my palm, which can last up to half an hour if ignored. And if ignored for long enough she eventually just crawls in your lap so you're forced to give her attention.

 

[Paige]

I dont think you ever really know until the second dog is in your home. If you find one that will fit into your lifestyle and in with your current dog things usually aren't a lot more work.

 

[Snark]

Two is not a problem at all (providing everyone gets along); seven, on the other hand, (which included two bitches who decided they hated each other) was a management nightmare. Just glad we had the space to separate the yard.

 

[Bailey08]

I think I've decided against it for now.

Bailey and I went to the dog beach today with friends (including doggie friends). He had soooo much fun! And while I have people to help me, I'm kind of a "single mom," and I'm not sure that I'm ready for two young dogs right now. I wouldn't be comfortable having two in an environment like that (I'm a bit of a helicopter dogmom, lol).

It makes me kind of sad. I totally fell for the Petfinder dog. I'm trying to convince my brother to get him now.