one dog vs. two or more

[BSan]

After losing two cats and a dog last year, we decided on just one pet, our puppy almost one year old. Now we are rethinking our decision, and thinking about getting another. Can you tell me what you see as real advantages to having more then one dog. I know the obvious, like company for eachother etc. Many of you seem to have more then one dog, so I thought I would ask. He so much wants to play with the dogs at obedience class, and we don't have a dog park, and I don't know of anyone who has a fenced in yard with a friendly dog he could play with. Perhaps I will meet someone at class willing to get dogs together.
Also, is there any advise as to two males (ours is a male), or opposites...... male and female. I know people that have same sex, as well as opposites. Our two sister cats did not seem to like eachother very much.

 

[RD]

I know people who have two or more males living in the same house, and they're the best of buddies.

I have two males and they don't get along. It's very manageable (I never leave them together unattended, and if things get a little heated, the instigator goes on a leash or in a crate) but at the same time it is a hassle. Though admittedly, part of my problem is the vast size difference between my dogs and the fact that I can't let the Border Collie put the Papillon in his place for fear of injuring him. Both of them are learning how to be civil to one another and are good for the most part, but not trustworthy by any means.

I personally wouldn't advise that anyone get two males unless they are willing to keep them separate in case tension arises between the two. Not saying that they will, I know a lot of people who are able to make harmonious multiple-male households work. It just hasn't worked for me despite my best attempts.

 

[krisykris]

I can only speak for myself, but I had Bentley two months before adding another puppy to our home. He loves having a playmate and I don't feel as bad when I have to leave him alone or when I have him sleep in his exercise pen because he still has that "pack" feeling.

I wanted a girl, so that's what I got. I think that either could work as long as you have a puppy that's well socialized and not possessive.

I don't see two puppies as that much more work. But, it is more training, more money for vet, food, toys, ect ect ect. So I'd consider the financial cost of having two verses having one..

 

[SizzleDog]

I find it's much easier to have two dogs - they really enjoy each other's company.

I'd advise that you get a female - I'm biased since my breed is notoriously same-sex aggressive... but I think male/female pairs are the safest.

 

[Amalthea]

I have a male and a female. They get along really well, although we had Moro first and she loved every dog she met, male and female. I think having another dog around helped her a lot with many issues...when we got her...she wasn't in the best situation and I know that now... but I don't think she was abused, I just think she never got a lot of contact with people. She was very scared of everyone, but that started to change when she started following our friend's male pom mix around. I think she considered him to be the only creature she could trust for a while, and he helped her learn not to be afraid of people. She is still timid around strangers but it's a world away from how frightened she was as a puppy.
She is also very happy to see dogs belonging to other friends of ours...her most frequent visitors are a female pointer mix and a male pitbull. She adores them both and would just cry and whine when they had to leave... and she even made her best effort to make friends with another friend of ours' female malamute. the malamute was really dog aggressive and would growl and nip every time Moro came near, and her reaction was to flop on the ground showing her belly and wagging her tail, as if to say "okay, you can be in charge, but lets play!!" I think generally, dogs of the opposite sex get along better, but that isn't always the case.

I think maybe socially, the companionship of another dog is something that can't really be completely replaced by human companionship. Not that all dogs need the companionship of another dog... they are all different, not all dogs like being around another dog and having to compete for the attention of the owner. It really depends on your dog and if you think it would be best for your lifestyle.

 

[Laurelin]

I have four dogs- 3 males and one female and they all get along fine. Two males are intact too, but one isn't. They all love each other's company, though the older dogs enjoy the puppies more from a distance than Beau does. Our female is by far the most aggressive one, so the males being aggressive towards other males doesn't always hold true. However, we have one dominant male personality and two very submissive personalities so that might help. The female is the Queen without a doubt. I really enjoy having multiple dogs and all my dogs seem happier with others. Nikki could probably stand being an only dog, but Trey without a doubt could not, nor do I think the other boys could.

 

[elegy]

i have two dogs, and i love it, but it's definitely NOT easier than having one. two dogs to train, two dogs to handle, two dogs to have to worry about with vet bills, two dogs to keep out of trouble. funny how their GOOD habits don't rub off on each other- just the bad ones!

yeah, they play together, and that's fantastic, and they snuggle together and it makes me all warm and happy to see, but it's not all good stuff.

i'd recommend a male and a female, personally. not saying two males or two females can't get along, but it's better to play the odds when you can, imo.

 

[skyeboxer]

BSan,

I'm sorry if this sounds cheeky, it really is not meant to be. (It's hard to not sound snotty with this flat sort of communication.) I am just wondering if you are wanting another dog for yourself or for your other dog. It sort of comes across in your post that you want the addition mainly for company for the dog you have already got.

I got the impression that if there was a friendly family nearby with a dog that yours could play with, you'd be happy with that? Maybe someone with a fenced in yard is not necessary? What about someone who'll walk with you with their dog?

If what you really want is to add another dog to the pack, then go for it. I'd not choose to get same sex just because I think it would generally easier on the dog I have now. I have only one but she's kept more than occupied with the cats and two kids, plus I'm around all day so I've never felt that she needed any extra canine playmates in the house.

 

[ihartgonzo]

I totally agree with Elegy, it's double the responsibility & work. I have 2 boys now... Gonzo is much much happier with a playmate, for sure. I definitely feel it's worth it, but for some people it might not be. Think about the difficulty of walking 2 dogs, training a puppy (if you get a puppy), settling disputes, keeping a closer eye on them because 2 dogs usually get into more trouble then one, and tons of other issues that could arise.

hey... we have the same birthday! =D

 

[pocket warmer]

Getting my 2nd dog Rolo proved to be much more difficult than I`d anticipated but worth it totally.Training Lena was easy,she was eager to please but Rolo has a completly different personality,he`s very strong willed and I had to work much harder with him.I would`nt change a thing though,I love them both to bits.Also,2 dogs,1 older 1 younger means when 1 dies you`ve got support from the other to help you through the grieving period.Then in time get a new pup and the cycle continues.I feel that if I only had Lena,when she dies I would miss her so much I might never want to get another for fear of being hurt when they go.Sorry to be morbid,talking about death n stuff.

 

[BSan]

Thanks all.....so much to think about. I need to really think about it. All of you gave some really good opinions and thoughts. Thanks

 

[BSan]

All of your input made me really think about alot of things, and I will definately NOT be in a hurry to make a decision. I was not going to decide soon anyway, but now I have more to think about.

 

[bubbatd]

I've had 5 and with boarders have been up to 8 . All inside . Never a problem ... but they were Goldens. I'm down to one now , and would love to have 2 but really can't afford another . Only you can decide.

 

[Dave-W]

You're doing the right thing, Bsan, by not rushing it.

You will be better off letting your Pup grow up a bit before bringing another Pup into your house. About 18 months to two years old is good, that way you will have a well trained Dog who can show your new Pup the ropes.

In my experience, two Dogs is actually easier in some ways than one.

Good advice to not bring another male Dog into your home. Two males might get along fine, but then again they might not. One male at a time gives you one less thing to worry about.

 

[Delisay]

How do you manage getting a second, younger puppy, with respect to diseases?

If we are supposed to keep pups indoors or in a safe area until the age that they are protected from Parvo etc, I'm wondering how it works when the older dog goes out into the big wide world everyday, bringing bugs back to its young playmate...

Thanks

Del.

 

[muggsies16]

Getting my 2nd dog Rolo proved to be much more difficult than I`d anticipated but worth it totally.Training Lena was easy,she was eager to please but Rolo has a completly different personality,he`s very strong willed and I had to work much harder with him.I would`nt change a thing though,I love them both to bits.Also,2 dogs,1 older 1 younger means when 1 dies you`ve got support from the other to help you through the grieving period.Then in time get a new pup and the cycle continues.I feel that if I only had Lena,when she dies I would miss her so much I might never want to get another for fear of being hurt when they go.Sorry to be morbid,talking about death n stuff.

I know what you are saying, My John just brought me two Standard Poodle pups, they are just wonderful! We all know that Mugs is old so he found it would be easier on me if something were to happen! I just feel that since it was just Mugs and I for all these years, bringing in two more will keep me busy and young again!

 

[Buddy'sParents]

To OP:

I have two males and they are the best of friends. Both are happy go-lucky and we've not had any issues with any sort of agression, whatsoever.

Ou Buddy is a dominant dog and Banzai has just fallen right into the order of things, but I would not count on that happening again (so our next dog will be a female).

Having two dogs is DOUBLE the work, the responsibility, the training, the vet bills, the food bills, everything. Double, double, double. It's not something to make a hasty decision about at all. And, really, I think you'll know if you are ready to take on two dogs vs. the one. Chazzers may give you things to think about, but only you can make that decision for yourself and your family. Good luck.

How do you manage getting a second, younger puppy, with respect to diseases?

If we are supposed to keep pups indoors or in a safe area until the age that they are protected from Parvo etc, I'm wondering how it works when the older dog goes out into the big wide world everyday, bringing bugs back to its young playmate...

Thanks

Del.

You raise an interesting question... but, I suppose, that if one wanted to protect the young,they would do so by any means possible. Which, would mean no dog park or visits to Petsmart until the younger pup was safely out of the proverbial woods.