Multiple Dog Owners...Look Here!

[ColoradoSooner]

I need your help with a BIG decision!

We currently have two cats and a dog (a rat terrier). We have been thinking about getting another dog for awhile and we saw one at an adoption fair last weekend that...I can't explain it...I just bonded with immediately. We walked away but I cannot quit thinking about her. Usually at those things, I can walk away...no problem. But this little girl...gosh, I had such a visceral reaction to her that I actually cried later talking about her.

The dog we're thinking about adopting is not much bigger than our current dog, and they appear to have similar temperaments. We have an appointment on Saturday for them to meet and see how they like each other.

However, I feel so emotionally wrapped up in this that I'm looking for some help being logical about it. We've never had two dogs at a time. So...apart from the financial aspect of it (which we're WELL aware of), what are the pros and cons of a two-dog household? Don't hold back!

Thanks so much!

 

[msmik]

We have two female dogs. One is 9 and one is 2 years old. I love having two dogs instead of one. It was a big adjustment for the older one to get used of the younger one. The first few weeks I was regretting my decision to get a second one because the first acted so upset. She would hide behind the toilet and not eat. Now they are the best of buds.

The only down-side is double the food costs, double the vet bills and double the poop-scooping.

Other than that, two dogs is 3X as much fun as one!

Annie

 

[fit44]

I love having two!! I would add another but worry it would upset the perfect pair I have now.
My girl boxer was our first. I'm bragging, but she has wonderful manners. We decided to add a baby brother and it just so happens she mothered him. She sort of guided him when he was doing something wrong. It's funny, she would get my attention if he was up to no good (like digging up a newly planted bush in the backyard). She was a little snitch! LOL
They have their little spats here and there, but they love each other.
This is their first picture together.

 

[hiitdogs]

I am really the wrong person to give advice on that because I didn't stop at 2 dogs I have 5 dogs

I guess my question would be how old is your other dog and how does he or she usually get along with other dogs. I think one of the biggest pros is for your dog to have a companion or a play mate, especially for the time that you are gone. However if he/she is more of a loner and isn't too fond of other dogs you may not be doing your dog a favor.

Sometimes an additional dog will help the other dog overcome behavioral problems, other times it may trigger behavioral problems.

I am not sure that the size difference would be a problem. There is a couple at the local dog park who has a Great Dane and some sort of tiny terrier mix, it's an interesting view to watch them play

It is always best to introduce both dogs on neutral ground, not at home. Don't just let them at each other, take one dog on each side and take them for a long walk.

I think aside from the obvious con of cost, the major question would be how do you think you can handle two dogs? Can you deal with behavioral issues that may arise in the beginning or even for a while with two or more dogs as they establish their rankings. Are you prepared to be their "pack leader" and take control of both of them?

 

[ColoradoSooner]

Thanks for the replies so far! Keep 'em coming!

Fit44 - Your babies are SO cute. The dog we're looking at is a boxer mix (or so they say). She's brindle like your boy-baby.

Hiitdogs - Ranger likes other dogs, although he's not as keen on big dogs. I think he thinks they're trying to dominate him and he has to set them straight that just because he's short doesn't mean they can push him around. Ha! He dearly loves dogs around his size who aren't too hyper. So she seems to fit the bill. We found a lost Westie on our street one day (a male) and brought him into the house and Ranger thought we had gotten him the best toy ever!

I think we could handle two dogs. When we first got Ranger, we took him through two obedience courses and that taught us so much about being the leaders of the pack, and at the same time, it helped Ranger's confidence a lot. We would definitely take the new dog to obedience class, too.

Again, great input. Would love to hear more!

 

[SirenSongWoman]

There are realities to consider and those have been pointed out by more sensible individuals... But if you really have a problem walking away... 2 dogs and 2 cats could be lots of fun love.

As for me, I LOVE my 5 cats (and the other 3 who live inside a separate part of my house much of the year) but I really wish I'd stopped at 2. And every month I find yet another perfectly wonderful, lovable stray kitty deserving of a home and love... taking each one to the shelter. All the wonderful, deserving critters. All that love gone to waste. It just breaks your heart.

 

[MCunningham]

ColoradoSooner,

I started out just like you... I had two cats and a Boston Terrier. When he was about 8 months old, I saw an ad for a maltese mix that someone was just "getting rid of" because he "didn't fit their lifestyle". They were giving him away with only one toy and his little blankie. I read that ad and had the same kind of visceral reaction where I felt so horrible for this poor little dog that someone was just tossing because he didn't "fit". Needless to say, I adopted him the next day, and it's the best decision I've ever made!

The first 2 days were a little shaky... our Boston was a little uncertain about the newcomer, but here we are 2.5 years later, and they are literally best friends and are never more than a few feet from each other!!

Any animal lover or vet worth his/her salt will tell you almost all animals do better with one of their own "kind" around. They bond with them and have interactions with them that are unique to their own kind. Both of my dogs are healthy, happy, and seem really happy that they have a best friend to play around with, that way they're never lonely.

I wish you the best. I sincerely believe that if you had that gut reaction to this dog, you definitely need to make her a part of your family!

MC

 

[zoesmom]

I love having two!! I would add another but worry it would upset the perfect pair I have now.
My girl boxer was our first. I'm bragging, but she has wonderful manners. We decided to add a baby brother and it just so happens she mothered him. She sort of guided him when he was doing something wrong. It's funny, she would get my attention if he was up to no good (like digging up a newly planted bush in the backyard). She was a little snitch! LOL
They have their little spats here and there, but they love each other.
This is their first picture together.

That is the cuties picture I have ever seen.

 

[dreamyjeanie]

It really just depends on the dog. Our first Aussie (very much an alpha female) was home alone a lot while we worked so I thought a playmate would be just what she needed because she was so playful and I thought the 2 would keep each other company. Boy was I wrong. We got another aussie puppy and the first Aussie went into depression for over a month. She acted like how could you do this. She sulked, had a decrease in appetite and just looked at us funny, like "What were you thinking?" She tolerated the new dog (Breeze), but that's it. Even after 6 years she never really bonded with the new one. After she passed away we waited about 6 months and got a new puppy. Breeze adjusted right away and seemed happy to have the company. Our current Golden Ret., Summer, and Breeze are best buds. They sleep in 1 dog house together even though we have two. Breeze grooms Summer all the time. And boy can they play together.

So the only suggestion I have is watch how they interact and go from there.

 

[gettingfitmom]

I have two dogs, a choc. lab and a goldendoodle. We got the doodle first(at 8 weeks)and a year later got the lab. They are 2 and three now and I don't know what they would do w/out each other. They are like two little boys, running "fighting", etc.

 

[Beanie]

I have three female westies. They get a long very well together. Well, one of them is a little grouchy but she's like that to everyone not just the other dogs.

My friend got a boxer puppy and she had an older dog but the older dog wasn't to thrilled with the new family member but it just took a little bit of time and they became friends. In the beginning my friend was so upset about this. So it might take a bit of time for them to adjust to each other. I hope it works out for you. Adopting is a wonderful thing.

 

[coloradomama]

We have always had two dogs. It started out 13 years ago when we got a second dog because the first was being destructive. They were best friends. They've both passed on and we have two new ones, Jackson (black & white) and Lola (the mischievous one!). They lay together, play together, and get in trouble together. They keep each other company when we are not home and miss each other when we have to take one to the vet. Dogs are pack animals and I think it's a great idea to have two dogs!

 

[Shadowpup]

We've had it work out well, and poorly. It depends so much on the dogs involved, and also how you handle the interactions, and how much space you have relative to the needs of the dogs ... Mostly, it's been extremely positive.

But it isn't always positive so I'll share the problem we had, as maybe it will help you as you're choosing how to put the dogs together ...

When my husband and I got married, he had two dogs (strong willed Husky, fear-aggressive rescued border collie) and I had one (high powered German Shepherd Dog, an only dog and getting all my attention). All three female. Things went from fine to instant scary fights, which started if I gave the slightest hint of dissatisfaction with *anything* canine in my vicinity (the Shepherd or the Border would follow up with teeth, and the Husky would pile in too). I could call off the fight, but it was really hard to keep it from starting. We eventually squelched that but it took a long time and careful watching of body language, to avoid inadvertently giving permission for dogfights. Firmness and watchfulness and continuous reinforcement of obedience training. We had to learn how to do obedience training with three dogs, too, which is not the same as just one or a pair. It took real commitment to make it work out ...

After the Husky went to live with grown up step daughter, we adopted a rescue laborador and also kept a border collie mix that someone dumped. These were both male. That really reduced tensions, though we still did not leave the females alone unattended - too risky.

My GSD died at sixteen, cancer, two years ago and I miss her dreadfully - but on the plus side, our three dogs nowadays get along very well, and they are wonderful for each other. It helps keep everyone fit and entertained, playing chase games and so on with each other!

I don't think we'd have the same difficulties again with multiple dogs - put it down to inexperience on how to introduce and manage packs, and a bad mix of personalities introduced too quickly in too small a space, with too many emotions going on around them (ie, marriage, the early years!). Oh, and our fear aggressive border eventually learned to be more and more trusting, and is a wonderful and gentle pet much beloved even by our mail carrier. We still take care not to put her in stress situations, and I hold her when she needs veterinary work, or do it myself at home, so that she feels safe. She is also midteens now. You wouldn't know it to watch her skirmish with the others! I don't have as much time for obedience training, so we'll probably try to stay at three dogs. Unless another hard luck story comes to our door ...

 

[Sunshine1528]

Another who has had a very positive experience when blending households. DH had a male 4 yr old lab and I had a 2 yr old female Giant Schnauzer. Both were adorably loving and obedient. They had the greatest bond and, like previously mentioned, missed the other when one went to the vet, got a grooming, etc.

Sadly the lab passed on nearly two years ago and my schnauz doesn't mind being an only dog and getting all the attention, but I do think she misses her boy.

However, also as has been mentioned, Zellie, at her ripe old age of 12, she does not enjoy the company of our very playful "nephew" from next door - a beautiful Aussie/Border Collie mix that we babysit when his mom and dad go on vacation. We bring him over most of the time when we are home and he plays a bit and has learned to leave my Zellie alone because she is not too tolerant. That would keep me from bringing in another at this point in time because I can see that I don't think her present personality would lend itself to another dog in the house who would want to "play" with her.

I think it is great that the two you are looking at blending are similar in size and temperment and especially great that you will be introducing them to each other first to test the waters. Perhaps a few "test runs" at your home may be a good idea too.

I honestly agree that most dogs would love to have the company since they are many times left alone, some are independent. I think my girl would love company if it were a more docile type though. I will never forget the times our two layed head to head or side by side in the backyard or in the house. They were rarely too far apart . . .

 

[newtocathe]

First: I applaud you for treating this as such a big decision. I volunteer a lot at a shelter, and I wish everyone took the responsibilities of pet ownership as seriously as you do.

My boyfriend has an amazing dog: one of those zen dogs that loves everyone and gets along with everyone and everything - babies, cats, guinea pigs, birds, other dogs, everyone! A few years ago, I was finally in the position of being able to adopt a dog myself - something I've always wanted to do. I was really worried that the new dog might impact my boyfriend's dog in a bad way because my boyfriend's dog is a senior dog and is used to being the center of attention. He likes other dogs just fine but even at dog parks, he would go to the people to say hi instead of the dogs! I didn't have to worry - my boyfriend's dog and my dog LOVE each other, and actually get really lonely if they have to spend time apart. I think my dog has ended up making my boyfriend's dog feel and act younger!

 

[ellesan]

Hi, we have a Rat Terrier too, he was our second dog. We first adopted our Italian greyhound/Chihuahua mix in 2005. We had a small apartment so had to get a smaller dog. I was used to having boxers and didn't like the idea of smaller dogs, but now I luv 'em. In 2008 we decided he needed a playmate and went looking to adopt. We found our Rat Terrier and took our Iggy mix to meet him. They were tentative at first, but seemed ok. I was nervous, but my husband really wanted him (they are both fixed boys). Anyway, after the first few days they started fighting a bit and I got really worried...but they worked it out. They play rough once in a while and fight now and then, but for the most part they like each other and keep each other entertained. All in all I'm glad we have two, but it is a lot more work. If you feel like it's a good fit for your family, go for it!


Cynthia, your boxers are adorable!! We had boxers growing up and would love to get one in the future. They are such great dogs.

 

[PhyllisG]

We have generally always had 2 dogs. Six years ago we adopted a rescue dog thru petfinder and he was the one and only for 3 years. He is a medium size dog. Recently I saw another dog on petfinder that I really fell in love with and decided to adopt. The dog is a small chihuahua mix and was transported from GA to NYS. The week I was waiting for him to arrive I was so anxious that the dog wouldn't work out that I couldn't sleep. Well it all worked out great. They are the best of friends and look exactly alike except one weighs 35 lbs. and the other 15 lbs. My first dog thinks we got him the best toy ever. They really seem to love one another. One thing we did do is introduce the dogs outside of our house and take them for a walk together. Only then did we go home and inside. Good luck!

 

[Havingfun]

dogs

Hi,

I've always had 3 dogs and have a 3 dog limit. I have 2 males and a female now, before my last Aussie passed away I had 2 females and a male. I've had breeds with strong temperaments and weak temperaments and I think it all depends on your status in the pack and the dogs. Dogs are pack animals, so I always think that it's nice to have at least 2.

I must admit that after the Aussie died, we had a period of about 4 months before we got Putin and the other 2 seemed a little sad when he came in the house because a puppy does get a lot of attention. They have since adjusted and all are doing fine.

I'd say go for it, unless the extra expense is an issue. I lucked out and found a new vet who didn't charge an office visit every time the puppy needed a shot. That was huge.

Tracy

 

[penguinchik]

We got our second Lab this past July. Our first dog, Jake (who I call my first born) was 10 at the time (he's almost 11 now). The puppy, Cooper (who is now 9 months) drove and continues to drive Jake nuts. It's really annoying. Cooper wants to play and is instinctively doing what puppies would do. He tries to bite Jake, jump on him, bark at him, etc. Poor Jake is an old boy who just wants to be left alone. He had a cancerous mass removed this fall and then underwent chemo. It was traumatic for us (and I'm sure him) and we were so upset when Cooper would bother him. BTW, so far no cancer has returned and Jake is doing well.

However, despite Cooper's behavior with Jake, he is actually the sweetest thing. He's a total snuggle dog, loves us like there's no tomorrow and has added life to our home. Now I can't imagine not having him. So there's good and bad. It breaks my heart when Jake just wants to be left alone, but at the same time, Cooper is such a love. The situation's not perfect, but then again what in life is?

I also applaud how seriously you are taking this decision. I love how you are so emotionally attached to the new doggy and you haven't even adopted her yet. We are such dog people ourselves and not everyone understands the feeling. Some of my friends find it shocking that Cooper falls asleep in the middle of our bed with his head on a pillow (Jake won't hop up on the bed anymore. He sleeps on the couch downstairs no matter how many times we try to get him to come up. So sad. He ALWAYS used to sleep with us. He stopped doing it before Cooper came into the picture, so it's not because of that. He's just getting on in years.)

Good luck with your decision. Sounds like the doggy would be a very lucky pup to have you!!! Take care!
--Jen

 

[fit44]

We have always had two dogs. It started out 13 years ago when we got a second dog because the first was being destructive. They were best friends. They've both passed on and we have two new ones, Jackson (black & white) and Lola (the mischievous one!). They lay together, play together, and get in trouble together. They keep each other company when we are not home and miss each other when we have to take one to the vet. Dogs are pack animals and I think it's a great idea to have two dogs!

Jill, your babies are beautiful! My two are the same. They really do not like being separated.