DabDab
Ah mud, splendid
I've always had multiple bitches without an issue (currently have three) as well as one dog. Have also had both dogs and bitches belonging to friends to stay without a problem.
Going from one dog to two...
- Thread starter ArklePig
- Start date
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
I have only ever briefly owned a single dog, we now have two but three would suit me better as we don't have the usual obligatory terrier thrown into the mix.....yet
Our two lab bitches came from separate homes both as 3 year olds and they really do get on very, very well together. They are polar opposite temperament and intelligence wise and I think that might be why it works so well with them both. The only two dogs we ever had that really did NOT get on were two terriers, one dog and one bitch. So badly we had to rehome one of them to another family member before they killed each other.
I would not recommend a spaniel under any circumstances but that is purely based on my own personal experience. One of my bitches came from an extremely reputable breeder here in the south but fairly near the border, she breeds show Labradors not workers. If you do decide to go down that route pm me and I can give you her Facebook detail to contact.
Our two lab bitches came from separate homes both as 3 year olds and they really do get on very, very well together. They are polar opposite temperament and intelligence wise and I think that might be why it works so well with them both. The only two dogs we ever had that really did NOT get on were two terriers, one dog and one bitch. So badly we had to rehome one of them to another family member before they killed each other.
I would not recommend a spaniel under any circumstances but that is purely based on my own personal experience. One of my bitches came from an extremely reputable breeder here in the south but fairly near the border, she breeds show Labradors not workers. If you do decide to go down that route pm me and I can give you her Facebook detail to contact.
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ArklePig
Well-Known Member
Thanks Mrs J I will do if that's the route we go down! I must say I love spaniels, I think there's something really special about them but then maybe I'm just blessed to have only half a spaniel and a full one would be too much 
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
Black retriever x rescue are getting a tonne of Irish dogs at the moment.
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
Have you seen their current yellow lab, Rex, in Belfast? Highly tempted.
SilverLinings
Well-Known Member
Until now I have always had two bitches (cocker spaniels), with a maximum age gap of 8yrs and a minimum of 4yrs as the next puppy was only brought in when the previous oldie died. I have never had any trouble with jealousy etc, but like humans they have their own temperaments and preferences so I think you need to take that into account when choosing a new dog. I had one bitch who was very independent and quite aloof and when introducing the next dog I took care to choose a quieter bitch who wouldn't endlessly bother her.
The last dog I had lived with my mum's dog (we both shared care as I work f/t and it meant neither dog was alone) and they LOVED each other, to the point that they seemed to believe they were mother and daughter. They were different temperaments but chose to do everything together and it really highlighted how much a canine companion can enrich a dog's life. After those two I would never choose to keep a lone dog; despite being besotted with each other they were no trouble to separate (e.g. I took mine to agility regularly) so there were only pluses.
As you know Fodhla now and know that she likes the companionship of other dogs you should have a good shot at choosing a suitable companion. As well as meeting the current dog's needs you can also use a companion to help to temper any minor 'faults', e.g. if you have a shy dog choose a more confident puppy, if you have a slightly manic dog then choose a calmer companion.
In terms of puppy versus adult companion I think the first dog is less likely to feel threatened or insecure if the new dog is a puppy, and as Fodhla has only been with you for a small art of her life she may be susceptible to this, but it can be carefully managed if you do go down the route of getting an adult rescue.
It sounds like you have done a good job with Fodhla, and are very thoughtful about her needs, so I have no doubt you will make a success of whatever you choose as Fodhla will be at the centre of your decision
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
I was thinking of him. He looks straightforward.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
And you could foster him and see how it goes 
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
but you do need to know if Fodhla is going to need significant rest first
SusieT
Well-Known Member
Two is great- IF they get on.
You need to consider: IF one is injured how will you manage that - can you separate them and walk separately?
What if they fall out at start or a few years later, how will that work?
Will they both fit in the car? What if they don't like travelling in the same boot?
Can you afford it if they both get ill at once?
Two can be fabulous - if they get on. And just do consider when introducing them to each other how you would feel if another adult didn't like your current dog - and how you would feel if there is a fight?
If you do get one plan for lots of making sure no shared toys, food bowls etc for a good while. A puppy can be easier as adults can be more forgiving of a new puppy in their home but also the adult can injure the pup. An adult who gets on with your existing dog is the ideal scenario but not always easy to find.
Also if taking on holiday/renting etc one is easier than two.
You need to consider: IF one is injured how will you manage that - can you separate them and walk separately?
What if they fall out at start or a few years later, how will that work?
Will they both fit in the car? What if they don't like travelling in the same boot?
Can you afford it if they both get ill at once?
Two can be fabulous - if they get on. And just do consider when introducing them to each other how you would feel if another adult didn't like your current dog - and how you would feel if there is a fight?
If you do get one plan for lots of making sure no shared toys, food bowls etc for a good while. A puppy can be easier as adults can be more forgiving of a new puppy in their home but also the adult can injure the pup. An adult who gets on with your existing dog is the ideal scenario but not always easy to find.
Also if taking on holiday/renting etc one is easier than two.
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
but you do need to know if Fodhla is going to need significant rest first
This is the only thing making me sit on my hands. Should know more on Wednesday and then we will be better placed to plan.
Thank you @SilverLinings that's a really well considered response and I have a lot to think about. We are essentially thinking about getting a dog for the dog so her needs are paramount.
ETA @SusieT I also missed your very helpful response here. I hadn't considered things like holidays or injuries these are exactly the things I need to think of!
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blodwyn1
Well-Known Member
I would just say it didn't work for us and I would never have two dogs again.
blodwyn1
Well-Known Member
We got the second dog to keep our first dog company and that was successful but both strongly bonded to my husband and there were problems when the pup was ill and missed out on socialisation. I was the only one doing the training and oh didn't reinforce it and then the cocker developed cocker rage and I got badly bitten to the face. We managed them for seven years but then had to have him put down after another attack and suddenly our golden retriever came out off his shell and we realised he had been walking on eggshells for seven years as well. He lived his last year's as a very happy single dog!
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
2 are no more bother than one (I’m lying!)
I don’t like single dogs, there’s no substitute, imo, for having another of their species, no matter how much human interaction they get. This is Bear as a puppy with our old dog, Brig.
In your shoes, I’d be contacting Druid, as pp have suggested.
I don’t like single dogs, there’s no substitute, imo, for having another of their species, no matter how much human interaction they get. This is Bear as a puppy with our old dog, Brig.
In your shoes, I’d be contacting Druid, as pp have suggested.
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
2 are no more bother than one (I’m lying!)
I don’t like single dogs, there’s no substitute, imo, for having another of their species, no matter how much human interaction they get. This is Bear as a puppy with our old dog, Brig.
In your shoes, I’d be contacting Druid, as pp have suggested.
What a pair
not sure that first picture has sold me on the idea though Pearlsasinger
Up in the clouds
Ime, it is much easier to raise a puppy the way you want than to put right someone else's mistakes. We have rehomed several dogs and it always takes at least as long to train them into your ways as it takes to train a pup to be clean and mannerly about the house, travel happily, walk sensibly on and off lead, recall reliably, visit friends and family and go out and about in a way that gets you invited back. Remember that in the vast majority of cases there is a reason that 'rescue' dogs need a new home.
Cinnamontoast
Fais pas chier!
What a pair
2 is definitely more tricky, but as you’ve done the sensible thing and not got 2 together, then hopefully the established dog will show the way re manners, routines. Mine are working bred, so might be more tricky than a show bred type, although Brig and his brother were also working bred but very chill. We gave Bear big dog time away from the puppies. Goose worships him and harasses him if allowed (obviously not allowed bar exciting times eg being told it’s tea time on the way to the kitchen)
The endless playing between the youngsters drives me a bit mad sometimes, but we have established routines, no playfighting after a certain time, no running upstairs, no jumping out of the car etc. Given your dedication to your girl’s training, I think you’ll be just fine.
Moobli
Well-Known Member
I like a single dog as they’re so much easier to take everywhere with you. Having said that I haven’t had an only dog for many years . I currently have three and OH has nine. I think breed makes a difference too. I’d happily have 2/3 border collies together but will only have one GSD at a time in future as socialisation, training and management is more intensive.
In your shoes, I’d enjoy Fodhla as an only dog for a while longer and then either plan for a puppy in future or you could look at young rehomes/rescues that would suit Fodhla’ temperament and your lifestyle.
. I currently have three and OH has nine. I think breed makes a difference too. I’d happily have 2/3 border collies together but will only have one GSD at a time in future as socialisation, training and management is more intensive.In your shoes, I’d enjoy Fodhla as an only dog for a while longer and then either plan for a puppy in future or you could look at young rehomes/rescues that would suit Fodhla’ temperament and your lifestyle.
AmyMay
Situation normal
You’re more than capable.
Clodagh
Well-Known Member
We tend to multiple but I agree as you say, and as PAS has mentioned with one of hers, it’s hard to tell if they are sad until the other one goes. Brandy hated my lurcher and really cheered up when she was pts. It was an eye opener, all of ours would 100% be happy as only dogs and love solo time.
druid
Well-Known Member
Thanks PS that's really helpful in practicalities. I guess there's no harm in researching breeders once I narrow down a breed (I think more than likely a lab or a springer) and seeing what the craic is. I'm terrified of buying from a breeder because the last thing I want to do is inadvertently support a bad one but I'm sure I'll be back for advice on that in the future if that's the road we want to go down. On the off chance anyone knows decent breeders of either in NI or ROI do let me know
Send me a private messgae and we can have a chat -I might be able to help with a Springer pup or an older dog
splashgirl45
Lurcher lover
I’ve got 3 now and don’t have any problems, ive got a Citroen berlingo so can fit 3 cages in, the 2 terriers are very small and my lurcher is mainly whippet so he isn’t very big. It’s often more difficult to find holiday accommodation if you have more than one dog, so that needs thinking about. Although I did try for rescues I was unsuccessful so have had puppies and used a pen indoors so the adult dog got time away from the pup, and I crate trained all of them so i could go out and leave any or all of them crated while I wasn’t there to supervise. I am careful when any new toys are introduced as that can cause ructions as they all want the same one, I just make sure I’m keeping an eye on them and step in if I feel it’s getting too rowdy..
druid
Well-Known Member
That's absolutely fine - I would know most other (decent) breeders of ESS in Ireland and many in UK and help with gundog rescue also.
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
That's perfect, it'll be a decent breeder or a rescue, and I'd really appreciate help with a breeder if we go that route because I've never done it before and I'm very aware of how some atrocious breeders can make themselves look good! It's a bit overwhelming to be honest!
druid
Well-Known Member
PoniesRock
Well-Known Member
We’ve recently gone from one princess terrier who has always been very well behaved but 100% spoilt! To two terriers! Not planned at all, I was always worried that Cass wouldn’t cope with sharing her toys, and her home as she’s always been an only dog. And then Rosie came along… Rosie is wild, we keep joking that she’s the typical second child - first child very well behaved and the second is feral! But they love each other. Cass will play with her but let’s her know when she’s had enough. I mean, Rosie is forever trying her luck, but she does get put in her place, and I don’t think it does puppies any harm to be told off by older dogs - obviously not nasty! From our point of view waking two is no different to one, feed wise, yes technically it’s double but they are only little Jack Russells so they don’t eat masses. And we now have twice the amount of entertainment from them, and twice the amount of love 
ArklePig
Well-Known Member
This is very true in my human family, I'm the youngest
Her food is a fortune tbh because she is extremely fussy. We definitely spend a tonne of money on her we don't need to though, on account of the fact we're sad feckers and she's our first dog that we pined after for years. I'm sure we could cut down on some of the unnecessary stuff if needed