Multiple dog owners do you have a 'favorite'

T

travellingpony

Well-Known Member
Joined
9 April 2015
Messages
202
Visit site
Just musing my 15 year old dog as I posted before went senile and sadly was PTS last week. I have three other dogs but she was the alpha female and I used to take her everywhere with me. The others are like a pack and don't get me wrong all get tonnes of walks and affection but I am feeling a gaping hole where she was. Although I still have dogs they are more interested in one another if that makes sense?

Do you feel you are more connected to one or the same with all of them?
 
good question. and yes, I do have a stronger connection with my retriever than my smooth. I've always put this down to having the former since a young pup though -didnt get the second one until he was 7 months. I adore the smooth, he's special (in more ways that one lol) in his own way-he's a super dog and I love him to bits. the retriever though is something else-I mean all dogs are super enthusiastic but he really is ready to do anything, at any time as long as he's with me and he's massively smart at figuring stuff out/learning things-just a fabulous character.
 
I've tended to stick to singletons, even when I went to two, I still always had a favourite and they were more closely bonded to each other than they were to me :o and it was a relief to go back to one.
It's understandable that it feels strange for you, 15 years is a long time to have had a dog in your life and she was clearly very bonded to you.
 
Thanks guys. I tried taking the new alpha dog if you like out with me but she ran off from sitting in the car and it felt a bit sad! I am a little vulnerable today I just had the call for the ashes. I have a little girl so all three go to bed when she does as they cannot be trusted not to bark and bomb round the house and wake her. The old one just used to keep me company I guess I am missing that and something to drive around with. They are all outside with me most of the day but do their own thing.

Any thoughts what to do or do I just accept its different now and get used to a dog free hour before bed?

I should add I also don't want to cause problems in the current pack. The three don't seem to understand at night you lay down no matter how far I walk them or how long they run. They are crated in the kitchen at night.
 
Last edited:
I am really sorry you have lost your heart dog. We have two bitches and one entire male and we try to give each one individual 'outings' so that they are all exposed to different environments on a regular basis while having our undivided attention (they are not the easiest of dogs apart from the male). I have found myself attracted to different aspects of each one's personality so could not really say I have a favourite. I will favour the male's company if I need to relax but the bitches give me a greater sense of achievement as they are more complex and challenging and need ongoing socialisation and training. I probably relate to my dogs slightly differently from the way you do from necessity but I think I can understand how you feel as I have had to fight a natural inclination to spend more time with the male dog and sometimes sneakily think I should have had him alone.
 
planete said:
I am really sorry you have lost your heart dog. We have two bitches and one entire male and we try to give each one individual 'outings' so that they are all exposed to different environments on a regular basis while having our undivided attention (they are not the easiest of dogs apart from the male). I have found myself attracted to different aspects of each one's personality so could not really say I have a favourite. I will favour the male's company if I need to relax but the bitches give me a greater sense of achievement as they are more complex and challenging and need ongoing socialisation and training. I probably relate to my dogs slightly differently from the way you do from necessity but I think I can understand how you feel as I have had to fight a natural inclination to spend more time with the male dog and sometimes sneakily think I should have had him alone.
Click to expand...

Thanks for understanding I feel a bit horrible saying it. They have all come from not great situations and I love having them all but its not the same. One is my daughters and bonkers the other two are just more into dogs than people. I guess its what happens when you has so many
 
give yourself time to grieve and accept that you love the other 3, but they will never be the same.

We lost our GSD over a year ago now and I still miss him. Even though compared to the new dogs he was harder: he loved all people and great with my baby, but he was reactive with strange dogs so walks had to be carefully managed. but he was my boy, loyal to me and great company for the 3 years we had him (I cannot imagine the heart break after 15, he was sadly taken at 5 by cancer, rescued him aged 2) We got a new rescue 2yo collie a month later as house was empty without a dog. I love her dearly but she is not him and never will be. she i is very friendly, but will happily sleep away from me even when I invite her on the sofa in the evening. had her just over a year. then about a month ago we took on a friends 3yo Labrador as family break up meant he could not keep him and she didn't want him. He has settled in very quickly, used to a toddler from previous home (I have a nearly 2 yo and pregnant) and he is very loving. it is early days and I do like him but I often feel like I just have him because he needed a home. he is no trouble, but I still ache for my GSD. I actually used to look after the lab as a puppy and my GSD liked him, as at the time he was up the road from us.
 
pippixox said:
give yourself time to grieve and accept that you love the other 3, but they will never be the same.

We lost our GSD over a year ago now and I still miss him. Even though compared to the new dogs he was harder: he loved all people and great with my baby, but he was reactive with strange dogs so walks had to be carefully managed. but he was my boy, loyal to me and great company for the 3 years we had him (I cannot imagine the heart break after 15, he was sadly taken at 5 by cancer, rescued him aged 2) We got a new rescue 2yo collie a month later as house was empty without a dog. I love her dearly but she is not him and never will be. she i is very friendly, but will happily sleep away from me even when I invite her on the sofa in the evening. had her just over a year. then about a month ago we took on a friends 3yo Labrador as family break up meant he could not keep him and she didn't want him. He has settled in very quickly, used to a toddler from previous home (I have a nearly 2 yo and pregnant) and he is very loving. it is early days and I do like him but I often feel like I just have him because he needed a home. he is no trouble, but I still ache for my GSD. I actually used to look after the lab as a puppy and my GSD liked him, as at the time he was up the road from us.
Click to expand...


That is exactly what it is these needed a home I brought the terrier I lost as a puppy and had her always. Its just nice others understand. I don't want to replace her as such that would never happen but there is a large void. It was the same when I lost my horse its two years now but after ten the same thing.

I am not rushing into anything at all but it does feel strange to have so many and be sitting on your own in a room at night. One of the others would sit and the other two don't care really at all. I don't want to wreck the pack dynamic by taking one through do you think that would happen?
 
so will they just run around the living room like nutters and wake your little one? just wondering if maybe if you tried for a little bit letting them in the living room (all 3) they may start to get used to it and calm down?
when we first got our collie she had to be told to 'settle', as she would constantly on the go, like you said, even if you have walked her all day! but then gradually she learned to relax without being told to go to her bed. she now sleeps on either a dog bed in the corner or on the sofa!

I can see how it must feel so weird to not have dog company in the evening. I love finally sitting on the sofa in peace with my dogs next to me when mad toddler is in bed!
 
pippixox said:
so will they just run around the living room like nutters and wake your little one? just wondering if maybe if you tried for a little bit letting them in the living room (all 3) they may start to get used to it and calm down?
when we first got our collie she had to be told to 'settle', as she would constantly on the go, like you said, even if you have walked her all day! but then gradually she learned to relax without being told to go to her bed. she now sleeps on either a dog bed in the corner or on the sofa!

I can see how it must feel so weird to not have dog company in the evening. I love finally sitting on the sofa in peace with my dogs next to me when mad toddler is in bed!
Click to expand...

Yes it’s wooden floors sadly and open stairs to upstairs. They just play with one another non stop sitting still as a collective is impossible. Each one alone is okay but together crazy then the others howl from the kitchen. I work from home so we are practicing but they aren’t improving too fast it’s like releasing Tasmanian devils
 
I feel for you :( I’ve had my 15 year old since he was 7 weeks old, ever since we moved here. He was-still is-my baby.

The two youngsters, tho, are a different kettle of fish entirely. It’s difficult to say which one I love more. Bear is my symbiote, according to my OH: he clearly favours me, gets off my OH’s knee as soon as mine is available, runs up to me as soon as he’s allowed and is obsessed with me. Zak, tho, is adorable, cuddly, too clever, stubborn, difficult, a heck of a character and has taught us an awful lot. I doubt we’d ever see another similar character.

Re the madness at night, our two were similar, but we trained them to behave in the lounge, no play fighting, it’s a calm place. They can play outside, but once in here, it’s quiet, well-behaved dogs. That took a wee while to sink in, but it was so worth it.
 
cinnamontoast said:
I feel for you :( I’ve had my 15 year old since he was 7 weeks old, ever since we moved here. He was-still is-my baby.

The two youngsters, tho, are a different kettle of fish entirely. It’s difficult to say which one I love more. Bear is my symbiote, according to my OH: he clearly favours me, gets off my OH’s knee as soon as mine is available, runs up to me as soon as he’s allowed and is obsessed with me. Zak, tho, is adorable, cuddly, too clever, stubborn, difficult, a heck of a character and has taught us an awful lot. I doubt we’d ever see another similar character.

Re the madness at night, our two were similar, but we trained them to behave in the lounge, no play fighting, it’s a calm place. They can play outside, but once in here, it’s quiet, well-behaved dogs. That took a wee while to sink in, but it was so worth it.
Click to expand...

We are making slow progress. I blame the pug.. Someone had her the split up then she was crated for hours a day and it was a really sad story. I thought it would be fine here as we are always outside. Errr no! The pug is incapable of being still in any situation at all. If the others are quiet she can’t bare it. Of course she likes to yap too. The Doberman has taken her from city dog afraid of a puddle to bog mud covered rabitting pug. She’s all muscle and very happy but bonkers. I think if she would sit the others would. Sadly she yaps if she is in sight of the others and not causing chaos.

Maybe I need a dog trainer!
 
travellingpony said:
We are making slow progress. I blame the pug.. Someone had her the split up then she was crated for hours a day and it was a really sad story. I thought it would be fine here as we are always outside. Errr no! The pug is incapable of being still in any situation at all. If the others are quiet she can’t bare it. Of course she likes to yap too. The Doberman has taken her from city dog afraid of a puddle to bog mud covered rabitting pug. She’s all muscle and very happy but bonkers. I think if she would sit the others would. Sadly she yaps if she is in sight of the others and not causing chaos.

Maybe I need a dog trainer!
Click to expand...

Or some sedative? :)
 
Lévrier;13780236 said:
Or some sedative? :)
Click to expand...

My daughter adores it it’s the most annoying dog I have ever had. It out crazies spaniels, terriers you name it. It’s had two scratches on its eye ball that have cost a fortune flying through bracken after the other dogs rabbiting she’s insane. The vet was in stitches!
 
I've had 4 dogs for quite a few years now, and although I always do have a favourite I never let them know that :) I try very hard to treat them equally and give them each the same amount of attention and fuss.

I have the opposite dynamic to you OP, I have 3 oldies who behave wonderfully and one mental teenage lurcher who is totally mad! I know that when I lose one of the oldies I will have to get another teenager, which isn't a prospect that fills me with joy - having said that, the teenager is a real sweetie and has settled down a lot already so hopefully she will be relatively stable by then :)
 
travellingpony said:
My daughter adores it it’s the most annoying dog I have ever had. It out crazies spaniels, terriers you name it. It’s had two scratches on its eye ball that have cost a fortune flying through bracken after the other dogs rabbiting she’s insane. The vet was in stitches!
Click to expand...

I appreciate how difficult the pug must be to actually live with, but how fabulous - a proper pug not an overweight horrible laptop type like so many of them are :) My friend has two cavaliers who act in much the same way as your pug, I tease her endlessly for getting little laptop spaniels when they are trying to murder wildlife or coat themselves in muck....
 
Lévrier;13780238 said:
I've had 4 dogs for quite a few years now, and although I always do have a favourite I never let them know that :) I try very hard to treat them equally and give them each the same amount of attention and fuss.

I have the opposite dynamic to you OP, I have 3 oldies who behave wonderfully and one mental teenage lurcher who is totally mad! I know that when I lose one of the oldies I will have to get another teenager, which isn't a prospect that fills me with joy - having said that, the teenager is a real sweetie and has settled down a lot already so hopefully she will be relatively stable by then :)
Click to expand...

I feel funny with three I’m sure it won’t be for too long something normally turns up doesn’t it! We are so spoiled with the oldies mine are all bitches the pug is 12 months so extra delinquent and the others are 3 and 4. No more puppies but there might be space for an older male to maybe calm it down 😉.
 
Our dogs, except for one, have always had a favourite human so I think we have tended to favour the one that favours us most. Currently Hector is curled up at Mr EM's feet and Herbie is on my my lap and this is the way they always tend to be.
 
EventingMum said:
Our dogs, except for one, have always had a favourite human so I think we have tended to favour the one that favours us most. Currently Hector is curled up at Mr EM's feet and Herbie is on my my lap and this is the way they always tend to be.
Click to expand...

Mine tend to migrate to me only because I feed and walk. Much to the disgust of my daughter. She’s generally only good for extra bouncy crazy.

It’s nice they find you like that and sit with you. They so are part of the family it’s heart braking when you loose one and the dynamic changes.

My old dog used to not let anyone run around or go on her sofa I only wish they paid me so much respect!
 
Have four at the moment, one dog who I got in at six months is the definite favourite. He knows it. He isn't the flashiest or best in competition but he is the easiest I've had to train and gives me the most pleasurable to work and can't be more than a few feet from me if I'm around.
 
I have just lost suddenly and unexpectedly a very very special dog but I have always loved my others, two at the moment. I always give each individual attention and love all three for their different characters.
We are all three missing their sister but find comfort together and are still trying to enjoy life.
 
Chiffy said:
I have just lost suddenly and unexpectedly a very very special dog but I have always loved my others, two at the moment. I always give each individual attention and love all three for their different characters.
We are all three missing their sister but find comfort together and are still trying to enjoy life.
Click to expand...

So sorry for your loss especially unexpected.
 
We always have two bitches and a dog .
Although favourite is not quite the right word my partner in crime is always the dog mainly , I think , because my first dog was given to me by my father when I was fifteen.
It’s a terrible loss when you lose that special dog but you will love another in a different but also special way .
 
Chiffy said:
I have just lost suddenly and unexpectedly a very very special dog but I have always loved my others, two at the moment. I always give each individual attention and love all three for their different characters.
We are all three missing their sister but find comfort together and are still trying to enjoy life.
Click to expand...

So sorry to hear that.

Middle lab is my 'bestie', I trained her and work her and she just does everything with me. I love the other 3 too but in a more generic way.
 
Sorry to hear about your dog 🙁

We have mum and pup, mum is OHs dog and was our “baby” before human baby appeared. My husband definitely prefers her, and quite often the pup is in the bad books for oafish behaviour and she’s a bit tricky to work sometimes. So as a result I seem to spend more time with her, and I’ve grown to really love her little quirks, the mum is so well behaved it’s refreshing to be challenged a little! They’re both very much loved though!
 
I have always preferred bitches over dogs. When Aled came along, I completely and utterly fell in love with him. OH is a cat person (I do like cats too), and had never had a dog before. Aled has taught him a lot about the difference, with my help. We then got Luna. We were looking for an older rescue as company for Aled, but just didn’t find one that ticked our (my) boxes, and that was suitable as a companion for him, and got on with cats. She is now 11 months old, they adore each other. I’m not sure either is my favourite. I worry about him all the time as he is showing his age now, and sometimes I feel like I am subconsciously distancing myself from him a bit because I know what’s coming. I hope that makes sense. Luna looks to me for guidance all the time. When we are doing training, her eyes never leave me. During the week, Aled no longer comes to the horses as he just runs about constantly and over does it. I take her, and OH takes him for a nice gentle walk. They are both my dogs, and I love them equally. I know when we do have to say goodbye to Aled, that we will get another, and it worries me that s/he will have a hell of a lot to live up to.
 
I love all my dogs equally - but differently, if that makes sense. I do feel I have a particularly strong bond with my younger GSD though and put it down to the fact he has fulfilled every expectation I ever had for this breed and is the type of dog you can take anywhere and everywhere (and I do). Don't get me wrong, I have also completely loved my other shepherds (and border collies) but Zak and I have just clicked in a way I haven't with the others. Very hard to explain really. Zak is everything a GSD should be in my opinion. If I could clone him, I would! I am hoping to have a pup by him next year.
 
Sorry to hear your lost your special dog travellingpony :(

Chiffy said:
I have just lost suddenly and unexpectedly a very very special dog but I have always loved my others, two at the moment. I always give each individual attention and love all three for their different characters.
We are all three missing their sister but find comfort together and are still trying to enjoy life.
Click to expand...

So sorry to hear this Chiffy :(
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Lévrier;13780238 said:
I've had 4 dogs for quite a few years now, and although I always do have a favourite I never let them know that :) I try very hard to treat them equally and give them each the same amount of attention and fuss.

I have the opposite dynamic to you OP, I have 3 oldies who behave wonderfully and one mental teenage lurcher who is totally mad! I know that when I lose one of the oldies I will have to get another teenager, which isn't a prospect that fills me with joy - having said that, the teenager is a real sweetie and has settled down a lot already so hopefully she will be relatively stable by then :)
Click to expand...

And I had the perfect teenager straying here last week. A beautiful Saluki x boy - so gentle and loving. I was sorely tempted to keep him myself!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top