One dog or two? And if two, what would you pick?

[BBP]

I would say, given your time constraints and your general anxiety, to stick with one dog. Yes, 2 can be good company and play with each other but there will be double the worry and you'll have to work around any issues.
We thought that having another dog would be great for Juno, and whilst she loved Rocky (and is really missing him) she missed out on her human play time as she resource guards, so we couldn't play with toys, we had to be very careful at feed time and feed them separately, and if I tried to do training with one of them, the other got upset.
If you really want him to have doggy playtime, have you considered putting into doggy day care occasionally?

Luckily I don’t have anxiety anymore (it was due to the Lyme symptoms which I’ve thankfully kicked into touch!) but a second dog might just cause it ?

I can’t quite tell if he would enjoy another dog or not. After his attacks over lockdown he’s been very unsure how to interact and has gone for the ones that have come close. Today on our two hour mud run we came across lots of off lead dogs. The first spaniel completely ignored its owner and came belting over, for the first time mine didn’t try to send it packing and they ended up having 5mins of zoomies and then my dog was bored of him and moved on to doing his own thing. Another dog later on the walk he had a go at. Thankfully the owner has offered to join us for some exercise at some point and walk in proximity to us with both dogs under control whilst I train my dog to ignore hers and relax.
I think certainly right now wouldn’t be a good time, with the drop in confidence that lockdown has caused. Perhaps in a couple of years when we have really nailed our last outstanding training issues and he has had time to be around more dogs and people in a positive way.

 

[Clodagh]

We’re about to get a second dog. But with BC’s they’re pretty focussed on their person. Certainly the ones I’ve had anything to do with certainly couldn’t give a stuff about other dogs in general.

Our labs would all be perfectly happy as only dogs and are generally disinterested in the others. Ffee does like having Pen to play with sometimes but I would expect her to grow out of that over the next year or so.

 

[FinnishLapphund]

I know your latest reply says that getting a second dog is probably not an option at present, and it sounds great that he had some zoomies with the Spaniel today, I also hope it really happens that you get to go for some controlled walks together with the second dog.

But I had already written my reply below, so I'm posting it anyway:

With a puppy I alternate between sometimes taking it out for short walks on its own, to make sure it learns to listen to me, and not just follow the other dogs, and also learns that it's okay to not always do everything together with the other dogs.
And sometimes taking it out together with the others. For not short walks, I either carry the puppy some parts of the way, or plans the walk so that after a short while I walk by home again, makes a quick stop leaving the puppy in its puppy pen, and continues the walk with the other dogs.
With a new adult dog, who isn't too young to walk long walks, there is of course no need to carry it etc.

I wouldn't say that I train my old bitches that much, and it is only on very rare occasions I do something one-on-one, to remind them that they don't have to do everything in a group.
Note, some training, like beginning to teach proper recall, is something I do one-on-one. But besides that, most of the time, regardless if we're indoors, or outdoors, I view having to wait on their turn to do something as part of their training time.

For example I might make them sit/lay down, and Wait in the garden/out on a walk, go some steps away from them in one direction, throw some treats on the ground, go back, tell Beata, and Blomma to continue to Wait, before telling Jonna to go find the treats. When she's found her treats, I call her back, praise her for coming, and praise the other two for waiting.
Then it is usually first the second, and then the third ones turn, but it has happened that we've done something else first, and then the other two gets their turn at doing it awhile later.

Besides, they don't always get to do the same thing as each other, another example, now when they're far from beginners, I might tell them all to Wait, walk away a bit, recall one, walk back with her, after that I might walk away again, praise a little but not recall anyone, walk back to them... Or I might take one with me a bit away from the others, let her do a Stand - Down - Stand, then take her back to the others, and let the next one do something...

If I might say so myself, my bitches are quite good at waiting.

ETA Except if we're talking me leaving home without Jonna. I've managed to teach the bitches before her, and Beata, and Blomma, to be home without me, but Jonna, she would just prefer if I always took her with me. Not that she causes trouble, she just sits, or lies, and occasionally discretely whine/howls a little, while waiting for me.

 

[TheresaW]

We’re about to get a second dog. But with BC’s they’re pretty focussed on their person. Certainly the ones I’ve had anything to do with certainly couldn’t give a stuff about other dogs in general.

Bo loves Luna, but out and about, is generally indifferent to others dogs we meet. They went into kennels when we went on holiday last year (before COVID). The kennels were fab, had massive enclosed paddocks. They allowed dogs to mix together with owners permissions, after introductions etc. When ours went out with 2 others, although Luna played with them, Bo pretty much ignored them after saying hello and only wanted to be with Luna.

 

[BBP]

He was Not impressed about my choice of running route this morning, far too muddy for his liking. The muddy face was thanks to getting high fived in the face by a Labrador.

 

[Clodagh]

He was Not impressed about my choice of running route this morning, far too muddy for his liking. The muddy face was thanks to getting high fived in the face by a Labrador.

And wha did he make of the Labrador!? How can you run in mud, I can barely walk in it!

 

[BBP]

And wha did he make of the Labrador!? How can you run in mud, I can barely walk in it!

He was really good with her. The people had two labs, a collie and a puppy. He ignored the collie, ran with the puppy and was good with the first lab playing. She was a really solid well trained gundog, very calm alpha sort of temperament, but happy to offer play. It was the second lab that was with them, much more timid, that he was fine with for a bit and then went for her, poor girl. I need to learn more about dog body language and behaviour I think to understand why he changed and what signals I missed that may have shown it was coming.

I have avoided running in the mud til this week, but I joined the canicross trail runners Facebook page and looking at all their muddy runs I felt shamed into giving it a go. I feel like my ‘run’ was slower than my walk speed as I was trying not to lose my balance (or my shoes!) so was taking tiny little steps. I had gortex shoes and waterproof socks on so feet stayed dry and toastie. It was quite fun actually, and thankfully as he was being a princess and trotting along quietly, rather than full speed towing me, or I may have gone splat!

 

[palo1]

I would always prefer to have 2 dogs though I only have one at the moment, my old fell hound having left us in Sept/Oct. Ideally I would have another Irish Terrier; I think they are fabulous dogs- very jolly, easy house dogs, no shedding, pretty healthy breed and a handy size (spaniel sized). I am very aware of when I will have to return to the office or if I needed to put Red in kennels for any reason (like going on a non-dog friendly holiday - it could happen!!) it would definately be better for the dogs to go as a pair and both of my dogs loved each other's company. Lots of people find a single dog really content if they have enough attention and I think they certainly do enjoy the 1-1 human thing so I think as long as dog is happy and has a healthy life it doesn't matter hugely.

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I’d always have two if possible. I think mine adore each other and haven’t ever been apart bar vet visits, but we got them together so wouldn’t expect them to be happy separately. I’m sure some dogs do prefer being the only dog, with humans as their ‘pack’.

We’re about to get a second dog. But with BC’s they’re pretty focussed on their person. Certainly the ones I’ve had anything to do with certainly couldn’t give a stuff about other dogs in general.

What you getting, Amymay?

 

[windand rain]

One is enough in my view but I guess it depends on the dog. My friend has a GSD, a tibetan spaniel and two chihuahua all live together the GSD is the biggest dog one I have ever seen but is great with the little ones in fact they are boss he is a big dope.

 

[GinaGeo]

This is something I ponder. My spaniel is an only dog and I do feel guilty leaving him by himself on the odd occasion he has stay at home by himself whilst I’m out riding.

He doesn’t really play with other dogs he meets, and is a little anxious with some breeds. Part of me thinks a friend would give him confidence. Part of me thinks he’d just get very jealous.

Either way I would have to be careful in selecting a dog with the right character. He’s quite happy with my partners parents lab. But he’s a quiet, old boy and my lad mostly ignores him. I think he’s quite happy having mostly my company to be honest. I think like you BBP at some point I will. But possibly not just yet.

 

[AmyMay]

What you getting, Amymay?

A client has us to have their shitsu as they’re moving into sheltered accommodation and aren’t allowed pets. Daisy and he are the greatest of mates so it was an easy ‘yes’. Not sure when he’ll be moving in, but I’ll introduce him when he does ?

 

[JennBags]

A client has us to have their shitsu as they’re moving into sheltered accommodation and aren’t allowed pets. Daisy and he are the greatest of mates so it was an easy ‘yes’. Not sure when he’ll be moving in, but I’ll introduce him when he does ?

How exciting, sad for his owner though but I bet they're happy he's going to such a good home.

 

[AmyMay]

How exciting, sad for his owner though but I bet they're happy he's going to such a good home.

He’s very loved by all of us x

 

[Ranyhyn]

I have three.

Two older terriers and a young GSD. The GSD is a terrifying playmate for them. All paws and massive gaping maw. They refuse to engage with him and I can appreciate why. I often have to intervene in boisterous play but this is getting less frequent as he matures.

However they used to rub along really nicely with our old Retriever and visiting labradors. They were younger then.

I knew two years ago was the last sensible time I could introduce a new young dog into the mix. It hasn’t had any impact on their behaviours/personality or upset the status quo at home at all They are all adequately exercised (which I think counts for a lot) and the little ones are crated so they don’t have to suffer the boing when I’m not there to get involved... I wouldn’t have a lone dog again.

 

[yhanni]

My English Bull Terrier would love to be an only dog!! Being allowed to lounge about on the sofa and on the beds would be her dream existence. Her life is ruined by a boisterous Mastiff although she will deign to play with him on occasion - usually so she can then nick his bed, once she has tempted him off it!

 

[Clodagh]

Do you think that the better adjusted/socialised and trained the dog the happier it is with only human company? If human time scales allow?
Or would a really well socialised dog prefer to live with other dogs?

 

[DirectorFury]

Do you think that the better adjusted/socialised and trained the dog the happier it is with only human company? If human time scales allow?
Or would a really well socialised dog prefer to live with other dogs?

I'd be really interested in an answer to this.

My little terrier would probably be quite happy to never see another dog for the rest of her days, and I put that down to a failure of training/socialisation on my part. She's fine with polite dogs that have a sniff and then carry on walking/playing/whatever but if they keep getting in her face she'll growl and launch* and she has no interest in playing with others - a squeaky ball is more than sufficient.
We flip-flop about getting another quite frequently but she lives with 2 cats, and they all get on well, and I think introducing a second dog now would be selfish of me as it wouldn't really enhance her life.

*She doesn't do this anymore as she's not given the chance to!

 

[Clodagh]

Our older two would love to be only dogs. The younger two do play a lot so I'm not so sure. Pen (4) does instigate play as well, although mainly it is Ffee (2) who kicks it off.

 

[CorvusCorax]

Depends on the dog. My eldest would happily be an only dog. He was taken anywhere and everywhere and had plenty of interaction with other dogs as a youngster, and I think that's what put him off. He actively avoids other dogs/pulls to the side/away from them.
He was 'pleasant' with his daughter when she was tiny (waggy tail, sniffed her etc) but now she's larger and more active, he finds her annoying and doesn't want her around him.
Middle dog is quite normal and likes saying hi to others, has lived with others fine - I don't let him engage with strangers' dogs (if it's OK with them) beyond a quick sniff as he is large and boisterous in play, he does get to run with my Mum's dog although he just does his own thing and looks for sticks and her dog follows him around with big love hearts in his eyes ?
Youngest is in the stage where all people and dogs are extremely fun and exciting so too early to call but I expect she will run with the middle dog.

ETA I actually feel a bit bad for the eldest dog for bringing what he perceives as his nemesis to live in his house. He still has a nice life but would definitely prefer it to be just me and him. Or probably just him, some days lol. He neither wants nor invites the company of others

 

[Pearlsasinger]

Do you think that the better adjusted/socialised and trained the dog the happier it is with only human company? If human time scales allow?
Or would a really well socialised dog prefer to live with other dogs?

I suppose it depends on your definition of socialised. Our dogs have always been trained to be neutral towards dogs that they meet out and about, they have usually mixed with family dogs from outside the immediate household and played appropriately with them and had dogs at home to play with.
When our 6 yr old Rottweiler had to be pts, her sister was left on her own. She made no fuss/noise overnight although I was prepared for that, then we had a pre-planned 2-day visit from relatives with their dogs who she had known from being a pup. She was relaxed and played with them as normal. The day after they left, I took her for a walk and she, for the first time ever wanted to follow a spaniel that we saw in the distance. She obviously preferred to be with dogs to being on her own, with me. I would say that she is a really well socialised dog.
I wouldn't keep a horse without equine company, so why would I want to keep a dog without canine company?

 

[Clodagh]

I wouldn't keep a horse without equine company, so why would I want to keep a dog without canine company?

With the disclaimer that I have nearly always had more than one dog I think they interact with humans differently to horses, and you probably wouldn't want to live in a field, or have a horse watching tv in the evenings with you. I perhaps don't know enough about dog behaviour to call it but my mum has always had only dogs and although they have enjoyed seeing mine when we go round I think they arev just as happy just with her.
We have multiple more because they are at differnet stages of life than for each others company.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

My parents had one dog while I was growing up but Mum was at home for most of that time and eventually he had me and my sister to play with. My lifestyle has meant that until very recently, a dog could regularly have been left on its own for several hours, I certainly wouldn't have wanted that. Neither would I want to have to take a dog with me everywhere I go, even now my life stage means that I could spend all day with a dog.
Watching them interact - and for a number of years we had 7, at different ages and stages, some brought in as pups and others rehomed as adults - has been fascinating. Dogs are genetically developed to live in social groups. I think keeping one dog in a household would be akin to me living on an island with chimpanzees - or maybe preferably, orang utans. We would be able to communicate on a simple level but at least half the time, I wouldn't have a clue what was going on.



ETA I should add the 7 were also made up of different breeds; Labs, JRTs, Rott, BC and GSDx.

 

[Roxylola]

Do you think that the better adjusted/socialised and trained the dog the happier it is with only human company? If human time scales allow?
Or would a really well socialised dog prefer to live with other dogs?

Depends on the dog, and I think the breed type. I've done nothing different with my two, both are pretty neutral to dogs we meet. The spaniel wouldn't care if she never saw another dog again shes happy to left alone if I go out. The mini-hound hates being an only dog though. The brief time she was an only dog she became obsessed with meeting other dogs whenever we were out. She will happily be left with another dog, or with me but hates being left alone and yes we've worked loads on separation anxiety - she can be left but it makes her really unhappy.
I just put it down to breed traits spaniels are much more people oriented whereas hounds (fox/beagle etc) run as a pack.

 

[Clodagh]

Depends on the dog, and I think the breed type. I've done nothing different with my two, both are pretty neutral to dogs we meet. The spaniel wouldn't care if she never saw another dog again shes happy to left alone if I go out. The mini-hound hates being an only dog though. The brief time she was an only dog she became obsessed with meeting other dogs whenever we were out. She will happily be left with another dog, or with me but hates being left alone and yes we've worked loads on separation anxiety - she can be left but it makes her really unhappy.
I just put it down to breed traits spaniels are much more people oriented whereas hounds (fox/beagle etc) run as a pack.

We have had foxhounds, bassetts and a harrier and I agree they hated being alone.

 

[JennBags]

Interesting to hear different experiences.
Suzie (Westie) loved being an only dog, she would have been much happier without a canine companion. She did accept Woolfie but never really wanted Juno around.
Juno's pretty neutral to other dogs when we're out and about, she isn't really interested except on the odd occasion. She loved having Rocky to play with and she was a little depressed for a week or so but I think she's happier on her own.

 

[Pearlsasinger]

I am not sure that we can say that a dog which is habituated to living without canine company is happy - that could be like having a horse that appears fine on its own but then becomes ridiculously attached when it does have a field companion.

We did, however, have a GSDx who really came into her own when she was the last dog left. She spent hours cuddling the cat but didn't seem to miss her sister at all.

 

[Chiffy]

I have a two yr old, three yr old and a just turned 9 yr old. They all three interact with each other and I can leave any two alone if doing something with one of them.
I love that they have each other to interact with and don’t entirely depend on me for company. They all three love to be with me though.
Clodagh I am surprised you think yours would like to be only dogs and you think the 4yr old will grow out of playing. My 9 yr old is still playful.
I think the only dogs that prefer to be only ones are those who have had an unhappy experience in early life and therefore are on the defensive or they resource guard. Maybe I am wrong because all my life I have had friendly outgoing dogs who love to play together and love to meet other dogs.

 

[blackcob]

I'm split along breed lines; the sibes are happier for having each other I think. One had terrible separation anxiety as a youngster and although we deliberately tackled that before introducing a second, and as an old fart now it doesn't trouble her a bit to be left alone, I definitely prefer to be able to leave two at home while working with the third. It's in the nature of the breed to be gregarious with dogs and people alike.

By contrast I am beginning to suspect that small dog is actually a very small person in a furry dog suit and while he does have canine 'friends' of sorts he generally has little interest in other dogs or anybody that isn't me. ? He has a nice relationship with the big dogs but doesn't seem to rely on them for much?

 

[Clodagh]

I have a two yr old, three yr old and a just turned 9 yr old. They all three interact with each other and I can leave any two alone if doing something with one of them.
I love that they have each other to interact with and don’t entirely depend on me for company. They all three love to be with me though.
Clodagh I am surprised you think yours would like to be only dogs and you think the 4yr old will grow out of playing. My 9 yr old is still playful.
I think the only dogs that prefer to be only ones are those who have had an unhappy experience in early life and therefore are on the defensive or they resource guard. Maybe I am wrong because all my life I have had friendly outgoing dogs who love to play together and love to meet other dogs.

Tawny (7) still plays but doesn’t appreciate being taken out by the young giant.
I can’t agree with you that only damaged dogs like being alone, I have no doubt that ours think we are more important than other dogs and all leave the others with delight if it is their turn to do something with just a human.