One dog or two?

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Scheherezade

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My OH and I are looking for a dog, and have been for some time, but we are struggling to find something suitable which can be left alone.

I was thinking - would it be reasonable to think of getting two instead? To keep each other company? perhaps two smaller dogs.
 
two dogs are very good, we have a lab and jack russell.. they are the same age so are always entertaining each other and charging round the garden...
i would say two dogs all the way, as long as you dont have 2 brothers or 2 sisters, as you need a dominant one! two small dogs would be great!.. then they dont get under your feet :D hope this helps
 
Are you looking to rescue or buy? im assuming rescue, if so 2 would be great if you maybe stagger the ages and go for male and female and do a litle homework as to any issues, the last thing you want is 2 dogs with issues or one giving the other issues.

Where abouts are you and what is it you are looking for?
 
Two, definitely, then you lower the risk of separation anxiety. I do think, though, that one can easily lead the other into naughty behaviour and definitely think it's a risk! I wouldn't get a lone dog, tho, I dunno how people cope!
 
Go for two is best: BUT beware as if they're not compatible you'll have two squabbling dogs all the time! We've got little'un (terrier pup) & a Spanel X-gawd-knows-what (rescue). Most of the time they're living in peace and harmony, occasionally the older dog puts her foot down and says enough's enough.

But, like horses, I think as dogs are a pack animal two is definitely better long term than just one, but care needed in the choice of the 2nd dog.
 
We were in the same situation as you (leaving them for some time due to work) and were lucky enough to find two spaniels who were in a private home together and rehomed them together....they have amazing games together and definitely keep each other company. If you have to split them (for the vets, etc.) they do become unsettled.

We did occassionally see pairs of dogs at dog rescue but eventually found ours through a random google search
 
I wouldn't fancy it with 2 pups, but I adopted my 2 retired greyhounds at the same time, ideally we were going for a pair that had been returned from a home but ended up with 2yr old brothers that hadn't made the grade but were compatible. Certainly felt more comfortable about leaving them while i worked and enjoy watching them interact and their different personalities. There are often pairs of dogs in rescue looking to be adopted together and sadly they often end up with a long wait or getting separated.
 
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