Second dog?

Pendlehog

Pendlehog

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Ok so Ive been considering getting a second dog for a while now, but really cant decide if its a good idea or not - obviously its a big decision and I dont want to get it wrong.
My dog is a 16 month old rescue springer cross As far as I know he has never lived with another dog but absolutely adores them when hes out and about. He is not exactly perfectly trained but knows the basics and is a pretty straightforward sort.
Do you think 2 dogs is better than one (for you and the dog?!)
I have chickens and a rabbit and would like something that can keep up with Baxter and his wild ways! What breeds would you look at and what sort of age?
Sorry for the v basic questions, I am very keen on the IDEA of a second dog, just need to work through all the practical stuff too!
All thoughts/comments/suggestions welcome!
 
I have always had 2 dogs. I wouldn't want 2 pups together but I would say that at 16 months your dog should still be young enough to accept another dog. I think 2 dogs are easier than one once they are both trained. I mean you've got to go out to walk the dog now so you might as well be walking 2 and they will probably run around together and tire themselves out quicker!
The things you have to take into account are the obvious cost - feed, insurance, vaccinations as well as the unexpected veterinary costs. Also things like, room in the car - taking them on holiday etc.
I would say you should definitely give it serious thought then go for it!:D
 
Until about 2 years ago we always just had one dog. Then we got another dog through my daughter's friend and i must say it was the best thing we could have done. it gave my old boy a new lease of life, he lived to 16. We then got a jrt x to keep the other dog company altho with hndsight I don't think she really needed t as she is abit of princess and prefers humans to dogs!! However they do get on well and you mght as well take 2 dogs for a walk. they do run round together and keep each other company when we are out.
 
Wouldnt dream of having only one tbh, we had Dylan on his own until he was about 5 months and then got Teal and Will. They entertain themselves and have someone to keep them company during the day, they provide fantastic entertainment, and at the end of the day dogs are pack animals, although they don't NEED another dog for company, I think they really benefit from it.

After loosing Will I have realised I need three :)
 
my scotty is 9.had him since pup and he been the only one.bought a westie and a poodle pups 2 years ago 8 weeks difference in age.they leanrt form the scotty-going outside and all the other word he knows.i just put them altogether and let them sort themselves out.never had any probs.they all get on together really well.
 
I tend to have between 2 and 3 dogs at any time. They are all different ages. When the oldest starts showing some signs of age, but isn't too old to accept a pup, I then get a third. At the moment that's not for some time yet as my oldest is 10. The youngest is 3. I just lost my minpin about 6 weeks at and she was nearly 17. Hubby and I decided that when the oldest can't manage to jump on the bed any more that it's probably time to think about getting a third to add to the pack. I think a younger dog keeps the middle aged ones stimulated, the pups learn from the older ones. And when the oldest does pass away, there is no one dog left on his own.
 
I went through similar thoughts earlier this year, I'd had Millie my JRT since 7 weeks old, and when she was one i decided I would like to have another. In April I collected Suzy a lurcher from Greyhound Rescue West of Engalnd - I've never looked back, the dogs adore each other and have lots of fun playing, and I have loved it too!

Although I'm biased, idea for second dog would be a lurcher/skinny type from GRWE!!
 
PucciNPoni said:
I tend to have between 2 and 3 dogs at any time. They are all different ages. When the oldest starts showing some signs of age, but isn't too old to accept a pup, I then get a third. At the moment that's not for some time yet as my oldest is 10. The youngest is 3. I just lost my minpin about 6 weeks at and she was nearly 17. Hubby and I decided that when the oldest can't manage to jump on the bed any more that it's probably time to think about getting a third to add to the pack. I think a younger dog keeps the middle aged ones stimulated, the pups learn from the older ones. And when the oldest does pass away, there is no one dog left on his own.
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you think exactly how i do only im on my own now so have no o/h or hubby to influence me lol.my scotty had new lease of life when the youngsters came but does like his own space but dont we all.i love the bit when the oldest cant jump on the bed!
 
aintgotnohay...

I just like to LET my hubby think that he's got some choice in the matter. To be honest, if I really wanted to get another dog I probably would finagle it. But I think my hands are full enough just now anyway. But I thought it was *cute* that he seemed to think that when chester can't get in to bed that it's time to get something else to warm the bed! LOL
 
Aah the OH factor! He isnt wild about the idea of 2, but I dont think he'd walk out if I brought one home :)
I think number 2 will need to be a bit more chilled than Bax, someone please talk me out of my gundog obsession!
Im torn between something small and lively or something Bax's size that can do fun activities with him like scootering...Hmm too much choice!
 
I really miss having 2 dogs. Been busy with dogs staying for their holidays since Tess was PTS but don't have any more coming for another week and it's hitting me hard now.
Echo what Nickibelle said also.
Maybe you could see about fostering from a local rescue? That would then let you see how things would work with a 2 dog home. There then wouldn't be the worry about trying to find a new home for a dog if things weren't working out.
Or you could do what I do and be a host family for dog's when their owners go on holiday. Again would give you a taste of what things would be like without the necessary commitment.
You would have to be home most of the time tho to be considered.
 
That definately isnt a worry Kao, I work for a large rescue (and also used to be a pet sitter :D )
I think with all the dogs I see at work it actually makes it harder to find the elusive "perfect fit", spoilt for choice almost. I am hoping something will come along that just feels right, mine will get on with anything but with chickens and small furries to consider too it is harder, particularly as Bax is SO good with them, I have really been spoilt with him.
 
Most certainly. Two dogs seems so much easier then one.

We have a 2 year old JRT and a 9 month old Springer x Lab. They are best friends, they play and run together and the JRT uses the springer x heat to keep him warm at night! I also think the calm nature of the springer x has a positive influence on the JRT. I wouldn't have two young JRT together.

I couldn't imagine two puppies at the same time. It was a little chaotic in the early days with our two youngsters.

My OH didn't want the JRT, but came round to my way of thinking (once the pup was home!). He wasn't keen on the springer x, but realised we were getting her either way so agreed :p . The other day he said " is it possible we have the best two dogs ever" :D

Here are our doggies playing on the beach http://www.flickr.com/photos/chrusp/
 
Pendlehog said:
That definately isnt a worry Kao, I work for a large rescue (and also used to be a pet sitter :D )
I think with all the dogs I see at work it actually makes it harder to find the elusive "perfect fit", spoilt for choice almost. I am hoping something will come along that just feels right, mine will get on with anything but with chickens and small furries to consider too it is harder, particularly as Bax is SO good with them, I have really been spoilt with him.
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Well hopefully the right dog will come along 1 day.
A puppy would be a good choice, preferably 1 that doesn't have high prey drive.
Labs a good example. My ex's black lab we got as a pup, she grew up with our chinchilla, a rabbit, 2 rats and then eventually a kitten when she was 2. She was wonderful with them all.
We could let any of them out to free roam the house and knew Jazz would never hurt them. In fact the chinchilla used to sit on her back when she lay on the floor :D
We also got a great dane pup and she was exactly the same. never once did we have to tell either of the pups to be good around the furries. They just seemed to know.
 
Went to see a 4 month old pointer pup today, lovely boy but VERY gobby and I cant bear a barking dog, Bax seemed rather keen though. I will see how responsive he is to training when Im back at work, you never know! Have a feeling he will be another SA basketcase like Bax was, but hey, I got through it once right?!
 
a terrier type can scoot around and keep up! but lets be honest.. if you have a gun dog obession.. you are going to keep going till you have found another one!
 
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