Tell me why I should not get another dog . . .

[TarrSteps]

Apparently Stan's (extremely peaceful) puppyhood is receding from my memory because we're now discussing getting another dog! We were going to take a friend's lurcher - female, same age as Stan (20 months give or take) - but they luckily don't have to rehome her now so we should be off the hook, right? Right?

I made the mistake of discussing it with the lurcher expert who advised me on Stan originally and they just happen to have two 4 month old lab x pointy dog rescue puppies . . .

We live in a small flat. Stan - who is 28kg now all by himself - comes with me to work but spends much of the time in the car and he is EASY even by pointy dog standards. But then he would so like a permanent friend to play with . . but of course he's not going to help look after his new friend . . .

Argh.

I don't want another dog. Why am I even considering it????

C'mon people, talk me out of it.

A prize to the person who makes the best argument. (How about a nice lurcher puppy!

)

 

[Ravenwood]

LOL - its no good - there is no way you are going to talk yourself out of it now!!

When I got my second dog, the first came over all paternal and really looked after him, now four years on, they still share the same basket, constantly lie on top of each other and if I take out one without the other they look lost! I just can't possibly imagine having just one of them now.

Sorry - that really didn't help did it?

 

[Oneofthepack]

Don't get another one.....they're under your feet all day vying for attention, they make a mess everywhere, they kill rabbits and vomit them up on your bed, they eat you out of house and home, just when you're down to your last £1 one does something that costs you £100's at the vet, they leave muddy footprints everywhere, they wake you up in the middle of the night 'cos they heard a funny noise, they start trying to kill each other just at a really important part of a TV programme, they raid the bins and strew rubbish the length of the house.............

but, two is no harder than one, they are great companions for you and each other, they make you laugh, you're never lonely, they make you take exercise when you wouldn't normally, they keep your feet warm at night, you get to meet lots of other mad people who love dogs too, your always feel loved, they are soooo much cuter than children.......

Any help?

 

[Thistle]

dogs are pack animals, how many more reasons do you need, i have 3.

 

[prosefullstop]

I'm definitely not averse to dogs living in flats--I'm an apartment dweller, too--I just want to make you feel as though you have enough room. If so, get another

 

[millimoo]

Awww 'Ravenwood' your pics are adorable....
I currently have an only child called Molly (Chocolate Lab) and seeing your photo's makes me want to get her a friend :-(
Just got to pursuade mum she can manage another one if I have to go to the office all day (work from home normally)

 

[MarleyandDarcy]

The only problem is once you have two you are into multiples......then it's really easy to add another.... 3 will be no more noticeable than 2....we are up to 6

Hope that helps

 

[nijinsky]

Haha - totally agree.

We've always had 2 but I am going up to 3 on Friday, collecting new puppy, I shouldn't but I am, I think once it's in your head to get another one, that's pretty much game over

 

[kirstyhen]

I am in the process of convincing OH we should get another, he is all for the idea, but thinks our house is too small....

It is quite dinky, but as long as they get lots of exercise they'll be fine!

Sorry I'm not good at reasons why not to, I take after my Parents, they have 6, and my Dad is trying to stop my Mum getting a 7th!!!

 

[Slinkyunicorn]

If you have two you will no longer be able to sit on your sofa - but then you could always buy another sofa.....

 

[kirstyhen]

Otto has a ginormous bed to share though, he is rarely on the sofa nowadays! So that's another problem sorted

 

[louise1967]

I have 3 labs, and as much as I love them all to bits, god I regret it. Its more of a tie than just having 1, going on hols etc..., they act like a pack, not as well behaved when they are together, yet brilliant on their own. Smell & the mess, mine live out all day now, I couldnt cope anymore, they just come in at night now. Cost, vets & food. If I could turn back the clock I would just have 1 or 2 at a push, but im too attached now and couldnt part with either of them.

 

[Ginger_Thing]

I have 2 dogs and am picking up no. 3 in a few days, so I'm probably not going to be much help

I would never go back to one dog, I love to see them play and interact together - people are always going on about them being pack animals, and I think they need company of their own kind even though they have a great bond with us.

I was brought up with 'only' dogs (and I am an only child!) and had my own first dog on his own for 7 years, but will never have just one again. Your life is changed by the first one - can't go out all day without arranging someone to let the dog out, can't just go away for the weekend at the drop of a hat, have to go out and walk in all weathers - so it doesn't matter whether there's 1,2 or 3!

The only problems I have with 3 large ones is fitting them in the car, and finding holiday cottages that will take more than 2, but we're managing ok so far!