Those of you that have gone from one dog to two....

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Cedars

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Can you tell me any problems/good things/things you hadn't thought about etc came from it?

My OH and I are getting pretty set on a new dog in the future. I'm worried that chlo might hate not being an only child anymore, or that I won't love the other as much because there is no dog in this world better than chlo.

Tell me your thoughts!! Hannah xx
 
I went from one to two and in my case 1 rescue staff to 2. This worked well for me because Staffie welfare were a: enormously helpful in suggestions and b: helped me with the introductions. So I had a dominant staffie bitch, can be picky from time to time but gets on with most dogs. I originally was looking for a dog a bit older (told not to go for another bitch) but the welfare advised getting a younger dog so I did not upset the status quo with my bitch. I met the dog a couple of times with my bitch (though I had taken the precaution of walking and tiring mine out first - the other owners hadn't!) and the welfare came along too. Final "external" test was to see if my bitch would allow the dog to get into the back of my car.

I then had him on 3 weeks trial - did rely on the crate a lot to start with, took time off work as well and never ever left them alone together. She was fed first (he was never fussed about food) and all toys were removed for the first week. I also deliberately overdid it with the pair of them on the first day (walks, a village show, walks, supper in the pub) so they were too tired to argue either.

I don't love one more than other - just made room for staffie no 2!. If you do go down the rescue route you will have a lot of opportunity to see how your dog reacts/trial period as well..
 
We had a 5 year old border collie and bought an 8 week old Jack Russell 7 weeks ago. They hit it off straight away.
I was worried at first as their play looked very rough but the kind peeps on here reassured me that was fine.
Our older dog used to be very anxious, typical collie really but very well mannered. She is now totally chilled out and has taught the baby well. I wouldn't go back to having one dog now.
Downside....twice as much poo to pick up and it is easier to walk them with 2 of us for now so we can still 'play' with the older dog and give her the attention she is used to and train the baby on walks at the same time.
Recall was easy with the baby as she just does what the big dog does.

Depends on the reasons why and the temprememnt of your older dog really
 
Rescues will not rehome to us and our lifestyle is a bit funny, I would definitely want a puppy as they need to fit to us really.

Would take a lot of time at home as would do during summer hol from Uni.

Thank you! Xx
 
Toby (lab) was an only dog for a year before we got Flyn (spaniel) and I was a bit worried about how he would react but actually he came over all paternal and took Flyn under his wing! They are unseperable, they sleep in the same basket, etc etc.

The only thing about getting another pup is feeding times - ie you will have to feed the pup three times a day to start with and need to think what you will do with Chloe. Also you have to plan for the fact that the two dogs will need different amounts of exercise to start with as the pup will only need short bursts.

Personally, I think dogs are much happier with doggy companions :) Mine keep each other occupied during the day when I am at work.
 
We took on a 5 year old mini poodlex mni schnauzer when our old dog was about 14/15 years. We wished we had done it years ago, the old dog enjoyed her company and i think gave hm a new lease of life. We didn't have any real problems that i can think of. We got a jrt x a year later, she was much harder work than the other two and having three was quite alot more work, altho all the dogs got on well. The 5 year old dog was quite put out when we got the jrtx and wouldn't even look at her for 2 weeks!! Now they sit on the same chair together. All i can say is that we are really glad we got an extra dog, and think we will always have two now as they keep each other compay.
 
Aw thanks guys. I hadn't thought about feed or exercise but I think that we would just have to give chlo smaller split portions and get her dad to keep taking her for walks when I turn for home ;) really good points though.

Do you leave them together when you're apart then? Did you ever worry they would fight? Xxx
 
my lurcher was nearly 3 when i got my second one..i went to look at border collie/lab pups intending to get a dog as had been told it was better than having 2 bitches BUT the only bitch decided i was for her so she came home with me.... my lurcher was scared of her at first and i crated the pup at night and when i went out .i stopped using the crate when then pup was big enough to be in no danger of being hurt.. they have always got on well and play together with no sign of aggression,so 2 bitches were ok in my case . i love them both in different ways because they are very different personalities.:)
 
Introduce them away from home and if possible go for a short walk together first, If it's a pup you are getting then it will be impossible to walk but you could still have them meet away from home, at a friend's house or the breeder's for instance.,
 
flamehead said:
Do you leave them together when you're apart then? Did you ever worry they would fight? Xxx
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Yes, I have three now, two dogs and a bitch and they have always been left together. In the daytime they are outside. I have two kennels side by side and one big pen but they all sleep in the same kennel together :rolleyes:

Nearly finished in this pic.....
4495533826_b99bcbd458_z.jpg
 
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We went from 3 to 4!! Had 2 terriers (mother & Daughter) and a Whip/Bed (also a bitch) ages 2,4 & 6 when my OH decided he'd like another lurcher. Looked at many ads for pups but then saw a lovely lurcher lady on on a rescue's site. We were a little wary as little boy was 3 and were worried about not knowing a rescues history. We all went along as advised by the rescue to meet the new dog - took her for a walk and never looked back - she was approx 2 years. Brought them all home together and can honestly say there's never been a crossed word even though they are all bitches and the pecking order seemed to adjust immediately. That was last January and now it's like they have all been together for ever!
 
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