Thoughts… contemplating whether to get a second dog

Tobiano

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Hi.. I have a 16 month old cockerpoo (I know, I know) whom I absolutely adore. She is the light of my life. I am wondering about the pros and cons of getting another dog as well; potentially a rescue. Pip loves almost all other dogs, but is quite territorial at home. The main thing that deters me is whether she would see another dog as a big love rival!!
I will have to get a second, younger dog at some point because when the inevitable happens I cannot contemplate being without a dog; though obviously that won't need to be for many years.
Would be interested in your sensible and experienced thoughts on things to consider. Thank you :)
 

Bojingles

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I've been in exactly the same situation as you with my beloved Chilli (profile pic). I generally like to have two dogs but I tried to rehome a young puppy - big mistake! Poor Chils couldn't tolerate him at all and was really stressed. I ended up having to keep them apart and very sadly had to return him to the rescue. However, I've now rehomed an older pup (also called Pip!) from a friend and it's a totally different story. They established the ground rules early on and absolutely adore each other. If you're in any doubt, would you consider fostering? It could be a good way of discovering how Pip would take to a new addition?
 

MiJodsR2BlinkinTite

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We've just been through this!!!

We lost our old rescue dog at the end of January, and had to make the decision as to whether to have another dog to replace her, or whether to let our little terrier be the only dog.

It wasn't an easy choice. We really need two dogs here as we're fairly isolated and also they've plenty to do as regards rabbiting and general pest control (helped by the cats!).

After looking at a lot of adverts for puppies and older puppies, we finally made the decision to go for a rescue.

Again that wasn't easy! The first rescue dog we saw was one at the same place as we'd got our old girl, but little terrier took an instant dislike to her and showed his prospective bride his gums!! End of that "romance"!!!

The problem you will have is that your existing dog will tend to be very possessive over you; and if you DO get another dog, you will need to reassure her that you will still give her the same degree of attention. That isn't easy, because the "new" dog will very naturally take over a great deal of your time and that will mean that your existing dog may feel jealous of that.

We have got another rescue dog now, from a charity which rehomes dogs from abroad (ours was from Cyprus). The huge advantage with this particular rehoming charity is that our rescue bitch was in a foster home when we went to see her, which meant that we could see how she'd react to cats, kids, and other dogs, and also had a degree of toilet training - bear in mind that a lot of rescues kept in kennels will very likely not ever have been house-trained!!!

We've always gone bitch/dog; i.e. if you've got a bitch, then get a dog as a companion, and vice versa. This works well for us, other people may have different experiences of difference in sexes.

Be prepared for squabbles, and be aware that you will need to be very careful about food (yours, when you're eating), and theirs, where you place it, who eats first etc etc. Be aware that sometimes rivalries can develop under the surface which you might not be aware of, then suddenly flare up unexpectedly without warning as a flash-point has been reached.

Yours will probably, but not necessarily, accept a puppy better than a full-grown dog.

We've had our new rescue dog for a week now: before she came to live with us we'd been to her foster home with Terrier and gone walkies together on HER home turf; then the foster homer brought her out here to our place, and she had a walk on HIS turf, which was very much needed and did a lot to reassure us that we were making a good choice. If you can view the prospective dog in a foster home, and find a rehoming charity that will provide this sort of support, it is absolutely invaluable. Last time around with our old dog, we were literally cast adrift to our own devices and realise how very lucky we were that nothing awful happened TBH.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Personally, if another dog is already in the home, I would ONLY ever take a dog from a rehoming charity if I could see it in a foster home beforehand and receive the level of support that we have done.
 

Tobiano

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wow thank you both - that is brilliant advice. Had not really appreciated the fostering angle Mijods - I will definitely look out for that. I think if we do get a second one, I will time it for when my daughter is home from uni for the summer as then there will be 2 of us around to pay attention to both of them, for 3 months, which should make it a bit of an easier transition.
 

Cinnamontoast

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I introduced two puppies to an older dog. He was not pleased. The pups were crated in the same room and were never left unsupervised until he became accustomed to them. He's fine now, but isn't bonded to them, he's tolerant, no more.

I'd say introduce on neutral ground, take for a walk together if possible and make sure, if you get a rescue, that it can be returned if things don't work out.
 

Honey08

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We got a second (rescue) when our dog was four and had been with us two years. She was jealous initially, in fact she still is, but we took them for long walks together and they discovered a mutual love of water, which really broke the ice. Nowadays (four years on) they are great together. Dad lives next door and when I'm away at work can hear them playing together when left on their own.

Just bear in mind that it may take a few weeks for everything to settle down, it won't be instant love (unless you're really lucky!). Similar minded dogs work best (ie, equally active, both water dogs, retrievers..). We walk with a collie and even though they all play together, you can tell the labs are baffled at the collie herding them sometimes, equally when the labs pile gleefully into a river the collie looks at them as though they're mad.
 

Pearlsasinger

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We have always had multiple dogs, as a family. Kept in pairs/3 somes at 3 different houses and then put together for walks etc. We have introduced puppies/older rescues to the packs at various times with only one being unsuccessful.
The latest combination has been 2 elderly lab bitches/1 staffy & 1 dalmation bitches/2 Rotttweiler bitches, with never a cross word. A great deal depends on the owners expectations ime. And setting the dogs up to succeed.
I agree with Honey, the staffy loves to play with the Rotties because they enjoy the same kind of play. The Rotties are baffled by Dalmation games, although they adore her. The Labs (parents' dogs) are sadly no longer with us but even as elderly dogs they were very tolerant of the younger ones and provided toys for them to play with at their house.
I would never keep a dog on its own, from choice, although we did have an old GSDx who preferred her own company and became much less retiring after her sister died, so we let her live out her final years with just a cat for company.
When introducing a 'mixed age' pair I would ensure that they both have a space of their own where they can get away from the other for a bit of peace.
 

aintgotnohay

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my pack ranges from 8 weeks,then 14 weeks ,then 2 to 5 1/2 years.the old spayed poodl e is the pack leader.she keeps all the others in their place.the 8 week old pups will be going to new homes this weekend.since 6 weeks they have been living with the pack.when i have had a new dog come they are just put in with the pack.they normally settle very quickly learn their place.ive only had one with issues and after a bit of a scuffle with old girl they soon learnt their place.i keep her top of the pack...
 

Echo24

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I have also been contemplating this as my dog is now five. However, I board dogs for work and noticed he has developed some food possession issues and isn't very tolerant of puppies! I also spoke to a friend who did the same thing and she felt the dynamics change when you get a second dog. For me, I think my dog would be happier as an only dog and once he passes, I would get another who I can devote plenty of time and attention to. Good luck with whatever you decide!
 

Scarlett

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We got a second dog just before Christmas - best thing ever! We were careful to pick a dog of similar type so they would understand each other. Older dog is a 5yo Boxer x Spaniel, pup is boxer x staffie and was 8 months old when we got him through a rescue. They got on brilliantly from the start and by the end of the first week were sharing the sofa, their beds and food bowls. Older dog will put the pup in his place if needed but its never gone beyond that and we are careful that he is fed first and still gets the same attention he got before. My OH was worried about it all but 2 months in he's really happy we've done it and new pup is very much an important part of the family.
 

Dobiegirl

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my pack ranges from 8 weeks,then 14 weeks ,then 2 to 5 1/2 years.the old spayed poodl e is the pack leader.she keeps all the others in their place.the 8 week old pups will be going to new homes this weekend.since 6 weeks they have been living with the pack.when i have had a new dog come they are just put in with the pack.they normally settle very quickly learn their place.ive only had one with issues and after a bit of a scuffle with old girl they soon learnt their place.i keep her top of the pack...

So you bring in a strange dog and put straight in with your pack and you help keep the old girl as top of the pack, I think your user name should be changed to aintgotaclue because you have no understanding of dog behaviour.
 

aintgotnohay

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So you bring in a strange dog and put straight in with your pack and you help keep the old girl as top of the pack, I think your user name should be changed to aintgotaclue because you have no understanding of dog behaviour.

yeah hun they go for walks and meet on neutral ground with all the pack.then if all goes well they stay with the pack.they are all free fed aswell 24/7.also they all walk together all of them.i have 3 leads with couplings and one goes on a single lead.always getting comments about how well behaved they are.they all walk on loose leads.its always best to set boundaries aswell and stick to them.dont ever have any issues with them at all.they all get about 2 to 21/2 hours exercise a day free running and lead walking.plus do agility with one of them.
 
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Tobiano

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Thank you all for the advice.

Pip LOVES water (poodle and spaniel genes here I guess!) So the tip about getting one that likes similar things is a good one. She really loves to play with other dogs too. Her best friend at the moment is a mini long haired dachshund! I will do some research on spaniel type rescue as we come up to summer and my daughter's holiday.
 

{97702}

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Hi.. I have a 16 month old cockerpoo (I know, I know) whom I absolutely adore. She is the light of my life. I am wondering about the pros and cons of getting another dog as well; potentially a rescue. Pip loves almost all other dogs, but is quite territorial at home. The main thing that deters me is whether she would see another dog as a big love rival!!
I will have to get a second, younger dog at some point because when the inevitable happens I cannot contemplate being without a dog; though obviously that won't need to be for many years.
Would be interested in your sensible and experienced thoughts on things to consider. Thank you :)

I've always had multiple dogs (minimum 2 at any time) as I was brought up in a very doggy household (mother breeds/exhibits/judges internationally) so this is standard for me :) I have had a mixture of dogs and bitches, and I've never had problems with them getting on.

I cannot deny you WILL find a difference in having two dogs rather than one, but I think it is the best thing for the dogs to have company :) As you have an established dog you can take her along to make sure she gets on with whichever dog you are interested in adopting - that is what I've always done (other when I got Amy from Cayla!) and it has always worked :)
 

Possum

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Watching with interest - we're hoping to get a second once our girl is a little older and have read so much on whether to get another bitch, a dog, what size/breed/age and there is no one answer. Our ideal is a Newfie girl but I've no idea how that'd go down with our tiny terrierist. Keep us posted!
 

{97702}

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Watching with interest - we're hoping to get a second once our girl is a little older and have read so much on whether to get another bitch, a dog, what size/breed/age and there is no one answer. Our ideal is a Newfie girl but I've no idea how that'd go down with our tiny terrierist. Keep us posted!

Now that I would love to see, a Newfie with a terrierist :D I adopted another rescue dog when I already had dogs and bitches, and was told that to be honest I was taking a risk whatever dog I tried to adopt.... luckily the one I chose got on with everyone :)
 

paddi22

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we have a very clever active jack russell who drove us demented throwing squeaky toys at us and wanting to play all day, so we decided to get her a pal. Got a rescue golden retriever and so glad we did. She absolutely loves having a pal and there were no issues as the retriever is so chilled. JRT is thrilled to have someone to play with. There's a bit of a 'pat me first' competition at times, but overall she's a lot happier and they are ok sharing toys. We were fairly confident she'd be ok, as she loved socialising with the dogs at the agility classes. We find it much easier with two dogs, they keep eachother company and it's no more hassle than having one.
 

Tobiano

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paddi22 this is exactly what I am thinking. I think at 52 I am a bit too dull and boring for Pip and she would appreciate a young 4 legged co-conspirator to terrorise the soft toys and rubber chewy things! :)
 

paddi22

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yeah my two go hell for leather at the chewy toys half the day and then spend the rest of the day running round chasing eachother. Our JRT is a typical terrier and is a dominant, bossy, stressy little character and i think the dopey, easy going nature of the retriever balances her off well. She knows he's not trying to take over, so she happily shares toys and there was no hassle at feeding. I don't think another terrier would have worked with her at all, he's just so laid back he happily goes along with whatever game she wants. She is a lot happier since he arrived.
 

aintgotnohay

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And then you breed them all and do it for the money. Lovely :(

how can you breed from a 14 week old puppy kc reg miniature poodle puppy,a 5 year old spayed black abstract minature,a 4 year old spayed parti coloured toy rescue poodle and 2 7 month old toy poodle pups.think that leaves one that i breed from der.how can i breed from these others???? and the one left is red kc reg.2 year old toy poodle???????.the 4 year old spayed one has never been bred from and the black spayed one has had 2 litters.
 

PucciNPoni

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how can you breed from a 14 week old puppy kc reg miniature poodle puppy,a 5 year old spayed black abstract minature,a 4 year old spayed parti coloured toy rescue poodle and 2 7 month old toy poodle pups.think that leaves one that i breed from der.how can i breed from these others???? and the one left is red kc reg.2 year old toy poodle???????.the 4 year old spayed one has never been bred from and the black spayed one has had 2 litters.

Out of interest, what is black abstract?
 

aintgotnohay

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Out of interest, what is black abstract?

an abstract or mismark as they are called have less then 50 per cent white on them.more than 50 per cent white they are called parti coloured.the white can be a strip down the tummy which it usually is.alot of people will call this a tuxedo but a true tuxedo goes down the chest and on the underparts-under the belly (im been very brief with these descriptions).an abstract or mismark doesnt have to have black as the main colour they can be any other main colour like chocolate/apricot etc.i have a parti colour also she is 9 months old but shes not a good example she has alot of ticking through the coat like a spanial has.shes a very unusual colour.but then again she could actually be described as an abstract or mismark.the black mismark/abstract that i have i have had for 5 years her puppy is 14 weeks old and she is spitting image of her mum.but her mum carries the fading gene and now looks silver in colour with black still dominent in the coat in places but not much.
 

Suzie86

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I love having 2 dogs. My spaniels are the absolute best of friends and it's so lovely to see how much they adore each other!

The first one was slightly confused when puppy 2 came home - I remember him carrying all his toys upstairs one by one and putting them on the landing as puppy was too tiny to climb up and get them. He then just sat on the top stair peering through the bannisters at her :)

We are now having the same dilemma over whether to get a third dog - OH wants another springer to work so fair enough but I just love the relationship our two already have and am worried about changing the dynamic. (Oh and tripping over dogs everywhere you turn, oh and that three will then have to become four......!!!)
 

PucciNPoni

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I love having 2 dogs. My spaniels are the absolute best of friends and it's so lovely to see how much they adore each other!

The first one was slightly confused when puppy 2 came home - I remember him carrying all his toys upstairs one by one and putting them on the landing as puppy was too tiny to climb up and get them. He then just sat on the top stair peering through the bannisters at her :)

We are now having the same dilemma over whether to get a third dog - OH wants another springer to work so fair enough but I just love the relationship our two already have and am worried about changing the dynamic. (Oh and tripping over dogs everywhere you turn, oh and that three will then have to become four......!!!)

I'm contemplating four....
 

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I have 3 dogs, lab girl 10 this year, owned since puppy, known her since the day she was born, she will do anything for me. Also have rescued staffy girl, will be around 7 years old and a boxer boy, 8 or 9 years.

The last 2 dogs I lost both went aged 10, so I'm getting a little worried, esp as lab had a health scare last Dec and a tiny but very nasty tumour removed, she appears to be fit and well again now.

My OH has a birthday soon, a springer puppy is arriving next weekend as his present. I'll train and care for the puppy and he can do gundog training. One more won't make any difference!

They can be walked in pairs and hopefully lab will teach puppy (Beans) all she knows.
 

Cinnamontoast

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how can you breed from a 14 week old puppy kc reg miniature poodle puppy,a 5 year old spayed black abstract minature,a 4 year old spayed parti coloured toy rescue poodle and 2 7 month old toy poodle pups.think that leaves one that i breed from der.how can i breed from these others???? and the one left is red kc reg.2 year old toy poodle???????.the 4 year old spayed one has never been bred from and the black spayed one has had 2 litters.

Why list colours, kC reg etc?

Last time we heard from you, you were moaning that one had been caught by some massive dog that roams loose round your area and there was a discussion about how you couldn't sell the resultant puppies in case that was the sire. Short memory.
 
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