Two dogs or three?

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littlen

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Can anyone who’s gone from 2-3 tell me if it’s a nightmare or not!

Do they tend to be more of a ‘pack’ in a three rather than a pair?

Is it much harder to walk 3?

What ratio of males/females do you have? Currently have one of each.
 
We now have four, The old one is so little bother she hardly counts though.
Worst thing, they all want attention at once and you only have two hands.
Ours are all bitches.
No trouble walking them all, just train them to heel on either side. :-)
Ours are labradors though, in the days when we had working terriers three were far more likely to find something naughty to do!
 
I have GSD so not small by any means. They both get on brilliantly but my old lad is struggling and I have a young bitch who is running rings around him and needs a playmate.

I’m a bit worried about being out numbered hands/dogs wise though 😄

Mine never have a cross word either and I’m also wondering if number 3 may cause some friction between them and I really can’t be doing with 3 squabbling GSD!
 
I ended up with 5 for a while! We had 4 miniature Daxis and a Doberman. The Doberman was the youngest and deferred to the Daxis his entire life. All males and never a cross word. As Clodagh says it did get a bit complicated greeting 5 when you came back home and they all wanted a cuddle!
 
I've had 2 and 3. When I was younger it was no big deal. I have 3 again, 1 dog and 2 bitches and finding time to keep them all trained and exercised can be an issue. My work shift has just been changed and this may actually work better. I'll see over the next few weeks.
 
I`ve had up to five, they all mucked in all right, I didn`t get them all at the same time either but they settled down in the group.
They were a small terrier, pugs, a lurcher and a cavalier. Exercising was no problem as we had fields and they were actually pretty well behaved. They fitted in the car too.
 
I’ve got 4 1/4 dogs at the moment - 3 dogs, 2 bitches. The dogs are far easier than the bitches, and to be honest I doubt I’d ever choose to have a bitch again now! Might have a single one, as mine are all neutered, but they are far worse than dogs IMO for not getting on.

Going from 2 to 3 made no difference at all, my only concern was whether they would fight as I had two bitches and added another one! Then I added a fourth - still no difference, he was a boy so apart from being outnumbered he was incredibly easy and fitted in brilliantly!

All change over the years as I lost my oldies one by one 😢😢😢 so lost 2 bitches and a dog and gained a bitch and 2 dogs.... and then Georges came alone who is the 1/4 😊😊😊
 
I added a littlun to two bigguns and it's been no problem. I tend to walk them separately so everyone gets some personal attention but can do all three if needed, the two ex sled dogs stay on lead and the littlest is excellent off so I don't have my hands full.

There's a neutered dog, a neutered bitch and an entire dog. At times we've had two additional entire dogs from family for holidays for a total of 5 and there's still not been an issue. My preference is definitely for a pack of boys!
 
islander said:
I`ve had up to five, they all mucked in all right, I didn`t get them all at the same time either but they settled down in the group.
They were a small terrier, pugs, a lurcher and a cavalier. Exercising was no problem as we had fields and they were actually pretty well behaved. They fitted in the car too.
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I’ve fitted 4 greyhounds in the back of a Renault Clio 🙄😄
 
I have the opposite problem, I bought a big 4x4 and caged it out suitably for two Siberian huskies, now if I take the little one out alone he flies about in the boot like a pea on a drum. He now goes in a cage on the back seat. :p
 
blackcob said:
I have the opposite problem, I bought a big 4x4 and caged it out suitably for two Siberian huskies, now if I take the little one out alone he flies about in the boot like a pea on a drum. He now goes in a cage on the back seat. :p
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Awwww poor Baby Shark! Georges is stuffed into the front passenger footwell..... 🙄
 
My car is not massive but I’m sure I can squish in another.
I’m more concerned if number 3 is unruly and I make a massive mistake. My two are angels 😂
 
littlen said:
My car is not massive but I’m sure I can squish in another.
I’m more concerned if number 3 is unruly and I make a massive mistake. My two are angels 😂
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There will always be a period of adjustment.... and in my experience (this may be just me!) this might involve occasionally thinking ‘OMG what have I done here???!!!!’

I noticed it an awful lot because I went from a gang of 4 very established dogs who were perfect in every way to having 3 newbies and one of the original gang left.... at times I’ll admit I’ve been in tears missing the oldies I’ve lost and struggling with integrating the newbies. But it is only transitional 😊 all the newbies are now integrated for me, and I wouldn’t change them for the world - they aren’t the same as the original four but they are equally special and deserving in their own right 😊

Sorry, I’m aware this is something I take far too seriously because it means a lot to me so feel free to ignore 😱 But I can say that you won’t regret it 😊😊
 
I went from 2 to 3 and its much harder. I wouldn’t do it again by choice but no 3 was a beaten up and neglected stray who no one claimed so I had her.
 
I’ve just gone from 2 to 3. All bitches.
We have a Great Dane x Husky (10 years old), a corgi x cockapoo (2 years) and a 16 week old Shihtzu x Jack Russel. It’s a mad house!
They all get on brilliantly and are a great pack out walking. Puppy has started going off lead with them so that’s made it easier. The on lead walking is difficult because pup is still all over the place.
 
In which way would you say it’s harder teddy?

The dogs would weigh more than me but in theory I can stop a horse so surely I can stop them if I needed too? The young one wears a headcollar as she’s excitable but it’s rare now that she misbehaves.
 
I have had three GSDs in the past (twice) but now have two who are only 12 months difference in age so won’t be adding a third.

If your old lad is happy to take a backseat then adding a pup might not be too troublesome (esp if both your current dogs are good role models) but of course it depends on how much time you have for each dog, as well as financial considerations, space at home/car etc and whether you take them in holiday or trips to visit friends/family etc.

Ideally I like two together (one in each hand) but can understand wanting to add a third if your old boy is getting on in years.
 
I have two big dogs and always have had. I now have my daughter's dog 3 x a week who is also a big boy. It's a nightmare as I only have two hands/arms and two eyes!
 
We had 2 Rottweilers, had to have one pts aged 6 and got 2 Lab pups, who are now 14 weeks old. All bitches. We have introduced them very carefully but now they are all playing together and the Rott is absolutely lovely with the pups, so careful. They pups worship her. Walking is a bit 'interesting' currently, it's best when there are 3 people available, so that the pups can have 1-1.

In the past we had 7 bitches, Labs, JRTs, Border Collie and a Rottweiler, some were rescues, some pairs of litter sisters but otherwise varying ages, all got on very well and I really don't remember any problems. We are used to multiples of dogs though, sis and I grew up with 5 Labs (dogs and bitches), then as a family we had 6, (3 x pairs) which went out and about together, although they didn't all live together.
 
Moobli said:
I have had three GSDs in the past (twice) but now have two who are only 12 months difference in age so won’t be adding a third.

If your old lad is happy to take a backseat then adding a pup might not be too troublesome (esp if both your current dogs are good role models) but of course it depends on how much time you have for each dog, as well as financial considerations, space at home/car etc and whether you take them in holiday or trips to visit friends/family etc.

Ideally I like two together (one in each hand) but can understand wanting to add a third if your old boy is getting on in years.
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Agree about training time. IMO it is really important for pups to be both walked and trained on their own. Last night, having been working all day, I was out training in the dark at 8pm as I hadn't had time earlier. I don't mind doing it but it can be a drag if you are tired! Also morning walks were done seperately when she was younger, so it is all extra time even if the pup doesn't need a long hike.
Worth it though!
IMG_0589.jpg
 
Clodagh said:
Agree about training time. IMO it is really important for pups to be both walked and trained on their own. Last night, having been working all day, I was out training in the dark at 8pm as I hadn't had time earlier. I don't mind doing it but it can be a drag if you are tired! Also morning walks were done seperately when she was younger, so it is all extra time even if the pup doesn't need a long hike.
Worth it though!
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Those eyes!
 
Moobli said:
I have had three GSDs in the past (twice) but now have two who are only 12 months difference in age so won’t be adding a third.

If your old lad is happy to take a backseat then adding a pup might not be too troublesome (esp if both your current dogs are good role models) but of course it depends on how much time you have for each dog, as well as financial considerations, space at home/car etc and whether you take them in holiday or trips to visit friends/family etc.

Ideally I like two together (one in each hand) but can understand wanting to add a third if your old boy is getting on in years.
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He is slowing down quite a bit now which is fine but he requires so much less running than the female. She is a social dog that does best and is most confident in a pair, but he seems to be lagging behind frequently now.
He plays with her the odd time but is much happier being left to sniff and trot along, hence my thinking that it would be easier if she had someone else to occupy her so he can be left alone.

My current pair are very well behaved on the whole, no barking or destruction and are good with people and dogs. I don’t let them play with strangers but they are happy to recall and walk past pretty much anyone.

The only issue I have ever had is the bitch does suffer seperation anxiety from the old boy. This has meant training etc was hard because she wouldn’t concentrate unless he was there. I’m thinking if I got the puppy now while he was still here I could do the training etc while she is with old dog so she isn’t left alone. If she was in a pair and I walked the puppy without her then I think she would become very distressed. This is presuming she likes the puppy of course!

I do take them on holiday, 3 might be a bit much for some places I think though. I also would put them in kennels if necessary but very rare.

I’ve not got a financial issue as such. All of them would be insured.
 
littlen said:
He is slowing down quite a bit now which is fine but he requires so much less running than the female. She is a social dog that does best and is most confident in a pair, but he seems to be lagging behind frequently now.
He plays with her the odd time but is much happier being left to sniff and trot along, hence my thinking that it would be easier if she had someone else to occupy her so he can be left alone.

My current pair are very well behaved on the whole, no barking or destruction and are good with people and dogs. I don’t let them play with strangers but they are happy to recall and walk past pretty much anyone.

The only issue I have ever had is the bitch does suffer seperation anxiety from the old boy. This has meant training etc was hard because she wouldn’t concentrate unless he was there. I’m thinking if I got the puppy now while he was still here I could do the training etc while she is with old dog so she isn’t left alone. If she was in a pair and I walked the puppy without her then I think she would become very distressed. This is presuming she likes the puppy of course!

I do take them on holiday, 3 might be a bit much for some places I think though. I also would put them in kennels if necessary but very rare.

I’ve not got a financial issue as such. All of them would be insured.
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Sounds to me like a third would have more pros than cons so go for it 😁. Can’t wait to see more GSD puppy photos. Have you posted photos of your current pair? If not, why not lol.
 
Cons so far I can think of are more hair, I’m already covered so don’t think that would matter.

Squabbling and arguing, mine don’t fight over food or toys so not sure how it would go if number 3 was possessive.

The practicalities if walking 3 dogs that weigh more than me. Headcollars/training should solve that problem. I’ve never even been close to being towed with the ones I have at present.

I haven’t posted any photos of them no! They are the fluffy non working kind 😄
 
We keep talking about it and putting it off. The older dog is 9 now and the younger 3, so now would be a good time age wise to introduce another. But the younger one can still be a bit of a live wire and a bit scatty so I'm not sure if he would be a good influence on a puppy or not!

We idly keep an eye out to see if something comes up that needs a home. My partner keeps making comments about if two dogs is good three dogs can only be better, but I have my doubts!
 
Pearlsasinger said:
We had 2 Rottweilers, had to have one pts aged 6 and got 2 Lab pups, who are now 14 weeks old. All bitches. We have introduced them very carefully but now they are all playing together and the Rott is absolutely lovely with the pups, so careful. They pups worship her. Walking is a bit 'interesting' currently, it's best when there are 3 people available, so that the pups can have 1-1.

In the past we had 7 bitches, Labs, JRTs, Border Collie and a Rottweiler, some were rescues, some pairs of litter sisters but otherwise varying ages, all got on very well and I really don't remember any problems. We are used to multiples of dogs though, sis and I grew up with 5 Labs (dogs and bitches), then as a family we had 6, (3 x pairs) which went out and about together, although they didn't all live together.
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In sorry you lost your rottweiler at 6, that's very young.

We do need pictures of your puppies though please!
 
We had 2 dogs, and for a very short time had 3. We knew our old boy was nearing the end of his time, and knew our girl would not be happy on her own when he went. She was almost 2 at the time. Clodagh on here told me about Bo 4yo Collie who was looking for a home. We went with the intention of looking only, had Luna with us, and he came home with us. We said goodbye to Aled a couple of weeks later, and having Bo helped us all. He won’t ever replace Aled, they are so different to each other although both are/were collies. Seeing how Bo and Luna play together now is wonderful. Aled liked to play, but like your older dog, he didn’t want particularly long walks anymore, and would often start to lag behind.

Sometimes I would like a third again, but in all honesty, Bo is not the easiest dog when on lead, but has come on in leaps and bounds. I would worry about walking 3, even though he spends as much time as possible off lead.
 
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