Pros and Cons of getting a second dog...
Discussion
Dear All,
I know this is all very subjective and dependent on personal circumstances, but in general, what are the pros and cons of getting a second dog?
How easily would the first dog adjust and eventually enjoy the company of the new arrival? Should a second dog of a similar size/breed be better than something completely different?
My wife and I (no kids) currently have a 1 yr old Cavalier King Charles spaniel (female). My wife is quite keen to get another puppy (as opposed to a rescue) but I'm not so sure about a second dog - mainly due to expense, extra pressure on normal life, holidays, etc. We live in a fairly big house with a garden and in a semi-rural area with lots of walks available.
Therefore I'd appreciate any input and advice from owners who have added members to their 'pack' and any regrets?
I know this is all very subjective and dependent on personal circumstances, but in general, what are the pros and cons of getting a second dog?
How easily would the first dog adjust and eventually enjoy the company of the new arrival? Should a second dog of a similar size/breed be better than something completely different?
My wife and I (no kids) currently have a 1 yr old Cavalier King Charles spaniel (female). My wife is quite keen to get another puppy (as opposed to a rescue) but I'm not so sure about a second dog - mainly due to expense, extra pressure on normal life, holidays, etc. We live in a fairly big house with a garden and in a semi-rural area with lots of walks available.
Therefore I'd appreciate any input and advice from owners who have added members to their 'pack' and any regrets?
We had Oscar from a pup and then got Mouse (a rescue from Hungary) when she was 1. Oscar was 3 at that time and initially very 'snappy' with her. She was very submissive from the outset and in the 4 years since has learnt her space and now gives as good as she gets. From the initial 3 months where we were wondering if it would work, they are now inseparable.
Mouse is very very smart and knows how to manipulate and Oscar is a big soft Doofus so it works brilliantly now.
So based on my experience then yes it's been massively positive.
When she first arrived
A few months later (after things had settled)
And now, doing their normal 'hunting bees'
Mouse is very very smart and knows how to manipulate and Oscar is a big soft Doofus so it works brilliantly now.
So based on my experience then yes it's been massively positive.
When she first arrived
A few months later (after things had settled)
And now, doing their normal 'hunting bees'
For the past 25 years I've had various combinations of Great Danes and German Shepherds. Always at least 2 dogs, sometimes 3.
The only times I found that having more than one dogs was a faff was the period until the pup was 6 months during which they need their own feeding / pooing / exercise / sleeping regime and where you are effectively juggling things pretty full on. After that, putting aside the logistics of transport and costs, I thought having 2 dogs was no more difficult than having one. I also felt less guilty leaving them together if I was out, imagining that they were having more fun.
The only flip side to the above is that I did have one Great Dane who really didn't get on with one of the GSDs and that involved a lot of juggling walks and space and contact. Even then there were some spectacularly aggressive fights, lots of blood and a couple of big vet bills.
Pic for fun
The only times I found that having more than one dogs was a faff was the period until the pup was 6 months during which they need their own feeding / pooing / exercise / sleeping regime and where you are effectively juggling things pretty full on. After that, putting aside the logistics of transport and costs, I thought having 2 dogs was no more difficult than having one. I also felt less guilty leaving them together if I was out, imagining that they were having more fun.
The only flip side to the above is that I did have one Great Dane who really didn't get on with one of the GSDs and that involved a lot of juggling walks and space and contact. Even then there were some spectacularly aggressive fights, lots of blood and a couple of big vet bills.
Pic for fun
Edited by renmure on Thursday 9th November 13:42
I think you never can tell how it will pan out. I had one dog (a miniature dachshund boy) he had a routine while I worked 9-5, he’d be left at home and a dog sitter would come on and see him and walk him during the day, he didn’t like being left but he got on with it.
Then when covid started I was at home with him all the time, one day I went out and my neighbour messaged to say he’d been howling for hours, so I thought to myself, now is a good time to get him a mate so that when I go out in the future he won’t be so upset.
So I a found a 2 year old female miniature dachshund that needed a new home. She is lovely, but he has no time for her, he doesn’t fight with her or anything, but if she gets in bed with him, he’ll get out and move somewhere else. He’ll play with other dogs, but it’s almost like she’s invisible to him.
If I go out now and leave them the problem is twice as bad, as he gets no comfort from her, but they both howl and make each other worse of anything.
In hindsight I think a male dog, perhaps slightly bigger would’ve been better as I think he would’ve respected them more, as he seems to just not respect her.
Obviously your dog could behave completely differently, but you can never 100% tell how the incumbent dog will react. Of course if you just want another dog for yourself, then you should just get one.
Then when covid started I was at home with him all the time, one day I went out and my neighbour messaged to say he’d been howling for hours, so I thought to myself, now is a good time to get him a mate so that when I go out in the future he won’t be so upset.
So I a found a 2 year old female miniature dachshund that needed a new home. She is lovely, but he has no time for her, he doesn’t fight with her or anything, but if she gets in bed with him, he’ll get out and move somewhere else. He’ll play with other dogs, but it’s almost like she’s invisible to him.
If I go out now and leave them the problem is twice as bad, as he gets no comfort from her, but they both howl and make each other worse of anything.
In hindsight I think a male dog, perhaps slightly bigger would’ve been better as I think he would’ve respected them more, as he seems to just not respect her.
Obviously your dog could behave completely differently, but you can never 100% tell how the incumbent dog will react. Of course if you just want another dog for yourself, then you should just get one.
You can never tell what will happen, started with one dog, then got two, eventually three, the older dog was always in charge and would warn the other two off if she wanted to be alone.
Dogs 2 and 3 put up with one another but basically 3 bossed 2. we lost 3 before 2 and 2 really missed 3 after that and really went in to mourning.
Then got to no dogs at all, lasted 10 days before getting Betsy a Fox Terrier, at 3 years old Mrs N said we should get another for Betsy to play with, so then along came Mabel another Fox Terrier, they play together but also argue somewhat, can stand on their back legs and snap at one another, no biting just a lot of noise, Mabel is the culprit and pulls Betsy by the tail if they're chasing a ring or a ball.
I'm thinking that Mabel is coming up to one year old and will actually calm down when we have her spayed.
Basically they can be best of friends and chase one another round the lawn for half an hour, then five minutes later have bit of an argument.
Dogs 2 and 3 put up with one another but basically 3 bossed 2. we lost 3 before 2 and 2 really missed 3 after that and really went in to mourning.
Then got to no dogs at all, lasted 10 days before getting Betsy a Fox Terrier, at 3 years old Mrs N said we should get another for Betsy to play with, so then along came Mabel another Fox Terrier, they play together but also argue somewhat, can stand on their back legs and snap at one another, no biting just a lot of noise, Mabel is the culprit and pulls Betsy by the tail if they're chasing a ring or a ball.
I'm thinking that Mabel is coming up to one year old and will actually calm down when we have her spayed.
Basically they can be best of friends and chase one another round the lawn for half an hour, then five minutes later have bit of an argument.
We have a 7.5 yo Chocolate Labrador. We've been thinking of getting a second dog for sometime but there was always a reason not to, life in general being busy.
However earlier this year the springer spaniel of our neighbours and good friends was having a litter. When we got the Lab a Springer was a close 2nd on the list of possibles.
I took the Lab to meet the puppies a few times, he hated them. He ended up being stressed out, foaming at the mouth and sitting by the gate wanting to go home. Very unusual behaviour for him as he's very sociable and plays with older puppies.
We picked up the Springer at 8 weeks and brought him home. Day 1 the Lab totally ignored him. Day 2 he growled at him a few times. Day 3 they started playing and haven't stopped since.
Going from one chilled out Lab to him and a totally mad Springer (aren't they all?) means they are a lot more work.
The Springer's 5.5 months now and the Lab has really enjoyed the last few months, initiating play etc. but also does sneak off for alone time.
However earlier this year the springer spaniel of our neighbours and good friends was having a litter. When we got the Lab a Springer was a close 2nd on the list of possibles.
I took the Lab to meet the puppies a few times, he hated them. He ended up being stressed out, foaming at the mouth and sitting by the gate wanting to go home. Very unusual behaviour for him as he's very sociable and plays with older puppies.
We picked up the Springer at 8 weeks and brought him home. Day 1 the Lab totally ignored him. Day 2 he growled at him a few times. Day 3 they started playing and haven't stopped since.
Going from one chilled out Lab to him and a totally mad Springer (aren't they all?) means they are a lot more work.
The Springer's 5.5 months now and the Lab has really enjoyed the last few months, initiating play etc. but also does sneak off for alone time.
My parents have always had greyhounds, they went from 1 to 2 then to 3 (3rd was inherited of sorts from an elderly relative who went to care) then eventually back to 2 and now 1.
It seems that 2 is not much more work than 1 assuming they get on, my parents took the first to the rescue kennel to make sure it was happy with the second before adopting, worked out fine. The third was already known to the other two so again they just accepted her, all the dogs had been neutered which maybe helped.
Three dogs is hard work and they always said they wouldn't have three again.
It seems that 2 is not much more work than 1 assuming they get on, my parents took the first to the rescue kennel to make sure it was happy with the second before adopting, worked out fine. The third was already known to the other two so again they just accepted her, all the dogs had been neutered which maybe helped.
Three dogs is hard work and they always said they wouldn't have three again.
We have 2 Doodles, one Golden, one Double. The Double came first, male, the female golden nearly a year later. They absolutely adore each other. The Golden is a bit of a covid puppy, she's extremely nervous and pretty, no very clingy, especially with the wife. If we didn't him, she'd be in pieces every time we walked into another room.
So, two works well for us, and them.
So, two works well for us, and them.
juice said:
We had Oscar from a pup and then got Mouse (a rescue from Hungary) when she was 1. Oscar was 3 at that time and initially very 'snappy' with her. She was very submissive from the outset and in the 4 years since has learnt her space and now gives as good as she gets. From the initial 3 months where we were wondering if it would work, they are now inseparable.
Mouse is very very smart and knows how to manipulate and Oscar is a big soft Doofus so it works brilliantly now.
So based on my experience then yes it's been massively positive.
When she first arrived
A few months later (after things had settled)
And now, doing their normal 'hunting bees'
I recently met another dog similar to Oscar whilst having a drink in knutsford. You might think im being silly. But I looked into the eyes of this dog and he looked back at me. I believe all dogs are little thinking, feeling beings. But I could not get over how much there was going on behind the eyes of this chap. And Oscar seems to have the same look. And the same eyes. Its just something. Another thing that is so wonderful about dogs. Anyway we are also considering a second dog. Mouse is very very smart and knows how to manipulate and Oscar is a big soft Doofus so it works brilliantly now.
So based on my experience then yes it's been massively positive.
When she first arrived
A few months later (after things had settled)
And now, doing their normal 'hunting bees'
Edited by macp on Sunday 12th November 15:37
macp said:
I recently met another dog similar to Oscar whilst having a drink in knutsford. You might think im being silly. But I looked into the eyes of this dog and he looked back at me. I believe all dogs are little thinking, feeling beings. But I could not get over how much there was going on behind the eyes of this chap. And Oscar seems to have the same look. And the same eyes. Its just something. Another thing that is so wonderful about dogs. Anyway we are also considering a second dog.
Thank you, Wirehaired Vizslas are an amazing breed. They are mental in a good way, but so so loving. They're called Velcro dogs for good reason as they form a very strong bond with you and want to be with you all the time. I love both of them equally and yet being a Boy & Girl they are different. Oscar is completely transparent and Mouse , being a girl knows how to play you as well as Oscar (being a doofus) to get what she wants and yet they both worm their way into your heart. For example, if mouse wants to sit next to my wife she will come up and make a show of giving me attention, to which Oscar, being the Doofus he is will get over excited and come over for attention too. At that point Oscar will have given up his seat and Mouse will spot that, disengage and then go and sit where he was. It's really quite funnyEdited by macp on Sunday 12th November 15:37
I agree, their eyes are so expressive and having had them for 7 years now I know what they are thinking and they have worked out a way of communicating whereby you know what they want. They use their eyes to point at what they want so if you can read it, it's easy to work out what they are thinking
Edited by juice on Sunday 12th November 18:31
Currently pondering it myself.
I have a 10 year old Scottie. Fit and healthy but the most anti social creature in the world. He spends most of his time asleep in the lounge window, wont go on walks at all as he's very anxious and is generally more like a cat and shows affection only for food. I love him dearly, but he's very much not a 'proper' dog and is rather stuck in his ways at this point.
My daughter has a mini dachshund and when he visits our Scott comes out of his shell a fair bit. He'll play, roll about and generally perk up, he's even been known to partake in a small walk outside our property although he will eventually take himself back to the lounge window which is too high for the daxie to reach.
I've been thinking over the last few months of adding a mini dachshund in to the mix. Him indoors isn't convinced whereas I think it could really bring our scottie out of his shell. Also, somewhat selfishly, I know what an affectionate breed they are and it would be lovely to have a dog that actually wants to spend some time with me.
It's all a bit of a gamble.
I have a 10 year old Scottie. Fit and healthy but the most anti social creature in the world. He spends most of his time asleep in the lounge window, wont go on walks at all as he's very anxious and is generally more like a cat and shows affection only for food. I love him dearly, but he's very much not a 'proper' dog and is rather stuck in his ways at this point.
My daughter has a mini dachshund and when he visits our Scott comes out of his shell a fair bit. He'll play, roll about and generally perk up, he's even been known to partake in a small walk outside our property although he will eventually take himself back to the lounge window which is too high for the daxie to reach.
I've been thinking over the last few months of adding a mini dachshund in to the mix. Him indoors isn't convinced whereas I think it could really bring our scottie out of his shell. Also, somewhat selfishly, I know what an affectionate breed they are and it would be lovely to have a dog that actually wants to spend some time with me.
It's all a bit of a gamble.
We tried the second dog thing, introducing a sprocker to our 9 year old show cocker.
The puppy annoyed the dog to begin with and the dog was jealous of my interactions with puppy. As it grew the puppy started to become jealous too and began bullying the older dog.
We tried various trainers and other solution, but ultimately the new dog had to be rehomed.
The puppy annoyed the dog to begin with and the dog was jealous of my interactions with puppy. As it grew the puppy started to become jealous too and began bullying the older dog.
We tried various trainers and other solution, but ultimately the new dog had to be rehomed.
Interesting reading about other people’s experiences on here. We have had dogs for many years and I think we have had similar experiences to almost everyone on here at different times. The bottom line is that you really cannot tell how things will work out when you add to the pack.
I the main when we have added a second dog (puppy) in with an older dog the older dog has really perked up and it’s given them a whole new lease of life. (Border Collies and Golden Retrievers)
However when we got a second dog to go with our 2 year old corgi (thought he might be lonely) it was the worst thing we ever did. He was a brilliant dog as a single, brilliant fun and really well behaved. As a pair, now a trio, he is a grumpy, feisty bugger who needs to be carefully managed.
It’s a bit of a minefield to be honest. On balance I think 2 or more is best but it’s a close call.
I the main when we have added a second dog (puppy) in with an older dog the older dog has really perked up and it’s given them a whole new lease of life. (Border Collies and Golden Retrievers)
However when we got a second dog to go with our 2 year old corgi (thought he might be lonely) it was the worst thing we ever did. He was a brilliant dog as a single, brilliant fun and really well behaved. As a pair, now a trio, he is a grumpy, feisty bugger who needs to be carefully managed.
It’s a bit of a minefield to be honest. On balance I think 2 or more is best but it’s a close call.
The thing that sticks in my mind is a past experience of having two, and it’s why I’m mulling over carefully whether I do it again.
I had a westie. He was a lovely little thing. When he was about two I brought home a Scottie pup. At the time I followed all the training advice etc, keep the westie top dog and the like, only the westie did not care. He was happier for the Scott to be the big personality. If you’d asked me at the time I’d have told you they were the best of friends. They slept together, went everywhere together.
When the Scott was 8 he developed a serious illness and died shortly after. We were devastated. I was also now quite concerned for the westie who’d spent 8 years with his companion. How would he cope?.
Within a week it became abundantly clear I had a different dog. I was expecting him to pine but he came out of his shell. He was an outgoing, bouncy, happy little guy. I realised that whilst they had been pretty inseparable the Scott was the life and soul for both of them and the westie just couldn’t get a word in.
He lived until just shy of his 15th birthday and he was so happy in life. I felt a bit guilty that I’d ever made him one of two and that’s why when I look at my dog now I think ‘am I going to give him a new lease of life or make him thoroughly miserable?’
I had a westie. He was a lovely little thing. When he was about two I brought home a Scottie pup. At the time I followed all the training advice etc, keep the westie top dog and the like, only the westie did not care. He was happier for the Scott to be the big personality. If you’d asked me at the time I’d have told you they were the best of friends. They slept together, went everywhere together.
When the Scott was 8 he developed a serious illness and died shortly after. We were devastated. I was also now quite concerned for the westie who’d spent 8 years with his companion. How would he cope?.
Within a week it became abundantly clear I had a different dog. I was expecting him to pine but he came out of his shell. He was an outgoing, bouncy, happy little guy. I realised that whilst they had been pretty inseparable the Scott was the life and soul for both of them and the westie just couldn’t get a word in.
He lived until just shy of his 15th birthday and he was so happy in life. I felt a bit guilty that I’d ever made him one of two and that’s why when I look at my dog now I think ‘am I going to give him a new lease of life or make him thoroughly miserable?’
Gassing Station | All Creatures Great & Small | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff