We have two dogs, and two cats. My son fell in love with a dog at the MSPCA, is three dogs too many? Our oldest dog Murphy is 6, he is 1/2 great dane, 1/2doberman, so he is HUGE. Our other dog Pablo is a yellow lab. The dog my son loves is quite large, but the MSPCA isn't sure of his exact breed (possibly lab mix?).
Would it be too much for my husband and I to have 3 dogs, 2 cats, and 5 kids?
2006-09-16 09:10:20 · 16 answers · asked by Jennifer H 1 in Pets ➔ Dogs
The kids are 8,7,5,3, and 1...not much help. But they do try, my older three change the water so its always clean, and then my oldest likes to help with brushing the kitties. Also my 3 year old is enjoying scooping out the crunchy food into the bowl.
2006-09-16 09:16:54 · update #1
Only you can answer that. I am a single person with five dogs and five cats right now. I have a very full life, and don't have as much time as I would like for my pets. What time I have I spend with my pack, so I have not much time for friends at all. But this is what I'm willing to give up for my pets whom I love..
If you take in another dog, you will have to give up some space, some time and some money. Are you willing to do that?
As far as bringing three into the equation, it can be done. I had three for several years before I rescued my two collies to make a pack of five. The troubles came with walking them and handling them (I used a double leash for the two large ones) and with juggling pack personalities. (The pack management is a little harder now with five, but we're all still new to it.)
The fact that I only have two sides on a sofa was little bit of an issue. Also, you should be aware that you only have two hands, so you have to be adept at petting one dog with a foot, or finding ways to pet two dogs with one hand. OK... really you have to teach your dogs to come for attention when YOU want it, not when they want it. Control the jealousy same as you have to with the kids.
You say you have five kids. Think about that. Is five two many? Think how things changed among your family as you added one more kid, and then one more again, etc. It is pretty much the same for dogs.
My belief is that there is not end to the capacity of the heart to love. You can do what ever you want to do. You just have to make up your mind to make it work. But that is the hard part, isn't it? Just please think of the dog. Commit to him when you take him home. Don't give up at the first opportunity and send him back to the shelter.
My suggestion though: If you decide you don't want to handle three dogs or more, stay away from the spca from now on.... It's not fair to the kids.
How to be the Leader of the Pack...And have Your Dog Love You For It by Patricia B. McConnell is an excellent help for anyone thinking about managing a group of dogs. I'm thinking I better reread it myself...
2006-09-16 09:31:37 · answer #1 · answered by Robin D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are a few factors to consider. Do you have enough room? Three dogs wouldn't seem so excessive if you had a good amount of property but in an average sized house, it seems a bit much especially with all the kids. Those are all large dogs. Lots of people cram lots of animals into one house, but that doesn't make it right. Don't forget too about all the added expenses that come with a new dog. I'm sure you know how much big dogs cost to feed. Can you afford another one?
2006-09-16 16:35:40 · answer #2 · answered by Puma 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
only you would be able to say whether it's too much. do you think YOU can cope with another dog? With there being so many pets will the dog get the attention it wants? can you give the dog the attention it wants? I am a great fan in dogs and have a dobie, me personally he takes up all my time and has all my attention another would be difficult. Seeing how you are doing well so far it may be worth a go all depending on the dogs reasons as to why he is there in the first place. Good luck and respect for giving these animals your love and time.
2006-09-16 16:36:49 · answer #3 · answered by shelz042000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How old is your son? If he's old enough to be responsible for the dog's care (feeding, bathing, playing, walking) then let him have the dog. Animals provide us with absolute unconditional love. It's a perfect thing for him! It's only too many if the animal won't be loved which doesn't sound like it's the case here! Good luck- sounds like you have a wonderful loving family! And another lucky dog!
2006-09-16 16:16:40 · answer #4 · answered by Cyndi S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you have a great family. Seems like the kids do their best to help given their ages. Go for it if you can afford the food and the vet bills and you have the yard to support three dogs. You didn't say - who does the poop patrol? If that's you I might think twice about three BIG dogs.
2006-09-16 16:55:19 · answer #5 · answered by canela 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We have 3 dogs 2 cats and 2 snakes and I wouldn't say that it would be to much however I would make sure that they got along with the other one before bringing him home and making that kind of commitment.
2006-09-16 17:09:06 · answer #6 · answered by wolfds650 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no! my friend has 9 dogs currently in is house! (1 dog had 6 puppies) there are 3 kids and 9 dogs and they fit in there 4 bedroom house just perfectly! he also has a great dane. he is huge!
2006-09-16 16:13:43 · answer #7 · answered by laura 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Adopt A Homeless Dog: http://www.petfinder.com
2006-09-16 16:30:20 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have the time and space and know you can take good care of it, I do not see a problem. Too many critters are in bad homes or stuck at the pound until they are put to sleep. I am glad you are considering a pound puppy! They are my favorites anyway. :-)
2006-09-16 16:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by emmadropit 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well in my opinion I think that it would be good to get that dog. Especially because you would be rescuing it. If you do decide to get it make sure its good with kids. It would get a lot of attention too. I can tell!! Good Luck!
2006-09-16 16:25:47 · answer #10 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋