One dog or two?

Question

I'm interested in knowing what your experience has been with one dog as opposed to two (or more) dogs. I have a one-year-old Aussie and am interested in getting another dog but want to be aware of any pitfalls before I decide. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've always had several dogs (from only 2 to 6), so in my opinion, go for it. You need to be sure your aussie is well socialized and dog friendly. If he is, you need to either get another aussie or a dog with a compatable temperament - you don't want to have a breed known to be dog aggressive, nor do you want one very high energy dog and one that's very lazy. In general (keeping in mind all dogs are individuals so this isn't always true) 2 males or 1 of each will get along better than 2 females. It also helps if both dogs are spayed/neutered.

When you get a second one, introduce them properly and always make sure you aussie gets as much attention as when he was the only one and you should have 2 happy dogs - most of them appreciate the companionship.

Answer 2

at one year old, it would be a good time to introduce a new dog or equal or younger age. Older might cause a few territory issues but equal or younger is okay. I own four dogs and i had 2 for almost 8 years now and i introduced a 4 month old pup to them and things were fine. never had an issue. About a year later, i introduced a 2 year old to the three at home and this was a little more of a hassle because of the age thing. Up to 1.5 to 2 years old, dogs are either pups or juvenilles. After 2, they are more adults than juvenilles to older dogs. best bet is to get another dog and introduce them through cages/kennels/fences. I have kennels for all 4 dogs and they are all connected to eachother so when the 2 year old came in, i locked them all up for almost a day and a half so as to get used to the smell of eachother. Even then, it still took about a week or two before they all fully accepted eachother.

Answer 3

Hi

Much depends on the personality of the dogs... If the dog you have already had for 1 year is very much the baby he or she may be jealous...

Almost always I say its best to have 2 , so they can keep each other company...

THe downfalls are.. 2 times the care costs at the VET, double trouble sometimes if they find something naughty to get into etc..

BUT
its better for each to have company, and you get 2x the love and thanks, slobbers and licks

Make sure if you are not going to get the same breed dog you get a compatible breed to the one you already have and a puppy ight be good over one older.

Good Luck
Wismom

Answer 4

As long as you have the room and patience go for it. Make sure the second dog is the same height and weight as the first dog will be when mature.Some dogs take right to each other some take time just like people. Don't play favorites. Treat them equally and you dogs will be happy.

Answer 5

We had 2 rotts (male and female, both fixed) and they were great together. The male was 2 years older and he enjoyed having someone to play with. Before you bring a new dog home, make sure you bring your existing dog to meet the new dog if possible. You'd hate to buy another, get it home and then find out they don't get along. Normally, 2 males don't work well together because they each want to be the dominant dog. I had 2 males growing up and they were in constant battle with each other.

Answer 6

If you want to have more than one dog you should get them at the same time. I know personally because I had a beautiful Yorkshire Terrier and five years later we purchased a blonde Pekingese who was the cruelest dog I ever saw. It did not accept our Yorkie and the Yorkie loved the Pekingese. It knocked the Yorkie down and jumped on her and started biting her. I also had a friend who bought her two dogs at the same time and they adore each other, they don't go anywhere without each other.

Answer 7

If you take your dog everywhere and enjoy doing things with your dog I would not get another. It can make this much more difficult (not always) and you may find you can't do all the things you used to. If your dog mainly hangs out around the house and goes for neighborhood walks, etc...I say go for it and you'll probalby be happy you did.
Don't forget to go to your local shelters if you decide to get another one...preachy, I know but don't care

Answer 8

I would first be worried if the dog will accept the new one. Then if it accepts it then you have to worry about them becomeing a terror. When a dog gets a new friend it might start misbehaving due to the new dogs lack of your style of discipline.

Answer 9

Wait and see how she is with other dogs. Also do a lot of compatibility research before you pick a breed for that second dog.

Answer 10

Watch for jealousy at first but two is the better plan unless you have a lot of time to devote to your dog. They must have companionship. If not they become cranky and possessive and extra-territorial.