Should our family get a second puppy?

Question

We have a 5 and a half month old puppy, she's a very cute Sheltie/Bichon mix. She's also EXTREMELY social and loves interaction with other dogs, people, anything living. I guess most dogs do.

I sometimes wonder whether it would be good to get a second puppy as a companion for her, especially when we leave her home alone (for work, etc). We play with her as much as we can and take opportunities to socialize her to other dogs in the neighborhood, take puppy classes, get people to meet her, but is that enough?

Do you think she's happy on her own? She's a lot of work on her own, and a second dog would be a major commitment. In addition, we've only had her for a few months (and we're first-time pet owners).

This is all just inquisitive. We're not deciding anything definite, just learning from this wonderful community. We just want to hear your thoughts.

Thanks for all the responses so far. They have all been insightful, informative, and helpful!

It's reassuring to hear from some of you that our puppy won't be lonely being the only child.

Answer 1

I have always had a multi-dog household, so maybe the wrong person to answer this. However, since this is your first dog, you might be better off waiting until this one is a bit older before adding a second dog. If she's well socialized and enjoys the company of other dogs, there's plenty of time to get a second dog a year from now.

I think you'd be making a huge mistake getting another dog for this one. The reason anyone should add another dog to the family is because they really want another dog for a companion. Your dog can live quite happily being an only dog. It's not fair to add another living animal just because you want company for your dog.

Answer 2

No, at least not yet. It is not a good idea to get another puppy right now. The reason is because each dog needs to bond to you individually. Wait until the puppy is a dog - 6 - 8 more months, and knows that you are the owner/leader/master/kind leader. She should be completey trained so she can be a good role model for the puppy (and so you won't have the be training two dogs at once). By then she will also be older and may not need another dog.

What I learned when I got my puppy is that if you are away for 8 hours a day you should adopt a dog or older puppy. Puppies shouldnt be left alone or crated for more than 4 hours. Anyway, since you already got a puppy (as did I at the time) I did several things to correct it. Get the puppy a play pen or confine her to one room during the day with newspaper and plenty of toys.

It sounds like you have her socialized pretty well, and she is probably content in how she is living. However a companion would be nice later in her life. But for now two puppies means double the vet bills, trouble housetraining (confusion over which dog did the deed), the new puppy will be more attached to the other puppy than you. I couldn't afford another puppy and didn't have the time to walk and bond with them individually so I started fostering kittens. This may be good for your puppy too since she is small and puppies and kittens have lots of energy to spend on each other. It will also socialize the kitten and the puppy towards cats and dogs.

Answer 3

hello I am a previous dog owner and after having a puppy for 6 months we decided to get another puppy as out puppy was easily bored when we were not home and chewed things he shouldnt have i mean walls etc. As ia result we got her a playmate puppy and all problems stopped we set up a video recorder/web cam so we could look in on them from my work during the day and we found that the first dogs behaviour improved greatly they became best friends and were inseperable. I advise that you get another one now so that their age rang eis about the same that way there will be no interaction problems later on in puppy hood.I defitnly reccomend getting another puppy for your newest family member I also had 2 kittens at the same time!

Answer 4

Yes, get another dog. Dogs are pack animals, they like to be with other dogs. Though the "love" humans, they still want to be with other dogs. As much as you love your dog, don't you want to be around other humans?

You said in your question that "a second dog would be a major commitment". ONE dog is a major commitment.

I would recommend to you, to go to an obedience class with your dog (the dog needs to be around other dogs). Talk to other dog owners, and if possible, take your dog to meet other dog owners.

I don't mean to suggest doing more than you think you can handle, but if at all possible, get another dog. If you really feel that you can't possibly have more than one dog, then give it all of the love you can, but, get her some training. Training and socialization are the best thing you can do for her.

I believe that dogs "love" you, but they love being dogs, too, above and beyond anything else.

Good luck.

Answer 5

They will bond on their own. Yes it is normal for some to cry longer & louder during crate training, they are all different just like us. There is really nothing that you should put in the crate...maybe a chew toy, but if he has an accident, this may get the toy nasty...your best bet is to put him in a room where you can't hear him...why does he have to sleep in your room..he is not an infant. The more attention you give him while in the crate, the more persistent he will be at crying & trying to get out. Ignore him until he is used to the crate & your schedule he will learn after time when you are letting him out & then he will be fine with sleeping in it, cause he will know that the next morning you will be there to let him out. Neither of your puppies should have the run of the house while you are gone...this is dangerous, they can get into things that are harmful to them...they need to be in separate crates with food & water while you are gone to work...never pen two dogs or pups together if they are just getting acquainted.

Answer 6

It depends if you are up to raising another child. Dogs do love to socialise, but if you'll be stretched taking care of two dogs, i would suggest just having one would be kindest.

Having said that, if you are happy to have another dog, i would say, go for it. Just be careful of your choice second dog, don't pick a dog that will suppress each other, but in a sense just be play buddies. There's both good and bad things about buying boys or girls. Guys will have testosterone, so you'll have to get it neutered if you don't want to have puppies. Girls will fight to be the alpha female in the household, however they should get on well.

Answer 7

If you want to know what I think-"If it is not broke-don't fix it"- your pup is probably happy on it's own and a second dog may make for trouble and add extra work for you as well. It is better to have one happy dog than two unhappy dogs. It sounds to me like you are doing a good job with your pup now. Good Luck.

Answer 8

I think it is important that if you do this you get another dog for your family not just for your current pet.

When we got another puppy our sheltie was thrilled and it has worked out for us very well but it was for us as much as it was for dog.

Answer 9

having two pups is so much more hard work and twice the scooping in the yard. it would be good company for your current pup having a playmate but also harder to control. i would wait until your current pup was a bit older and settled and calmed down first before introducing a new one. it would make life easier and not as hectic. well not unless you want hectic?

Answer 10

A puppy is just like a small child. Raising one is enough work.