My girlfriend and I are getting a dog in a week. The dog will be alone for part of the day during weekdays and a couple people have told us we should consider getting two because it's not that much more work and they will keep each other company during the day. Has anyone had any experience with two dogs that can verify this theory? Thanks!
2006-10-21 16:13:27 · 26 answers · asked by Monstblitz 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Just a little additional info, we own our house, so there are no landlord issues.
We have already decided if we get two they will be different, but similar (breed, size) so they wouldn't be from the same litter.
Great info from both sides of the argument. Thanks!
2006-10-21 16:34:23 · update #1
No, it is not a good idea to get two dogs at the same time, especially from the same litter. The dogs will interact with each other but not with you and training will be much more difficult. They will bond with each other but not on you. Housebreaking is much more difficult. Having 2 dogs is fine, but just don't get 2 at the same time!
I think everyone else above is missing the point (or I am wrong) that you are considering having two puppies at the same time....this is the problem. So get two dogs, just wait about 9 months in-between.
Check out this website:
http://72.14.205.104/search?q=cache:nJR-DBRPtTMJ:www.leerburg.com/2dogs.htm+getting+two+dogs+same+litter&hl=en&gl=ca&ct=clnk&cd=5
2006-10-21 16:20:42 · answer #1 · answered by wd2crv 3 · 5⤊ 1⤋
I strongly agree with the prevouis post by wd2crv. I breed and i would never sell a 2 pups to a person at the sametime out of the same litter or out of 2 litters that were really close together. Get one then a few months later if you decide to get another one then that is fine but wait a little while between the two. So they bond closer with you and not to each other instead. Thats my two cents
2006-10-21 16:24:06 · answer #2 · answered by redlasvegas81 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I agree with getting one dog at a time. Get one dog. Train it. Then when you have bonded get another dog, train it, then train them together. Having two puppies will make you exhausted, especially if you have posessions that you cannot part with. I love my two dogs, and am glad I had the first trained, then two years later got the second. It was harder to train the second one because he would look to the older one for direction, but after training, both are like two peas in a pod. If you take my advice and get the first one, make sure to socialize with people and other animals daily to make it open and friendly to a puppy. See if there is a neighbor that will allow a play date or something like it weekly. It sounds weird, but really makes a difference in the long journey. Also, life it much happier if you don't have carpet. Best Wishes!
2006-10-21 16:53:44 · answer #3 · answered by gardengirl 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Some breeds are fine as solo dogs, some need companions and some have anxiety problems and may not be a good idea if you not home most of the day since they may destroy your house while your out. So talk to the breeders, other owners and sites since they will be familiar with the breeds typical behaviors, the behaviors of their dogs and you can find out the down sides of a breed such as anxiety.
2006-10-21 17:02:52 · answer #4 · answered by Raven Amadahy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have two dogs, I first got one, and yes, you do start to think that they are lonely while you are at work, so I bought another one, but, I found that my two shih tzu's love to play and scruff with each other and yes they do keep each other company while you are away at work. My two although from different litters, have become like brothers, yes they have their spats, but where one goes the other one follows, except for when they are being naughty, they love to run away from me if I let them off the lead, so you have to firm with your training if you have two, they must understand that you love them both equally but you are the boss. That is something that I didnt do and now they rule me, cant help myself really I let them get away with things, my fault I know, so if you have two, I think now it would be better to get one, of a certain age, then another one later, that would be younger. Train the older one first, and you will find it will train the younger one when you get it. Hope this helps.........
2006-10-21 16:24:37 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I have had two dogs but never were they puppies at the same time. Puppies can take a lot of time to care for as far as training goes. I found it very easy to train the 2nd dog because she seemed to learn from the first one (who was already 2 years old). I think it could get quite expensive too, since vet bills are not that cheap....double everything as far as costs go.
2006-10-21 16:17:03 · answer #6 · answered by Jeff G 2 · 6⤊ 0⤋
I so beleive in more than one dog. My home is filled with 7 dogs, and 5 cats. They become such good friends, playing together and sleeping too. Think about adopting older dogs from a rescue or shelter. It is easier to potty train an older dog, and in many cases they are already trained. Have fun! :)
2006-10-21 17:29:04 · answer #7 · answered by Shelby 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
experts a million. the biggest professional that i will think of of is companionship. you will see dogs play with one yet another whilst they are board or choose to play in case you have no longer have been given time to play or provide them exercising. 2. dogs learn from one yet another Cons a million. the biggest con is extra paintings. and a few breeds require diverse stages of exercising or grooming. 2. they are able to be very linked and could sense whilst their companion is sick or has surpassed. 2 dogs are ok yet, in case you very own extra effective than 2-3 you would be too over whelmed no longer in basic terms in cost yet, with each and all the paintings.
2016-10-15 07:05:07 · answer #8 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get two--especially if you're going to be gone a lot during the day. As your friend said, another dog will not add too much more to the work, and the first dog will have a playmate when you're not around.
2006-10-21 16:22:47 · answer #9 · answered by leaflover 1 · 4⤊ 1⤋
For years we had just one dog. We never thought of her being lonely. When she died at the age of 14, we adopted two dogs - a brother and a sister. What a difference two dogs makes! They were snuggle buddies and loved playing together! I would definitely consider getting two because dogs are pack animals and it would be nicer for them to have each other for company when you aren't home. :)
2006-10-21 16:17:03 · answer #10 · answered by crouchingpossum 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋