What are benefits of getting two puppies instead of one?

Question

Dog(s) will be outside in large garden a lot of the time. I need to convince wife that two will mean less scratching at door / digging up plants etc

Answer 1

They will have company and might be happier when left alone but you may then have problems if you need to seperate them - e.g. take one for a walk or to the vet and leave the other at home, they cant always be together so its best to get them used to spending time apart as well. They might cause more damage together as they will play more and egg each other on. Its usually best to get one puppy and get house-training and chewing under control before getting another then the good puppy helps train the new puppy - it can be very difficult to train two puppies together

Answer 2

Don't do it! I just went through all of this a few weeks ago. I went to adopt one puppy and walked out with two. They would keep each other company right? They still cried and scratched the door when I would leave. Even if one was fine, once the other puppy got started crying, they would both be crying soon. There is double the scratching on the door and digging in the garden. Think of every possible bad thing a puppy could do and double it. If one starts doing it, so will the other. They will ignore you when you are with them, because they would rather roughhouse with each other. They will hate being separated. They must be separated for training and walks and some vet visits. I began crate training as a way to separate them at night and during training and walks. They still hated it. Things are much better now that I have re-homed one of my puppies. They are completely different dogs. The bad behavior is minimal (since it is not being reinforced by the other dog), and my dog actually looks forward to spending time with me. She has actually learned fetch, down, and heel in one short week. Please really think this through before you get two puppies, because it is really better for them and you to only get one. Train it, let it grow up a little then get a 2nd dog. That way the good behavior of the older dog will rub off on the younger pup, instead of reinforcing bad habits.

Answer 3

Dogs, like people are very sociable. I have a Sausage dog and have just gotten a puppy as a friend. They need stimpulation, which two give to each other. Usually they are less destructive when they are two, but remember, if they are both puppies, you will go through two lots of potty training and naughty puppy mischief. Mine are at home in a small garden alone all day, and I must admit that they ARE less destructive being too busy chasing each other around than digging up my plants! It is really unfair to only have one - think about it this way : an only child is lonely, and prefers company. Dogs are the same.

Answer 4

Hi,
A good Breeder will not sell two pups or home one of there pups where there is or will be another puppy on the premises.
Pups are alot of hard work,two will be double the amount of work,they will bond with each other rather than yourself.Have you got the time to spend with them indivially training them?
A pup should not be left unattended in the garden,alot of plants can be highly poisonous to dogs especially puppies.Two will not mean less digging the garden up,or scratching the door,that is down to the owner been responsible and training the dog.

Answer 5

It may actually mean double the holes in the garden if you're not careful! Getting 2 dogs or puppies together will mean companionship for them especially if they're being left alone at home during the day, but if you're serious about getting two dogs you must ensure they are as bonded to you as to each other from day one. Make sure you spend time alone with each dog every day, training, playing and giving them attention. As well as walking the dogs together also walk them separately, it will make lead training and recall an awful lot easier. Interacting with their human family should be far more exciting and rewarding than just interacting with their sibling. From personal experience, having two dogs can be a lot of work in the early stages but they are also well worth the effort - I'm glad I went for the two dog tag-team!

Answer 6

Well JoJo
its going to be pretty hard to convince your wife that two dog will mean less scratching and digging up her plants. I assume you know that two dogs will make more of a mess than one. What you could tell her that they will be better company for each other. I don't think you will get away with the digging and scratching bit. Good Luck with it anyway

Answer 7

They will be company that's true but think of the fun they are going to have let loose in your garden two bundles of trouble he he.why are you excluding them from the house a lot of the time anyway? puppy's should not be left out on there own what will you do when they eat a plant that could kill or make them very ill and you are not there to help them think about everything before you get your puppy/puppies.maybe make them a large safe play pen.

Answer 8

1 puppy ntakes a lot of training so 2 puppies will be double the training. However it may stop them howling to come in and scratching at the door.

But dogs will be dogs and puppies do dig until told they cant do that....(training)

also think hard are you gettin a male and female or 2 males/2females. some combinations can be tricker than other e.g. 2 puppies (1male 1female) if not carful makes about 8 puppies.

Answer 9

2 dogs means twice the love. Also if they are there for protecting your house that means twice the defense. We are going to get another dog and that means we will be safer. If one dog doesn't hear a burglar the other will. It might mean a little more work but what's the price of safety. Also if I were you get one puppy now, wait for a year then get another. Some dogs tend to bond with other dogs rather than the owner. Bond first then get another. Keep them separated and slowly introduce them. But let them know that you are the alpha!

Answer 10

It's a good idea, however don't get 2 from the same litter or 2 of the same age. Getting 2 from the same litter can end up in the dogs competing heavily for your attention/food/water, it's generally not advised. Have one slightly older. Also try getting one by itself then going and getting the other so you can bond and start the training process.