Would two dogs be better?

Question

My horse died recently and my son would like a dog.I would like one of my own as well.We live in the country and are out fairly often.I thought two smallish dogs would be easier to manage and would not be lonley.What do you think?

Answer 1

First, I am sorry for your loss. That has to be hard for you and your family.
But you are absolutely right. Two dogs usually do keep each other company, but keep in mind that this is your purpose and make sure that the two dogs that you get like each other. Even if they don't, they can be trained to do so. This guy named Caesar has a show called dog Whisper. If you can find it on your television he shows anyone how to train their new dogs, if this is needed. We always have two of every kind of animal, except hamsters, they fight. Two dogs, two cats, two birds and two bunnies and in every case the animals do keep each other company.

P.S. I cant imagine how hard it was for your family to loose a family pet like that. So sorry, hope the puppies help fill the loss a bit.

Answer 2

Small dogs can be easier to manage such as bathing and what not but smaller dogs usually need alot more attention. Although small dogs may not always be as aggresive as bigger dogs, bigger dogs can calm down with the right obedience training. With you living out in the country also, bigger dogs need a lot of exercise and they would have the room to run and they would be excellent companions. It really depends on if you want outside dogs or inside dogs.

You have maintained a horse before so I'm sure you know about all the fees behind food, vet, etc.

Two dogs are also better than one for compaionship with the other especially if you are out alot. I wouldn't suggest getting two dogs that haven't communicated before though because they may not get along well and that could lead to a bad situation. I would get two dogs that are either from the same breed and get along or a dog from a dog pound that is in the pen with other dogs so you know it gets along with other dogs, period.

Whatever decision you make, congratulations on your new addition and I'm sure you'll have an awesome time.

Good luck!

Answer 3

We've always had at least two dogs, and they are definitely much happier when they have a friend to play with and keep them company. I think too, that a larger breed would be better, specially where you have room for them to run. Check out your local shelter. We often have sad cases where an elderly owner has died, or gone into a nursing home, and has two dogs that have never been separated. It's almost impossible to find someone who will take both of them. The great advantage is that you know they will get along together, and that they are already housetrained.

Answer 4

Not a small dog, or atleast not considerably small. Large dogs are usually friendlier and evn better trained. Small dogs tend to yap. Also, one of the reasons you don't see too many little kids with chihuahas is because they also nip and bite. People have (atleast tried to) breed larger dogs to be nicer, while noone thinks about the smaller dogs.

Personally, I would go for nothing smsaller tha a beagle. Labradors are nice, and no matter what they say, real pitbulls are wuite nice too. I would also suggest adopting a mutt from a local pound, you always get a good variety, and you can save lives too.

Answer 5

If you live in the country, you might want to consider a larger dog simply because he can roam a bit more and, because of their size, tend to be more gentle and calm.

If by fairly often you mean 6-8 hours a weekday, then the dog probably doesn't need a companion(mine usually is alone for that amount of time and seems to cope fine). If you feel better leaving him/her with another dog, then go with your instincts. Make sure they get along well before leaving them alone together. I currently have another dog staying with mine and it took them a while to get acclimated to each other but they get along fine now. If your two animals grow up together, they will probably be completely fine with the other's presence.

Sorry for your loss by the way.

Answer 6

I think it is an excellent idea, and you should definitely go into town to an animal rescue - maybe you can find a pair of dogs that are already bonded?

There are so many dogs with mates that need homes, but cannot find one because people only want one dog! Maybe even check petfinder.com. I have seen numerous [young] dogs that cannot be separated.

Answer 7

good idea, two dogs are better than one. dogs are pack animals like there ancestors the wolves. they are more happy together than being alone. smaller dogs are nice, but usually need more medical care somethimes, meduims are nice sized dogs, large are nice 2. so its ur choice

Answer 8

Yes because the other dog might be bored when your gone and + he/she will have a playmate...so its good to always have a friend,yes you should have two dogs.