Should I get another dog?

Question

I am an absolute dog LOVER and i know a lot about dogs. Im very responsible and love my puppy to pieces but I seem to be REALLY intent on getting another dog- I even took out the money to buy one but pulled out at the last minute because I had second thoughts. I have one small dog and my family has a big dog, so I dont knwo what the responsibility would be like having 2 small dogs to carry around with me. Does anyone have personal experience of having 2 small dogs and a lifestyle that entails travel?

Answer 1

I don't have any experience in owning two dogs but my daughter and her family got a second dog a couple of months ago. Their lifestyle has really changed since. Now instead of taking their one dog with them they have to kennel them. The new dog is always trying to be the alpha which stresses the older dog never giving her peace.

Have you thought of getting a cat instead? If you got a kitten they would grow up together. I have one dog and one cat who are great companions, they even take naps together.

I have been thinking of getting another dog for a couple months and almost did several times. What helped me change my mind was imagining what each situation would be like each day if I had two dogs instead on one dog.

I travel two or three times a year and always take my dog with with me. If I would get another one it would change my whole lifestyle for the next 15 years or so. No more taking my one dog on quiet early morning walks, just the two of us enjoying each others company. Instead I would be managing two dogs on the end of two leashes. It would be harder to find motels that would allow two dogs so I would have to kennel them, so no more vacations with my dog. Food, vaccinations, flea and tick protection, would cost me twice as much. In your case how would you take two puppies to puppy class and later obedience training unless you find someone to help you.

Instead of getting another dog I decided to focus on building a better relationship with the one dog I have. There are still some behavior issues that need attention and some games and tricks I would like to teach my dog.

If you are still intent on getting another puppy why not wait until the puppy is about two years old. Take it to obedience school and work on having a well trained dog before you get another. It will be easier to train the second one and it will pick up the good habits your first dog has.

Just because you have a small size dog doesn't mean that they don't need some kind of training. Good luck in what ever you choose to do.

~edit~

I have only mentioned the negatives on having two dogs so here is an unbiased opinion on some of the positives reasons to have two or more dogs and if it's right for you.

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=1580

This website tells of the negatives on raising two puppies together.

http://www.leerburg.com/2dogs.htm

Answer 2

Well i own a chihuahua and a miniature Dachshund and what i can say is that MAKE sure that they are not both females because believe it or not 2 females fight more than 2 males. Also i work a very very nice hotel in the middle of central Arkansas (aka no where haha) we charge a 75.00 fee for pets and 150 if its over 7 nights so it can be expensive to travel especially if you go from hotel to hotel. Most hotels i know don't allow pets so if you stay anywhere stay at a candlewood suites (where i work) because they have a strict pet policy that the hotel owners cant waiver. Also if your dogs are good apart but are barkers together (like mine are, they bark because the other one does and then you can't stop them) if you get more that 3 complaints the hotel has the right to kick you out and you can't get a refund for your stay or that night. Also if there is anything chewed up in the room or stains etc. you will receive an OUTRAGEOUS bill due to the fact that the items that they buy are in bulk and to replace or fix will cost them alot of money. There was one person how had a cat that pulled some strings out of the blanket and punched a couple of small holes near the bottom of our leather recliner and they ended up with an extra 300.00 tacked on to the bill due to the fact that the hotel will lose money for not being able to sell the room until it gets fixed, the cost of shipping and fixing etc. And if you have puppies there is alot of stuff to chew, pee, and scratch on in a hotel room. It just seems like a lot of money and stress for one extra dog although you might love them it probably wouldn't be worth it and if you do get them (like i did) you're pretty much tied down.

Answer 3

I wouldnt because travel is stressful with pets sometimes and having two of them is double the stress. I would say use the money to spoil the dog you have- I know its hard to get over the puppy stage and not want more but itll be healthier for you and your pup to stay with the one kid. If you are worried about your doggie having friends take them to parks and petstores- make sure you are socializing them. I think it would make your experience with the dog you already have very unpleasant to add another dog into the mix ESPECIALLY if you travel a lot. Two is great becuase they can play with eachother however if you could end up jepordizing your relationship with the one you have. Id say wait until you are settling down more and not traveling so much when you have adequate time to take care of them both without being stressed about it as much.

Answer 4

We had a black lab and a beagle that adored each other. When the lab passed away at age 12 from a brain tumor, her friend had a hard time adjusting. The beagle died at age 15. Now we just have a golden retriever who is a nut-job and I wonder if a buddy might settle him down. Travel is a problem with any pet, we never could take the dogs with us when we traveled, but we did have a responsible neighbor kid who would "dog-sit" for us. He would go over and let the dogs out several times a day, and make sure they had food and water. Worked out great.

Answer 5

aw how nice your a dog lover thats great but two dogs is alot of responcabilty because when you go out of town the only thing you can do is leave them and you have to find someone to watch them or take them but traving aaround with two dogs doesnt sound like much fun .I think its double trouble its double the shots heartworm pills and fea meds its exspentive now add the food on there .alot of places wont even let you take a dog in like a motal only a few will allow them with a pet deposit .Get a cat at least there self dependant on themselfs pretty much all you do is feed them .Then imagine having two dogs jump on your lap durring your driving or just barking all the way home from the store .and about the wearther you can take them with you in the hot car so who will watch them whenyou leave for long periods of time or if you gotta take a plane somewhere you gotta pay for 2 dogs its an expenincesorry no way to get aaround i t .then you gotta get more doggy treats and more toys , pick out your cat before you put anymore thought into this....lol but ceriously everytime i think about a dog i hold and love my cats its great.its better cats are ghreat compaions since i dont have a dog

Answer 6

If you travel alot I think it would be unfair to get another Dog unless you feel the dog you have needs the company. As you know dogs require alot of love and attention and only you know what you are capable of giving to them. Also,sometimes if you are having second thoughts it might be your minds way of protecting you from a mistake. I would think about it for awhile and see how you feel. I had two small dogs and travelled alot and they needed more attention then what I could give and they developed behavior problems. I know how you love dogs but you need to take you out of it and do whats best for them

Answer 7

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