I have a year and a half old beagle mix. She is my baby. I really want another dog though but my husband says it's going to be too much. Is it really much different having two?
2007-06-09 12:40:49 · 20 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Dogs
It's not more work really. But it does change the dynamic of your relationship. The dogs become best friends, buddies, and pals. You take second place to that relationship. It's not like the world revolves around Mom anymore. It's just that mom is the provider, but they love each other best.
2007-06-09 13:15:51 · answer #1 · answered by mama woof 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on you. I really enjoyed taking my dog with me as often as possible. I find that now that I have two, it is a lot more trouble. When visiting friends and family, one dog is cute and welcome, two can be a little overstepping the bounds of courtesy. Consequently, I find my trips shortened because I have to let the dogs out back at home. When we go on long trips, (more than 300 miles) then it takes both my boyfriend and myself to take them out to do their thing, where I used to be able to handle it by myself while he pumped the gas.
Then there is the financial aspect. All the puppy bills all over again. Spay/neuter, shots, etc.
Then there is the whole food thing. When you have a younger dog and an older dog together the food becomes a hassle immediately. The puppy has to have puppy chow, and the older dog will get fat if you let it eat puppy chow too. Dogs being dogs they always want what the other one has. You end up spending a ridiculous amount of time making sure they only eat what they are supposed to.
Then there is the house breaking and all of the other training. It goes on and on and on...
That being said, I'm so glad I have both of my dogs, and I wouldn't change a thing.
Also, if you really want more than one dog, you are better off getting it sooner rather than later. I think I waited a little too long getting my second, and I think it hurt the first's feelings a little. She loved the puppy but was thoroughly jealous whenever we gave him any attention. I think if she hadn't been the only dog for so long she would have responded differently.
Good luck convincing your husband!
2007-06-09 13:00:50 · answer #2 · answered by sage 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your circumstances. I was in your situation earlier this year. I loved my 2 yr old female dog sooooo much & wanted a 2nd. My hubby did not. We're retired & travel alot in our RV. I did adopt a 1.5 yr. old puppy from a local family who didn't have the time for him. I love him to death, but have to admit that I have wondered if I made the right decision to get a 2nd dog.
I think it's good to have a 2nd dog if the 1st dog is left home all day by itself. In our situation, we are retired & travel often. In that case, having a 2nd dog has presented some "complications". While it's rare that we don't take our dogs, we don't want to ask our friends to watch 2 dogs. Grooming & vet costs have doubled, which I'm not as concerned about. My hubby, although very good with the dogs, is not one for exercising the dogs or taking them to the dog park, so their care falls on me solely.
On the plus side, besides rescueing a dog who wasn't able to be a "dog", I don't feel the need to go to the dog park as often because the two play together & our little boy is very well behaved & loving. With all that said, I don't think I'd get a 2nd dog if I had it to do over. Regardless of all the people who say a 2nd dog is no addl work, in my situation, that is not true. You have decide what's best for your situation. Good Luck!
2007-06-09 13:50:33 · answer #3 · answered by Linda 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That totally depends on you. I've usually had 3 or more dogs. You double up on food, vet bills, and grooming time. But you still only go for the same number of walks, you can play ball with 2 dogs as easily as one and I've found if one dog wants some alone time, you'll have another who's ready for a cuddle.
Plus the fact that most dog-friendly dogs really enjoy the companionship of another dog. Plus, dogs don't play much if at all by themselves, but 2 dogs together do.
It's totally up to you - how much do you enjoy having dogs and do you have the bit of extra time a 2nd will take. (Puppies, of course, take a lot of extra time, not just a bit!!)
2007-06-09 12:46:41 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Having two dogs would be more work for a while, because you'd have to train the new dog and make sure the dogs gets along. If the dogs get along, then it wouldn't be much more work, but if they didn't, it probably would be difficult because you'd have to keep them separated. Your new dog might become territorial and defensive against the new dog, but it may not. Having two dogs would definetly be more money. The best way to determine exactly what you'd be in for, you can ask a friend with a dog to come over and see how your dog acts. Or you could ask a friend to watch their dog for a few days and that way you could see how much work it could be without making a full commitment.
2007-06-09 12:46:33 · answer #5 · answered by Carly O 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If anything it's a bit easier. The two dogs work themselves into the pack and in dog packs the lower ranks (which will be the two dogs you have) play with each other and leave the superiors (you and your husband) to do whatever you want. Apart from twice in food, vets, etc. it will probably be easier as long as you help train them properly so they do what I just described and know how your pack works.
2007-06-09 12:48:51 · answer #6 · answered by Eric 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dogs are pack animals. Right now you are the pack your beagle associates with, if you introduce another dog, she will have another dog to interact with while you are at work or otherwise occupied.
I have five dogs living with me. As in all social situations, they have their good days and bad days, but they all seem to be happy and well adjusted.
If you get a new dog, try a rescue instead of a puppy, that way you'll be able to introduce the animals to see if they are going to be compatible with one another, and you'll be giving a dog a home that might not get one otherwise.
2007-06-09 12:48:00 · answer #7 · answered by Tambra the great 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We currently share our home with 6 dogs from 80 lbs to 4 1/2 lbs. Besides the food & meds, we don't find it any harder to have multiple dogs. They always have someone to play with & I never worry about leaving them home alone & I do not use crates. It seemed that the older dog (13 yrs) help train each new addition so we don't need to lock them up. You could always take your dog to the nearest animal shelter to pick out the right dog for everyone.
2007-06-09 12:55:12 · answer #8 · answered by Deb 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having two dogs is different than just one. If your current dog needs a lot of attention then another dog is twice the troubles. One of them could be obedient, but the other one might be very naughty.
2007-06-09 12:48:17 · answer #9 · answered by Hi People 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two and they're great. I'd only recommend waiting until the first one is housebroken and can answer commands before getting another. After the 2nd one coms, he will house break faster because he will follow the first. When you say "Treats" and the older one comes, the younger one will pick up on this quicker. Also, they make great buddies and don't act up as much when they are home alone.
2007-06-09 12:52:58 · answer #10 · answered by brenda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋