Is it irresponsible to have 3 dogs?

Question

Once my husband and I have a house I eventually want to have 3 dogs. Not right away but after 3-7 years (I don't think I could handle housebreaking 3 pups at one time. We walk tons, so the dogs would get exercise, and the homes here are small with medium sized backyards but plenty of parks. (probably a couple bigger dogs and one small/medium sized dog)

My husband on the other hand thinks one is enough, maybe two, but any more would be irresponsible.

What are your opinions?

Answer 1

I have 5 now, I did have 6.. but due to old age recently within the last 3 months, 2 passed away (brother and sister too) I just recently adopted another... I play with them all, all day long. tug of war, and tag are my favorites with them.. keeps them fit.. and me too.

I am not rich, but.. (shhh.. I do pay a service to poop scoop, lol.) and they eat good food. Ususally Vets, if you have many dogs, give you discounts on visits, shots, etc. I wouldn't have it anyother way.. not only that.. My kids are never bored, and neither are my dogs.

Answer 2

If you can't financially, physically & emotionally take care of three dogs, then yes... it is irresponsible.

I most certainly don't suggest getting three puppies (or two puppies) all at once. Get one puppy, train it to be a great dog, then add another dog 2-3 years down the road. Repeat with dog number two. The problem with raising more than one pup at once is that often these pups will bond with each other and not so much their new owners. It's also incredibly difficult keeping one puppy interested in training for a long period of time, so imagine what it will be like with two or three puppies.

Additionally, consider the costs of each puppy/dog. If you have puppies, you will need to have them spayed/neutered and also microchipped. They'll also need a series of vaccines as youngsters, and vaccines every year (or three, depending on your vet). Heartworm prevention and flea prevention add to the cost, as well as a premium dog food. If your area requires it, you'll also have to pay money for licensing or registration per dog. You'll also need an emergency fund set aside PER DOG, as emergencies can and do happen... mostly in the middle of the night when your regular veterinarian isn't open.

I have four large breed dogs (a rottweiler, a German Shepherd Dog, a chow chow & a Golden retriever) and I am spending about $200/month on dog food; they are currently eating Solid Gold, having just been switched from Innova. I also have six cats that eat Innova ($35/month), and one ferret that eats Innova EVO/Innova mixed together. My "kids" are healthy, happy and well taken care of, and are taken to the vet regularly for vaccines, heartworm prevention, bloodwork, etc. By no means am I rich, but these are the only "kids" I want, and I made a commitment to them to take care of them.

When it comes time for you to welcome a pet into your life, consider adopting an older dog from a shelter or rescue organization. Most of the time, they are already spayed or neutered, have been vaccinated and started on heartworm prevention, microchipped and sometimes are even housebroken. Plus you are saving a life that might otherwise be destroyed for no reason other than overpopulation.

Before you get any dog, I suggest researching the breed that you want extensively (if you're going for a purebred dog). Different dogs have different genetic anomalies, and you'll want to know what to expect with each breed (i.e., German Shepherds, rotties, great Danes, boxers, etc. are prone to bloat; dachshunds, pekingese, Bassett hounds, etc. are prone to intervertebral disc disease; Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to heart disease... you get the drift).

Answer 3

I'm not sure what he means by irresponsible...are people who have three cats irresponsible? Three kids?

Seriously, if you have the money, space, love, patience, and time for 3, 5, or even 10, I don’t see anything wrong with it, at as long as they are all properly cared for and happy. Everyone has a different limit - for some, one dog is all they can responsibly handle, but I have known fantastic owners who have upwards of 5 dogs, and the dogs were all very well cared for, healthy, and happy.

Answer 4

I think you could have as many dogs as you are able to care for and give attention to. If you can afford the vet care for three dogs and give each dog enough attention and exercise, why not?
My husband and I started with one dog when we got married and bought a house. He thought that was enough, too. We now have five of our own dogs and do foster for a rescue group. We have a big house in a rural area with a large fenced yard.
He is just as involved as I am with all the dogs, and doesn't even remember when he only wanted one dog.

Answer 5

Depends on the owner. Most people don't consider serious questions before they run out and get a dog.

Ask yourself about your lifestyle, living situation, finances, time, support network, health, activity level, types of dogs, and as many other factors to you could possibly imagine.

Then if you are certain get one dog.

Start with one good dog that is a good match in breeding, temperament, size, and activity level. When they are trained and well mannered then think about adding another. If 2 get along why make 3 a pack. Is this something you are prepared to handle? Dogs don't always appreciate another dog in the family.

I thinks its irresponsible to collect animals if you can't properly train & take care of them. I agree with your husband if you are uncertain.

Answer 6

The number of dogs suggests nothing of being irresponsible. It only means (In My Opinion) "More Responisbility".

I have 3 Dogs, and, sounds like you and your Husband did or approached having/wanting dogs like I did.

The day I closed on my House, I bought a German Shepherd Female and picked her up 3-4 weeks later when she was old enough to be separated from Momma.

I added a Rottweiler Female (Sonya) when Jinny (my GSD female) was 5 months old. Again, Sonya was a little puppy. I added my Male German Shepherd "Zuma" when the girls were 3 years old. Zuma is now 2 1/2.

Of course 1 Dog brings plenty of responsibility. Not all people put the same amount of care, money, healthcare, and attention into their dogs. In my opinion, 3 dogs is "the more the merrier" for me, but, of course 3 dogs brings more responsibility and costs, but, I don't have any children at home (1 grown) and I live alone.

It depends on if your (going to be) an;

"A" level Dog Owner - Regular Vet Checkups, Best of Food, Regular Heartworm and Disease Prevention, Regular Shots, Good Treats, Toys, and plenty of quality time for your dog.

"B" level Dog Owner - Initial Shots and Deworm, Regular Food, A Flea Collar and maybe shots when do. Rare Treats, a Ball, and some time with the dog to get to know him and him you.

"C" level Dog Owner - Maybe Dewormed, Any Cheap Food, Maybe some Flea Powder or a Flea Collar. No Shots, Treats, Toys, and, he is either chained to the dog house and you visit him once in awhile or, he's let out to go potty but, otherwise ignored.

It's not the number of dogs, it's what can be afforded to the dog. Care, Love, and Time all has to do with the owners.

Better to have 1 Dog that is wanted than 3 that aren't. The only thing I can tell you, and I imagine you or your husband may have had a family dog sometime in your life, but, if you have or haven't all I can say is that a Dog will be more loyal, dedicated, accept a little love and give back 100 times more unconditionaly, and as far as relationships go, no human can ever hold a candle to a dog as far as having someone that will love you no matter what.

Whether you are in a bad mood, bad hair, fat, homely, broke, talk to much or little, chew with your mouth open or whatever little flaw you may ever have, a dog will outshine a Human at every level. Not a bad return for love and care and some time.

A dog is a Stock that grows daily, and yields the greatest return.

It's good to talk about it now like you are. Don't know if you have kids or will have kids. This figures in also. All I can say is see how one does like you said,...and add another if you are "both" up to it, and 2 dogs at least gives them each another to play with and have a "Buddy" so to speak.

It's all up to what you can handle and are willing to give, and, if you see yourself as an "A"-"B" or "C" Dog Owner.

I myself am an "A" level Dog Owner, and I give my 3 Dogs and 2 Cats the best. I don't have them at a Doggy Spa once a week, or, curlers in their hair and bathed weekly,.........that would be a "AAA" owner and I couldn't be that overdone. But, as far as the common folk dog owner, I take good crae of my dogs, and, what I get back from my dogs and cats in love, loyalty, and respect,........I'll never be lonely or more loved than I am now. I wish everybody experienced what I do everyday in such priceless benefits.

Anyway; I think this should help answer your question from my little part of the world.

Good Luck! Hope you can get a dog before 3 years. It sure can help add to happiness and harmony in the home, and, sure keeps life colorful.

Answer 7

Its only irresponsible if you can't take care of them. My fiance and I have 2 dogs which totally works for us, but I have a friend who has 4 and they are all happy, healthy, and balanced. Just realize that the more dogs you have, the more vet bills, food expenses, boarding expenses you will have. If you invest the time into training, then 3 dogs for 2 people will be a piece of cake!

Answer 8

I have 2, and occasionally foster a 3rd. When I have the foster dog here it is a noticeable addition to work ie: hair, food, water, attention, and bed hogness (lol). But I miss the foster pup each and every time I have to give it up. We have a fenced in yard, which helps a lot (oh yeah, add extra poop to that list of additional work). It is expensive, but we can afford it. So...I would recommend you start with 2, then see. I always say I want more, more and more dogs...I am glad I occasionally can help a 3rd, but 2 is plenty.

mastiffs360.com

Answer 9

Having 3 dogs is a hand foil but if my gram can have 4 dogs thin there is no stooping you.I have 3 dogs so 1 is large 1 is medium and the other is small.

Answer 10

I think it is up to the individual. We have 2 dogs (Yorke's) and 3 cats, and a parrot. But we also have a big house with a big back yard. And there is a dog park about a mile from us. I also think it depends on the size of the dogs and how much effort you are willing to put into their care. We spend at least 2 hours a day on pet care. Walking, feeding, cleaning. You have to be dedicated to caring for them just like they were kids. (We also have 3 of them LOL)

Take care,
Kali :-)