Having two dogs vs. one?

Question

How much more work is it to have two dogs, rather than just one? I have one dog now, and I really don't have any problem with taking care of her. I mean I don't see it as a burden at all. We have a schedule for walks, going out to go potty, feeding times etc. We take her every where with us, from just to go pick up a movie from the video store, to going on a weekend trip to the cottage. I enjoy having my dog with me every where, and she enjoys the company of other dogs. I want to adopt a second dog. He is a senior black lab. So he is pretty mellow. Have you been in a similar situation? Is it very different from owning just one dog? I don't know if I am going to be able to adopt him yet, but I am looking for answers that might help incase we do adopt him.

I'm not concerned about the cost. And I'm not getting him as a companion to keep my dog busy. I would be adopting him as a family companion, for everyone. Just because I enjoy dogs. I just want to know if it is more difficult to take care of two dogs, and what some of the draw backs are.

Answer 1

I think one dog is fun and usually not too difficult to care for. Two are twice as much fun and not much more work. Can you afford additional vet bills? That would be my only concern. Two are twice the fun and also twice as expensive. Three are half as much fun and a lot more work. Just IMHO and experience with several dogs and with an only dog.
It seems to me you would be a good home for the older dog you are considering and that he might be a great addition to your household.

Answer 2

I own three dogs. I can picture owning two, easily. My experience has been that each intro'd new dog and the one(s) I had reacted differently to each other at first. After some time to adjust, they did great together. I can leave home for hours and all three are free to roam the home and I don't worry at all. They play together and have been taught from puppyhood to never be food aggressive.
IF this new dog works out, isn't food aggressive or doesn't have arthritis or something that might make him snappy if the other dog tries to play with him, I could see it working.
The biggest way I can see more difficulty in your situation is the stages of life your dog and the new one are at. It could be a lot of work to adopt the elderly black lab if your dog is young and frisky, and not as easy as my situation where my 3 all have pretty much similar energy level, they are close in age and they were intro'd as a pups to grown dog(s).

Answer 3

Here is my list of pros and cons for owning two dogs (which I do)
Pros:
Twice the love
Twice the antics
Twice the heat on cold winter mornings when hubby goes to work early
They can entertain each other when I'm busy
Double the numerous puppy kisses
Two pairs of cute, pleading eyes when I'm cooking
Twice the fun of bathing one (haha, I rhymed)

Cons:
Twice the cleanup
Twice the food purchased
Twice the medical expenses

That's my list, although the second dog I adopted was a year old pup. But either way, I think two's just as good, if not better, than one!

Answer 4

There are definite pros and cons to having multiple dogs. I currently have three, but I started out with one. First, consider their personalities and if they will blend well. Also consider that a senior dog may have trouble fitting into a rigorous active schedule that you seem to have for your current dog. Some other issues that can arrive are behavioral in nature (issues with feeding, attention, etc.). One last negative is all fees are doubled (boarding, vet, feeding, grooming, etc.). With that said, I don't think I'd ever have just a single dog again. I no longer feel guilty if I have to leave my dog for more than an hour or two. They all keep each other entertained. My dogs have running partners and wrestling partners, and generally, their quality of life, I feel, is higher than it was when I had just a single dog. Good luck in making this decision.

Answer 5

Hooray for thinking about adopting a senior pet! If you have the space and money and room in your heart, definitely try to give this old boy a home!

The family dynamics change with two dogs; whereas your first dog knows she is subordinate to her human family, she will probably have to establish a dominance hierarchy with the other dog. This is by far the greatest challenge with owning two dogs. You need to be sure of which one is the dominant animal (should be your current dog) and reinforce her position (feed her first, give her treats first, let her outside first, pet her first, etc.). This will help in preventing or minimizing conflicts between them. Also, make sure each dog has his or her own food dish, sleeping area, and toys. Your current dog may feel she needs to defend her food or toys against the newcomer.

Definitely have the two dogs meet before you make a decision, so you can see if there's likely to be any problems. Since you said your current dog likes to play with other dogs, they will probably get along well. Plus, it's easier to get opposite sex animals to live together than same sex animals.

Good luck!

Answer 6

Having two dogs is not much more work than having one. You simply adjust your new dog to the present schedule. It will be more expensive though. But if money is not an issue than you should definitely get another dog.
If you ever leave your dog home alone for hours at a time. having a second dog will keep her from feeling lonely. Another fact to consider is that dogs are pack animals by nature, so they enjoy being with their own kind.
I grew up with two dogs and I believe that they enriched eachothers lives greatly. They were buddies until the end.

Answer 7

I started out with only one dog, a neutered male mini dachshund. He was a happy boy, but clearly wanted someone to play with and was always tearing up toys and dog beds during the day to keep himself busy.

When he was about nine months old, we got him a companion, a rescued spayed female great dane (the logical choice for a 7 lb dog, haha!). He could not be more thrilled. He LOVES his great dane sister, and they are very bonded. They keep each other company during the day and are constantly playing together.

I would say, yes, go for a second dog if your dog seems to enjoy the company of other dogs. However, keep in mind that two dogs can get into much more trouble than one, so it helps if they are both well trained.

Answer 8

To be honest, 2 is really not any harder than one, provided they are both well trained. As long as you are already feeding, walking and cleaning up after one, it really isn't hard to just add another one.
The nice thing too is that if you are busy, the other dog is a nice companion so they don't seem to mind if you are busy for a minute, they just play with the other dog!
I don't recommed multiple dogs to people that have unruly dogs and already have their hands full, but you seem to be very comfortable with dogs so if you feel you can properly train and control 2, then it is just more fun and more to love!
I currenly have 3 and I don't feel that they are much more work than one. I would have 50 of them if my husband would not have me checked into the mental hospital for it!!

Answer 9

I adopted another dog a few months ago. I did want a companion for my first dog because she enjoys having the company. I always felt bad when we went somewhere like school and work and couldn't take her along. I looked for dogs for a long time and we took her to meet a few. but they didn't hit it off.

we finally found one at the pound that had the characteristics we were looking for. he was kind, gentle and calm, our dog needed someone like that. they were separated for about two weeks to let him bond with us first and to make sure he was healthy. it was a little rough at first because my dog was used to being alone and didn't like to be bothered too much. now they're good friends!

the only draw backs are more poo, more food, and ocasional fights over food or toys. but if it's the right dog, it will be worth it.

Answer 10

I had a 9 year old female german shepherd dog for three years and just recently adopted a 6 month old male german shepherd/husky mix pup. I think getting the other dog was the best thing I could have done for my older dog. She has really gotten into playing with him, and her activity level increased 100%. They are now best buddies and I think either would miss the other should one of them not be there. It does take a little more work, as now you have to do everything with two dogs instead of one, but it's worth the extra work.