To get another dog or not?

Question

My husband and I have a 2yr old mutt that we adopted from the local animal shelter when she was 5 months old. Her name is Terra and we love her to death! We are thinking about getting another dog but we have a couple concerns.
She loves playing with other dogs but will she be mad at us if we have another dog live with us? Also, we were thinking about getting one that is under a year old again and we are concerned that evetually what if both dogs pass away at the same time because they are close in age. That would be devestating to us. So should we wait a couple of years until Terra is older?
Any thoughts from those with multiple pets in the house is appreciated!

Answer 1

I think getting a dog now is perfect and if Terra likes other dogs, she won't be mad at you and she will enjoy having a buddy What will happen is they will compete (like siblings) for your attention. That's just something multiple dog owners get used to - two dogs in your face trying to get your attention most of the time.

If Terra's obedience and housetraining is very strong right now, it's a perfect time to adopt another dog. The younger dog usually follows the lead of the older dog and mimics what they do. So you want Terra teaching the right things. So if necessary, bone up (pun intended) on any training that has gotten rusty or isn't what it should be.

Close in age is good - 2 years and under a year should do fine. The pairings that work best are opposite sex pairings - so a neutered male is your best choice for your situation. Spayed female/neutered males tend to form strong bonds and become buddies and rarely compete with each other for dominance - one or the other usually becomes dominant naturally and there are rarely squabbles about it.

Getting a young dog while Terra is still young and likes to play is best for her. As another poster said, you can never fully anticipate how long a dog will live. One of our goldens lived to 10, another to 15. It just depends.

Answer 2

As a dog owner who have tried having one dog, two dogs , no dog, and multiple (5) at one time or another, I would tell you now that the dog has nothing to do with your decision. They adapt quite easily and can cope, happily or unhappily. Some breeds like to be sole dogs of the house. They will be the ones to mourn their lost single dog house status and be unhappy.

Bless your heart for wanting another dog. God knows there are many who need a home. Make her come with you to the animal shelter , take one of the dogs in there for a walk. Dont rush . Make this trip once a month or so. The dogs need walkers everyday anyway.

Check your dogs reaction to each dog. Adopt the one your dog will like as much as you both do. I think some shelters will allow you a few weeks adoption trial periods as well.

Answer 3

Just because they're around the same age, doesn't guarantee they'd pass away at the same time. You have to factor in breeds (different breeds have different lifespans), health, etc. One could live to be 16, while the other barely made it pass 10 yrs old.

Anyways, if you decide to get a new dog, let Terra meet the dog BEFORE bringing the dog home (almost all rescues/shelters recommend this, anyways). If she's accepting of other dogs, she'll probably be accepting of another dog in the household.

Answer 4

Why would she be mad.. She's a dog not a person. Dogs are pack animals, get a dog w/ similiar temperament and energy levels and they'll be fine. Dogs are better than people, they don't get bent out of shape over silly things, jealousy etc.
If you have 2 dogs close in age, that's the risk you take, losing them both around the same time. It's entirely up to you if you want to go thru that or wait a few years. I can't tell you what you should do or what would be best for you.

Answer 5

Maybe you should try fostering first. That way you can see how things go but it will only be on a short-term basis. If things work out and you think a second permanent dog is a good idea, then you can adopt one. If it's too much for you or for your dog, then once your foster dog is adopted you don't have to take on another one.

Contact your local shelter or the rescue group for a breed you are interested in and ask about their options for foster parents.

Answer 6

I think now would be good since dogs like a pack and they will be close enough to play together and then mellow out close to the same time. There is no certainty that they would die at around the same age and while you would be sad I think everyone would be happier now and over the years with 2 close together. Since she is already social it should be fairly easy to introduce a playmate, just take her with you to visit the new one (most rescues encourage this) and make sure she still gets her same toys, bed, bowls and attention when you get home. Bless you for adopting another baby in need!:)

Answer 7

How wonderful! Don't delay and for your sake don't ever think Terra will think badly of you for adopting another pet. Dogs (Animals) just don't think like we humans do. Providing you introduce your new adoptee to Terra by walking them together first, the introduction and friendship will take off from there. This is precisely what I did when we adopted Rosie and I am proud to say that our first dog and her are best buddies. While Rosie's relationship with our Cat got off to a rocky start (naturally...) I'm extremely proud to say they are now very comfortable around each other. Our home is run by two leaders (myself & my partner) and our pets are our followers (make that, adored...followers...).
All the best !

Answer 8

Most dogs that like to play with other dogs will have no problem with a new one in your house. Just remember to show attention and affection to both of them. I have a Black Lab that is expected to live around 10 to 12 years and we also have two puppies that are Maltese and Shiz Tsu and they could live upwards of 15 to18 years so the age difference depends on the breeds or mix of breeds you are looking at. I would say look around and if you find one you just have to have then get it and be happy. Who knows this search may take you a couple of years anyway.(Unless your like me and if you see a puppy there is a really good chance you will "Have" to have it no matter what. I am a sucker for puppy's.)

Answer 9

I have 2 boys. Earl was 3 when I got Rocky (6 months), they are both rescue animals. I do not suggest getting same sex dogs, get another girl. I have had both of them for almost a year and they are still trying to figure out who's dominate. Your dog will not be mad at you, I really thought Earl was upset with me too but it takes them time to get use to change. You should get another dog sooner than later and have them meet b4 you make your decision and bring the new one home. Thanks for rescuing animals. God bless you.

Answer 10

if you introduce the potential new dog to her on neutral territory and they hit it off, she should be fine with a newcomer to the household. have you had other dogs come to your house before or stay overnight? maybe try that and see how she reacts (watch for subtle signs of discomfort). as for age, i had 3 dogs within 18 months of each other in age and they all died within 2.5 years. i was devastated of course but it was good while it lasted. if you wait too much longer, you may have a young rambunctious pup trying to play with a 4 or 5 year old dog who may not be as interested in playing as often or with as much energy. good luck!!