Are two dogs better than one?

Question

I have a 9 month old Lab/White Shepherd mix. He's a neutered male, and until really recently was quite hyper. He has started to calm down inside my apartment, but I still would like a dog that is more of a cuddler with me, and who could be a companion to my dog. I work 8 hours a day, while the pup stays home.

I am considering a rescue dog: 3 year old, 65-pound, neutered male who is a snuggler, guards the house, is used to living with other dogs, and is calm.

My question is this, should I consider getting him? I know it costs more money, and I can't expect their playing to substitute for our daily walks, but do you think it would help the younger boy settle down? If the older, newer dog was better behaved, which way would behavior rub off (both are housebroken, by the way). Would a dog buddy be that beneficial?

As far as living in the apartment, it is spacious, and pretty well set up to be dog-proof. Also, I would still be within my restrictions as far as pets go, even with two.

To answer the potty question: I come home at lunch time to let my dog out, and let him run in the woods for a few minutes to get some of his squirrlies out.

As of now, he sleeps in my bedroom on his dog bed at night, but stays on my deck during the day when it's nice weather, or in the laundry room when it's not. He is about to be given "bedroom priviliges" during the day while I am gone if he proves he can not be destructive....

I am hoping dog #2 might become a willing chew toy, diverting attention away from my furniture :)

Answer 1

I would go for it.

Even if the older dog does not help the younger dog settle down, it will teach the younger dog some "older doggie etiquette".

It will also help the younger dog blow off some steam while the two play outside. No human can recreate dog-on-dog playtime.

Ask the rescue if you can introduce the two first. Pay close attention to how your puppy reacts.

Good luck! It is fantastic that you are rescuing!

Answer 2

Well this depends if twice (or more like four times) the work can still be 'better' for you! You have the work of the first and the work of the second (which, especially if its a young dog and a puppy) is a lot more than you would think! The costs of feeding, equipment and vet bills take over your life... BUT, For some people its all worth it and especially if they are a good match, if they get on great, there's nothing better than watching them run and play and stick together on a walk while still reacting to your commands, and a good 'dog-play' session will tire your dog out in ways you never could! It keeps them really fit, strong and bonded. However, if they don't 'click' life can be very hard work living with two dogs who can spark off just simply if one looks at the other wrong.... I think this also depends on the current/1st dog a lot and if with two dogs you still have the time to put into socialising them both and training them both individually and away from each other and together too. I think the worst mistake someone can make is that thinking by getting a second dog/pup they will 'keep the other company' or mean that they can justify leaving the dogs alone longer since they have each other...that will lead to 10x the work later and endless problems in my book. If you cant spend enough time with the first, exercise the first, train the first, groom the first, pay fees etc for the first, then dont even think about adding another dog into the mix! That would not have a 'better' ending but a bitter one!

Answer 3

A second dog will probably be good, as long as they are introduced and get along well.

We had a beagle/shepherd mix pup who was always super hyper, really cute but needed constant attention or he was destructive. He loved being with other dogs, and for Christmas when he was about 10 mnths old, we got him a lab/beagle mix who was a few years old. They were inseperable, best friends, and great at keeping each other happy. They lived very happily for over 10 years sharing a doghouse. Couldn't be out of each others sight. That was the best thing we could have ever done for the puppy, and the older dog too.

Two can also be twice the destruction and trouble if they get bored too, so keep that in mind. Make sure that you have them in one small, safe room while you are gone, to keep them from getting into trouble.

As far as cuddling, they will probably both be in your bed and on your lap within a few weeks. Even my non cuddly terrier is a cuddlebunny when there is competition or snowy weather!

Answer 4

I think if you want a second dog and your current dog likes other dogs, then this should work out fine, especially since you are clear on what a second dog can and cannot do. Generally opposite sex pairings work best, but there are no hard and fast rules.

I don't think a second dog will calm down your first one (he's still a kid after all), but it will provide a playmate and distraction during those long days when you are not at home. The behavioral/training issues will depend on who ends up being the top dog. The more submissive dog tends to follow the lead of the more dominant dog. Taking both through basic obedience again (see if you can find someone to take one of them for you) is never a bad idea. When we added our last dog, we took both for obedience training, even though our older dog had already been and was pretty good. It was a brush-up for all of us and every time I go, I learn new things.

Answer 5

Gosh, this is a VERY hard one to answer....so, I'll let what's in my mind out and my love for dogs take control. Here goes.

First, you are gone 8 hrs a day, and you live in an apartment. How do they pee and etc.? Think about that first. Eight hours is a very long time alone every day without getting "outside" AND possibly getting into trouble due to boredom. On the other hand, two might be very good company with each other. We had two golden retrievers (Mother and Son) and they entertained each other well. Goldens are very effectionate by nature and love to be with humans anyway so we kept our closeness with both. But, some dogs living together will tend to be less involved with the humans because they have each other. Some aren't that way.

My only thought is getting outside and away from each other within that 8hr range of time so that they don't get on each others nerves. Or, they may do well for a long period, together. BUT, the pee thing..........hmmmmm?!

Now, if you have one Dennis the Menis, how will they both be with one influencing the other?

Good luck in whatever you decide to do. I only stated my thoughts to give you something to ponder over. I wish you and them well.

Answer 6

You sound like a responsible dog owner who can handle two dogs. It will probably be hard having 2 dogs that large in an apartment but as long as you take them both on daily walks and exercise them I think its a good idea. I recently adopted a puppy from a shelter 4 months ago to be a companion for my extremely high energy needy 2 year old. Its made a major difference, now Abby has someone to play with during the day and when I am home she isn't following me around the house 24/7 looking for me to entertain her. I can't tell you how happy I am that she has a friend to play with while I am at work! Good Luck!

Answer 7

Two is definitely better than one especially when you are gone during the day. It may help the younger one to settle down and copycat the older dogs activities as well so you could end up with 2 snugglers and a quicker trained pup. As long as you have the time to excercise and give attention to two, it is a great idea and bless you for rescuing an angel in need!

Answer 8

A second dog would be great companion for the first one while you were out, and a rescue is a wonderful thing. However, know that at first your puppy may not take too kindly to a stranger in "his" house. Introduce them on neutral turf, a park or friends house, so the puppy doesn't feel threatened by the newcomer.

As for learning from each other, yes, they will each learn from each other. The good things as well as the not so good. 2 dogs can find twice as much trouble as 1 dog, however, 2 dogs can also be twice as happy as 1 dog.

So there's good and bad to both.

We have always had multiple dogs, and it gave the dogs a buddy, gave us more buddies, and made for a well rounded house.

Answer 9

FOR SURE. I always had ONE dog until about 8 years ago and because we took in a stray we had the two> I never realized how much company they are for each other. And I'll never go back to one dog again. Be sure you let them meet for the first time away from the living place. Go to the park, they can meet and play and then you 9 month old will not resent the intrusion for this stranger. Now you need to establish that you are the pack leader so you don't have problems with them. Be away of which one becomes the leader of two and give that one lst choice on everything. First bite of treats and first cuddles, etc.. ....or you will mess them up.

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Answer 10

it would be fun for you and your dog to have another companion around the house. Even though its an older dog it doesn't mean he will bring good or bad qualities to the house. I don't think another dog would help your dog right now settle down, sure it would tire him out sooner with playing all day, but dogs naturally settle down over time. i would see if you can try a weekend trial with the rescue dog to have a sneak peak at how it might go. plus on the weekend you'll be there to kinda control things. Just remember you will still have training to do with both dogs and that can't be overlooked. Otherwise as long as you can afford it, ultimately it is your decision, no one can make it for you.