Tell me why a second dog is such a bad idea

[Blistory]

I NEED another dog, I crave another dog, please, please talk me out of it.

DP and I have split up and his great big lion dog has obviously gone with him. It's been three months and I really miss having a second dog in my life.

It wouldn't be sensible as I have a 18 month old Bernese girl who hasn't been spayed yet, I have a car full of mud and sand, a house full of fur, mud, sand and saliva. She seriously affects my ability to go on holiday, out for the day etc etc. She adores me and would probably be jealous. My parents dog sit and find my one big dog a handful. They would probably never dog sit again. My cats don't like dogs. I've forgotten how much hard work a puppy or new dog can be.

But.......I have the space, the money, the energy and the love.

It still wouldn't be sensible, would it ?

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Is having one dog sensible when you think about it?

[Blistory]

You're right. Getting the Bernese wasn't sensible but I adore her. She takes up so much time and energy but she gives so much back.

I'm just so broody for another. And it would be much more sensible to fulfil that urge with a dog rather than a child at this stage in my life.

[SunnyL]

Why not get a small dog as a companion? I've always had dogs in pairs as you tend to find they amuse themselves far more and can be left to their own devises more. Currently I've only got one and she demands far far more attention than when I have two dogs.

There are still race track marks in my mums back garden from her two dogs when they were younger running round and round chasing one another for hours. Never exactly needed a walk after that!

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

My puppy comes home tomorrow. I expect to have at least one meltdown by tea time, and one crying jag by Monday

[MrsFrederickWentworth]

Lab rescue, Beer?

[Inthepotty]

What Puppy do you mean Chickens?!!!!

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

Nothing to see here

[aliciaflorrick]

I already say if you're walking one dog you may as well be walking two. The problem for me would be two lots of kennel fees if I want to go away, although I seem to have got round that solution by finding house sitters (so glad I live in a popular holiday destination, they have two weeks rent free in my house on condition that they walk the pooch at least twice a day). But you say you have the money to look after two dogs.

I would love to have another dog, but I think it's unrealistic for me. My current dog is nearly 2, he's lovely, but he's bonkers. I can't let him off the lead so he currently drags me through the woods twice a day. But then he goes crazy when he sees another dog he wants to play so badly. Saying that if someone offered me another springer spaniel I think I'd bite their hand off. I love springers.

[Blistory]

oooh, a puppy ! Are you mad ? Have you forgotten ?

What kind ? Go on, I need some puppy porn and maybe I can live vicariously through your trials and tribulations (all whilst thanking god that I'm not mad enough to do the puppy stage again so soon)

[Blistory]

No kennel fees to worry about - she's far too precious to go into kennels. Actually, she's very much a people dog and would pine hence she's only ever looked after by family. She comes to work every day as well so we're probably over bonded.

Which kind of worries me as I don't know how she'll take to a second dog living with us full time. And then there's the whole choice of breed because it will have to be a large, moulting, drooling beast or it just wouldn't feel like home.

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I am mad, and no I haven't forgotten. Especially as I had the most stinky, bonkers puppy in the entire universe. In fact, apart from the stench, he's not really grown up. I mean, he's trained and well behaved in the house, but still very 'puppy-like'.

The kind? He's a cocker/poodle cross. We've found a breeder we're very happy with, who interrogated us via email and phone before we were allowed to view the pups. I know that cross breeds are a contentious issue on here, though, and expect to get some flack. He's a F1b cross, with the weighting on the poodle side. My main concern is introducing Jasper, who can be fear reactive, although my behaviourist thinks it is manageable as long as we take it slowly. I don't work so have plenty of time to invest. I have bought lots of gin

[Keepthechangeyoufilthyanimal]

Watching with interest as I am dying to get another dog - our current pooch is just over a year and he gets on so well and seems to love being out with other doggy friends I want to get him another buddy!
Plus I think he's very bored at home when were not there.

He's been a very easy dog though, a great breed (no malting or drooling!) very cheeky but not too demanding in terms of care or cost (thankfully) and we would get another of the same breed but in a different colour.
Maybe that's why it doesn't seem such a huge leap to get a second one as he is so easy.

[gymmummy64]

You kept that quiet Chickens!! Sooo, we'll look forward to the bastard puppy thread then? Or perhaps the bastard dogs at war thread?

[GoSuckEggs]

I personally think when you have 1, what is another 1? I am currently using that arguement with DH, 'we have 2, what is 1 more??!' he keeps saying no

just saying..... but i know of a little pup that either needsa new home or a foster home for a couple of months...... just saying like!

[ChickensHaveNoEyebrows]

I spent a lot of time mulling it over, deciding no, then researching breeders. I'm less mad than DH, though. He wanted a full springer

[Blistory]

I'm only dithering because I know there isn't the option of handing a dog back if it doesn't work out and my current dog's well being is so important to me.



Good luck Chickens - hope the gin isn't needed

[pickledginger]

Can I ask why you haven't had her spayed yet.

[Blistory]

Large breeds take longer to mature physically. She didn't come into season until 14 months and the vet's advice was that she was still growing so he'd prefer her to have a second season to be sure she was was fully mature. She'll be done after her second season but not before.

I'm happy with my choice which was an informed one. It was a matter of weighing up the benefits re mammary cancers, infections etc against putting that specific breed through an op at a very young age.

She's not ever kennelled and is only around neutered family dogs. I have no desire to have her bred from and I'm comfortable that I can manage the risks until she is spayed.

[Mmmnotsure]

A Newfoundland and a Bernese!

Wouldn't look ridiculous. They would balance each other nicely, don't you think?

[pickledginger]

Well there's no issue with having another dog around as she'll be done by the time it's an issue.

[pickledginger]

I'd go for another Bernese. They're lovely

[Blistory]

None of this is helping.

You're all just waiting to hear me say that I'm going to get another.

But what would I get ?

Not overly keen on a puppy but then again, the breeds that I love are unlikely to be in rescue. Think Newfoundland, Leonberger, Bernese, Irish Wolfhound, Briard, OES.

I think I have to realistically rule out the OES and Briard due to exercise needs - I currently do about 20 mins in the morning, 40 mins at lunch and an hour at night during the week - dog would then be in the office in between times. Weekends, longer walks. I'm not sure an OES or Briard would be happy with that. Needs to be youngish and strong to tolerate rough and tumble of current overgrown puppy. No resident young children - just little visitors who are used to spending a considerable amount of time being knocked over/drooled over.