From one to two

[insanityscratching]

We are pondering whether to have a second dog so would like to hear of others' experiences.
I suspect Eric has been an easy dog, he house trained easy, he's never chewed, he's been good overnight from the start, he's happy to be left for three to four hours, he's calm, friendly, sociable, he picks up new commands in no time so all in all pretty perfect and we love him.
Eric's father has just sired another litter, three of the five pups are going to the families who have Eric's full siblings so I'm assuming that they have all had pretty much the same experience as we have with Eric.
We have kept in touch and sent updates about Eric and so have been sent photos and it has started the dialogue as to whether we would want a second. The plan was to have two dogs eventually just because we'd like two not for any other reason although would like for Eric to have a playmate. We would love another just like Eric because he is perfect for us and so the prospect of Eric's half sibling is very tempting and time and cost wise it wouldn't be a problem but what else should I consider?

[suzylee73]

I also have the perfect dog, she is so well behaved and affectionate I adore her. Then I got a second dog and my first dog now loves this new dog more than she loves me and I feel left out but she is so much happier and gets to play fight with a real dog instead of me. I do think you lose a bit of your relationship but it's really about them not us.
I would say go for it especially if it's a puppy as you resident dog will help train them as they copy. My dog barks if the new dog is playing with or chewing something she shouldn't, she's a right little tell tale

[ender]

I found I missed the one to one time with my first dog, kept thinking he must be feeling left out so walked dogs separately which was very time consuming. My new rescue dog was quite demanding and needed a lot of training, assuming a puppy would be the same. Now, a year later, things are easier, they play fight and tire themselves out so don't need so much walking.

[Floralnomad]

I would just be wary of assuming that a half sibling will be calm and good like your original dog - my mum has a sibling pair - one is lovely ,calm ,quiet , well behaved loves everybody ,the other is a bloody nightmare !

[Owllady]

Yes, don't expect the same dog. They all have their own personalities :)

[JadeJ123]

I've always had 2 dogs, they keep each other company they play fight together and curl up and go sleep. However it costs more too feed 2, more insurance & my male became very protective over the female.
But they are incredibly sweet together.
If your house is big enough and you can afford another one I'd go for it.

[insanityscratching]

I think I have reconciled myself to never getting another dog quite like Eric really. I think we are going to pass on this litter and enjoy Eric as an only for a bit longer. He has plenty of playmates out on his walks and he doesn't seem unhappy with just human company when he is home so we are going to wait a while.

[littlewhitebag]

I have been thinking about second dog. Our lab was a nightmare as a pup but at 2 she is now fab. She loves other dogs and is suspect she would adore a companion. I am thinking a rescue dog might work as i do not want to go through the puppy stage again. I would love to hear how people a manage two dogs.

[suzylee73]

My second dog was a rescue and her house training left a lot to be desired and I had to start again as if she was a young puppy. She copied my first dog luckily so it wasn't as hard as it would have been. With hindsight, a puppy wouldn't have been any harder.