Anyone got a 2nd dog and regretted it?

[TracyK]

My collie cross is so sociable and justs wants to play with any other dog she spies. Next door have an older collie - mine disappears into their garden every time she hears his collar - to play with him - but he doesn't have much time for her.

I was thinking of getting a 2nd dog to keep her company - dh not so sure. I reckon cleaning up after 1 dog isn't going to be any harder than cleaning up afer 2. The house is covered in dog hair/mud anyway!

Anyone done it and loved it - or regretted it?

I'd get another rescue younger dog - not a pup and then I could see their personality and make sure it was a playful one. iykwim.

[poopscoop]

yes, i got 3 dogs in quick succession so they were all 1 year and under, along with 3 dc under the age of 6. 8 years on am loving it. But then I am not normal

[TracyK]

[bella39]

Have almost always had more than one at any one time. Currently on 2 and no. 3 is arriving next month.

Next question?

I could also put on my highly serious amateur dog psychologist hat and say that dogs are highly sociable pack animals and most love the companionship of another dog...

[KingCanuteIAm]

Can I hijack a little? The question is a little bit relevant!

What can you do to increase the chances that a second dog is a character match for your current one? For example, my dog (who may change very much as he grows) is very playful, loves to box and run with other dogs and so on but most dogs we meet are just not interested in doggy play or only have eyes for their ball/frisbee. Like the op where the next door dog is not interested.

How would you best be sure (as you can) that your new dog is playful enough or calm enough (if that is what you need)?

I have joked that the best thing for my pup would be to adopt a well trained bitch of around 2.5 yo who would still have some play in her but would teach him to be a bit calm and help him learn his training... but would something like that really work?

[bella39]

KC - have emailed you a link to what seems to be a very nice dog for you...

[KingCanuteIam]

Thanks Bella, I will have a look!

[lukeysmummy]

hi is your dog mine as we are tryigng to decide if to get another one but will we be soo lucky with no 2 as no 1 is a good boy

[TracyK]

Going to see a 1 yo collie x alsation tomorrow. Advert was on freecycle for her to be rehomed.

A bit nervous as advert was very illiterate and desperate - iykwim. Am I being a snob? Does that mean the dog has been mistreated?

They say they are allergic to the dog and it 'has' to go before Wed or it's going to the kennels.

I said I'd pop round tomorrow - and she started telling me that they have food left and a collar and lead - I think she thinks I'm going to take the dog away - there and then!!

oops - dh not quite on board yet - will have to work on him - double quick!

[LittleB]

I love having 2 dogs, they keep each other company and love playing together and snuggling up together, run around on walks together too, I think 2 is generally easier than 1, although the cons are more expensive to put in kennels, keep etc, take up more room in the car! and can lead each other astray at times, - but that just needs more training from me.
I used to have a rescue collie x alsation, she was lovely, lived to be 15 and was a great dog. If you do decide you want to get this new dog I would make sure the dogs meet first on neutral territory, and if you bring it home, reintroduce them out on a walk then bring them home together, its trickier but you want to make sure they got off on the right paw!
To be honest I'd be wary of rehoming dogs from anwhere other than a rescue centre or someone known to you, as they could lie about the dogs nature. But go along and see what you think.

[JimmyMcNulty]

I have 2 rehomed lab crosses, and wouldn't be without either now. But bear in mind the extra expense - every time I get mine vaccinated I feel actual pain as I hand over my credit card . Things like twice the cost of food, boarding kennels if you use them... grooming... twice the amount of hair if they are shedders.

I've since been told we are very lucky ours get on so well as they are both bitches and both around the same age, which apparently can be a recipe for disaster. However their temperaments are utterly different and they adore each other, thankfully.