Some one please talk me out of getting this puppy!

[Amieesmum]

Went to a re-homing center today with my friend, who's dog died a few months ago. Found a beautiful dog for her.

and THEN they bought a 9 month old German Sheppard cross pup out, and he is the soppiest thing ever, and i'm in love. I should add, i have been thinking about getting another dog for a while, but never imagined getting a pup.

Both me and my friend know this re-homing center well, as have had all our dogs from there, I've had my mutt for just short of a year (from there).
I can afford another dog, and not too bothered about the "chewing" thing the puppy might do.

Can some people convince me why it's a really bad idea to get another dog, as i'm struggling to find a good reason, but don't want to jump into this with my heart instead of my head.

[DooinMeCleanin]

Noise. Lots of noise. Two dogs make an awful lot of play noise. Training doubles as you have to train each dog seperately. This means the cost of training also doubles.

If you can cope with that, go for it. Lucky puppy I say

[Suncottage]

How much exercise will he will need? A good few miles a day?

[throckenholt]

going away is a lot harder with two dogs (either paying for kennels), or limited choice of places willing to take more than one.

[DogsBestFriend]

Erm... no. :o

Disclaimer: I am a GSD owner and advocate of rescuing.

On the one hand I can say that it's not a good idea, it's a whim, you didn't leave home this morning with the intention of finding a dog for yourself.

On the other I can say that as you've been toying with the idea of adopting another dog today's meeting with a GSD X pup is fate.

What do YOU think? Would you, honestly, hand on heart seek to adopt a 9 mo GSD X pup or similar age/sized dog anyway, without seeing this particular one? Would your existing dog appreciate the company of a pup rather than an older dog? Is this the right time for all the family, human and canine, and other pets too?

[Amieesmum]

Yes and No to all those answers.

Kennels, Jabs, Vets, food etc - we can afford, and the place with the rescue pup's has a boarding kennels attached (it really is a lovely place) would be willing to take both, obviously booked well in advanced to ensure space.

I work from home PT, in a detached house, with big ish garden, and walk a good few miles twice a day with my mutt already, I hadn't thought of the noise issue. That's something i'll have to consider. Size wise, not a problem, have plenty of room, and experience with biggies (my mutt's somewhere in between)

At home, it's just me DD & the Mutt, so i've not really got to consult with anyone, I don't honestly know how my dog would cope with a pup about, although before anything was decided we'd take her down the the kennels & meet pup out in the grounds for a stroll. The main reason i thought i'd never have a pup is because there are so many dogs that need re-homing, I'd much rather do that.

Come on guys, i need better reasons not to take the pup, he really has won my heart. It might well be fate.

[Amieesmum]

Oh and Yes - would seek this size & breed of dog - no wouldn't have looked for a pup x

[DogsBestFriend]

I can't see there'smuch to stop you tbh. One of my rescued Sheps came to me as a pup. I hadn't envisaged adopting a puppy but... 4 years on and what a fantastic decision I made that day! He's perfect! :)

[chickchickchicken]

phew, thought i was going to open thread and read about another puppy for sale. so glad its a rescue

i can see you have thought through all of the above. take your dog in and see how they get on and then decide?

my dog no 2 was an unexpected rehoming. i had separated a few months before and making the decision without having to consult anyone was fab i call him my post separation dog

would second two dogs is more noise, more training and more money. i dont regret rehoming mine for a second though

[chickchickchicken]

oops i mean unexpected rehoming from a rescue centre whilst visiting our sponsor dog. we did do a few visits with our existing dog before bringing new dog home.

also, as you know and trust rescue i would ask their advice

[activate]

isn't there some old adage that if you own a dog, you have a dog, own 2 dogs, have a half a dog, own 3 dogs and give up

or soemtheing like that

[Gonzo33]

Do it. You know you want to

[TheOriginalFAB]

Could you take the puppy on a trial?.....

[Elibean]

You are asking the impossible, and you know it

Go on, you know you want to...