Thinking of adopting 2nd dog

[bridgetsmum]

We have a 18 month old border collie. She is an excellent dog, great with our 3 kids aged 10,9 and 7. We've had her since she was 8 weeks and she is s real part of the family.

We have seen a dog in a rescue centre. He is about 3 years old, a collie retriever cross. Very good with other dogs and suitable as a family pet. Sounds ideal. But what are the things we really need to consider?

Our dog gets on great with other dogs out on walks etc.
I am a SAHM mum so have time to exercise every day.

Is this a bad idea? I'm really torn and just looking for other viewpoints.
Ta

[Scuttlebutter]

Finances? 2nd dog will need vets bills/insurance, worming, etc.

Training - do you have time?

Transport/home - do you have space?

Holidays/days out - what cover do you have at the moment? Would they be OK with two (if a family member/neighbour?) If kennels, twice the cost.

Personally I love being a multi dog household but just trying to be practical.

[bridgetsmum]

Thanks scuttle, that's exactly the sort of thing that we need to think about.

It's a big decision.

[minicreamegg]

I've got 2 GSD's and for me it's the hyperness that goes on, if one barks the other one does, if one chases so does the other one. Yesterday I was upstairs and I could hear them mucking about in the livingroom, they were actually jumping from one couch to another and with the weight of them my couches got moved too.

[Scuttlebutter]

That sounds fab, Mini. Lots of lovely hair too! How could I forget the hair?

Having two that can play with/entertain/wind each other up is lovely (if wearing on the furniture and the garden).

[Owllady]

I know this might sound soppy, but if you have the time, money and space I think it is a positive choice to make. I feel so sad that all these collies end up in rescue centres. They are such lovely, social family pets and I also feel, from my own experience, that collies do like being part of a pair (or more)

I think you have to consider though that a collie from a rescue will need a lot of time and training, it isn't the same as having a young puppy but it is worth it

[worsestershiresauce]

Do you have space to keep them apart to start with? Your dog may not be thrilled about the new comer, and they will take a bit of time sussing each other out and establishing their place. I had 6 months of hassle from my first dog (running away, ignoring all my commands despite previous good behaviour etc) until they worked out between the two of them who was in charge and they've been fine every since.

Are the dogs similar personalities? Two very dominant dogs will fight. Ideally you want one dog that is happy to be a bit subordinate to the other and won't challenge.

Once they settle having two is great, as they keep each other company, play together, and take some of the pressure of you to provide all entertainment. I have a border collie and a collie cross and the two are imo less work than the collie on his own.

[bridgetsmum]

Thanks so much for all the replies. Lots for us to think about and discuss before we decide. You've been very helpful