Should we get a second dog - please help me make a decision!

[mimster]

We have a 4yr old Norfolk Terrier and have just been told by her breeder that there is a Norfolk puppy available early December. Which is exciting but I need to do a sense check before we talk to the kids. It's an already busy household with 3 kids, both working full time (but with a full time nanny). Our current dog is v cuddly and a wee bit needy and could probably do with a companion. However, she is not super friendly with other dogs (can get a bit irritable when they come up and sniff her, depending on her mood). So, am thinking: would another dog would be good for her for company and to socialise her before she gets too old and set in her ways OR would it be a potential disaster and might having two dogs be more trouble than it is worth? Please help me make a decision. Photo of pup is super cute!

[CompletelyUnknown]

I say yes. Dogs love company even if they can ignore them. Just make sure your current dogs gets somewhere to escape to. I grew up in a busy house with 2 dogs and 2 parents working full time and I loved it. Look at the Wee face ❤️

[CMOTDibbler]

If you both work FT, will you be asking the nanny to do all the work with the puppy?

[mimster]

CMOT probably quite a bit yes (would need to speak to her too!) The kids are all at school during the day though so she has lots of time, apart from school run and when we've mentioned it before she seems pretty unphased. Also if it is December we can take some time off over Xmas.

[mimster]

unfazed - that should read!

[Pombliboo123]

I honestly don't find having two any more work than having one. (Except the puppy phase!!)

I had just one for 4 years before I got the other. Big dog doesn't particularly like strange dogs but will quite happily play/bully the little one for ages.

I like that they have each other when I'm out and it doesn't cost much more I don't find

[tinymeteor]

He's super cute. But if you're out FT, and the nanny is basically being made responsible for training and socialising a puppy, she deserves a pay rise. It's like adding an extra child.

[mimster]

Yes I can see that tinymeteor - we can discuss that with her and would be entirely fair. Age-wise though, would a 4yr old dog be flexible enough to adapt to a new puppy?

[mimster]

oh and how long does the 'puppy phase' last? (I can't remember v clearly from last time round ...)

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

I find that puppy phases are ever changing - toilet training, followed by teething, followed by a stroppy adolescent and so on.. lasting about a year. Much better with good consistent training than if they are just brought up by the other dog.
I enjoy the puppy phases but it seems I’m on my own on MN!
Those pups are too cute!

[Thewolfsjustapuppy]

Your older dog will have his nose put out by a pup but should get over it in a few weeks. Older dogs are adaptable and curmudgeonly in equal dose.

[Floralnomad]

If your older dog doesn’t like dogs having one foisted on her in her house isn’t necessarily going to change her mind . My dog is not a dog lover , he’s a people person and for that reason he stays a single dog . If the breeder hadn’t contacted you would you have been considering a second dog ?

[mimster]

Thank you for all your replies. Yes we have been thinking about a second dog on and off for a while but keep putting it off as it seems an unnecessary addition and people look at me like I am mad when I mention it (like “haven’t you got enough on your plate?!”) But visions of our current dog having a little friend are what keeps me going back to it . Will speak to kids and nanny and take it from there .. the cute pictures didn’t help rationale decision making!