Puppy Question ... One or two?

[boilingstormyseas]

We will be getting a new puppy in three weeks time. It may be that one of the litter is still available and we are in discussion as to whether to take this one as well. Would love to hear experiences/opinions - one or two? We've had dogs for years but only one puppy at a time but we have the space for two if we go for it. What do you think? Take both or get just one and then another puppy in a years time?

[Lichtie]

One. If you get two I would avoid from the same litter.

[HermioneWaslib]

Look at littermate syndrome. Pet dogs should always be at least a year apart in age.

[boilingstormyseas]

Thank you! I have my answer.

[Lichtie]

A year apart is probably about right. You have to train each puppy individually and that can be hard work with one. So doubling the time and effort is a lot.

Good luck with your new puppy though, it will bring you sleepiness nights, but endless joy. What breed did you go for?

[BiteyShark]

It isn't recommended to get two puppies together as already mentioned due to littermate syndrome.

You would need to have enough time and people to train them individually. Can you separate them and give them enough training on an individual basis for many months (thinking through puppyhood and adolescent period)? If not then only get another one when you first dog is mature enough to only pass on 'good manners'.

I have seen people turn up at training with two and having spoken to the trainer it's clear they are having issues with them being together and was advised that they should be split and trained individually.

Even forgetting all of that I wonder how long it was since your last puppy and whether you had an easy one. Even people who are experienced have popped onto the puppy survival threads and mentioned how hard work they are and either they had forgotten or their previous one was 'easy'. I can't imagine having two on the go at the same time.

[fivedogstofeed]

Never two.
With a lot less dog knowledge than I have now, we took on two puppies from an unwanted litter, thinking how hard can it be? Said puppies are now nearly twelve and are lovely dogs, but it was very hard and they are not without issues.

[fivedogstofeed]

Also, a proper breeder would know not to give you two puppies.

[boilingstormyseas]

It's a labrador cross (not an "oodle" type!) and to be fair to the breeder this has only been discussed between myself and DH. I wasn't entirely sure this was a good idea so was very open to opinions. We will only be getting the one puppy, ready for sleepless nights and have already booked a place at puppy school in the new year.

[Dogmum94]

Ooh OP what Labrador cross is it? I love seeing how the crosses turn out

[Maelstrop]

I’ve done two at a time twice. I don’t think I’d recommend it. My current two are unable to be let off together for a ‘normal’ walk because they piss off hunting together. They are gorgeous and I love having two who adore each other, they don’t have littermate syndrome, I don’t think, bar the whole piss off to hunt. That’s the one time they don’t listen. They’re otherwise the most absolutely obedient dogs ever.

My first two were the easiest dogs ever, never put a paw wrong. They were working lines, so I’d always go for that in future. Is your lab parent working, show or pet bred?

[almondsareforevermore]

There’s no need for sleepless nights. Have your new pup close to you at night, not banished to cry for it’s mum in lonely fear.

[boilingstormyseas]

Dogmum94 - it's a retriever/lab cross - really gorgeous
Maelstrop - Parents are working dogs and hoping that I will be able to train it as a working dog too