Would you advise to get a second dog?

[Raggedyaine]

We have a rescue JRT cross. She's probably about 6, we have had her 3 years. She's well behaved (bar some occasionally selective hearing) and good with dogs she meets especially when friends visit with dogs.
I am at home mostly so she is not often alone but we think she might like a companion. We are thinking of asking the rescue place, if a young JRT cross comes in, to consider us.

What is your experience of getting a second dog? We have the space and can afford extra vets fees and kennel fees the once or twice a year we go away. Is there really a huge jump in having two as opposed to one? I have never had more than one dog at a time but have always wondered if my dogs might like a companion.

[Honeyroar]

I'd never go back to having one dog. Ours adore each other. My dad lives next door, he hears them playing together when we're out. Be warned that you might get a bit of jealously from your dog when it realises the other dog is staying, and it may take a while for it all to settle and them to become friends, but they will get there. I'd suggest getting two similar types, they like the same games! Our two labs play together much more than they do with our terrier..

[Lucisky]

We had two dogs for years. It is hard work more than anything, like 2 muddy dogs to dry, 2 dogs moulting everywhere (especially jrts), extra poo picking etc, and of course the cost, which you are okay with. Downside is that where one dog is often acceptable, two dogs aren't, like holiday cottage rental. Depends what you are planning though. There was a lot of jealously between ours too. You also need eyes in the back of your head keeping track of them out walking. Mine often galloped off in different directions. They were company for each other though. I have toyed with the idea of getting another now my dog is two, but I'm getting on and I like an easy life these days.

[Raggedyaine]

My JRT is always on a lead out walking as she has a reputation for disappearing off in the distance chasing a notion! The soggy doggy thing is fine as the current one is fastidious but the moulting is an issue though probably not a good enough reason not to go for a second.

[BestIsWest]

I regret getting a second dog. I’ve found it much more difficult. As pp said, one dog is often acceptable in holiday cottages etc, it’s not so easy with two. It’s also easier to find someone to look after one dog if we need to go away. Our first dog is a dream, the second is a pain in the arse. Love him though. Stupid arse that he is.

[Raggedyaine]

Oh Best that is my fear. I've been applying the logic that I do quite like my second child so I'll like my second dog as much as my first too . You've reminded me that life was easier with just one child.

[BestIsWest]

Don’t get me wrong, the two dogs love each other. They ARE great company for each other and have great fun together. It’s just that we used to take the dog everywhere with us when we just had one. Now it’s more hassle to take two. It might have helped if the second one wasn’t a needy attention seeking noisy git though. The first one is an angel.

[Thegirlinthefireplace]

I've just adopted a second dog after resisting my families pleas for years.

It is early days so I guess it's inevitable but it is HARD work. They play together and have great fun but the first dog does like to tell the new dog how it is. Luckily new dog is a mellow chap and does as he's told but it does mean that I need to be watching them constantly.

It's very early days for us and as first dog gets more used to new dog I'm sure he will chill more as time goes by. I'm finding lots of walks together (more frequent shorter walks at the mo) are helping them get into the routine of being a pair.

[tablelegs]

I have 4 dogs. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Yes it can be difficult but it's worth it.

[spot102]

Depends on the character of the second dog. . .

We got a second so that the first would have a companion if we had to leave them on their own.

This worked really well (sarcasm) as
a) the second dog was a right royal PITA (though much loved)
b) OH refused to leave the dogs at home on their own

However, we do still have 2, just not the original ones.

[thecatsabsentcojones]

I've got two, mainly because I know I'll find it so hard when dog 1 dies who is 11. Dog 2 is three, they both absolutely adore eachother so I don't regret it, the kids have a calm one to cuddle and a mad one to go on expeditions and play barmy games with.

My eldest had a bad ear infection and is developing bad vision, when she got lost in our woods the youngest was told 'go find her' and without being trained to do so went off to find her who was disoriented. That's the kind of bond they have, it's really lovely to see. The downside is that when the time comes not only I will be devastated but our youngest dog will too. It'll be time to get another then.

So the pluses are that they have company and they also train the youngest with good habits. For instance my old dog was fine with fireworks - he passed this to our eldest dog, who's passed it to our youngest. The crossover is really useful. But the minuses are that it's not as easy to take them into pubs, away on holiday etc. But then we've got chickens and a cat so tend to have someone housesit anyway.

I'd go for it.

[quietmoon]

When our first furbaby was 18 months old, we got another one. I wouldn't go back to having just the one because they definitely do better in pairs. But second one is higher energy than the first (same breed though) and more of a pain in general but the trade off is worth it. The bond is lovely and there is no guilt on my part if they're left home alone for a few hours. My older one as a singleton had awful separation anxiety when I went out. Now he isn't bothered because he isn't alone.

Keep in mind the clean up and feeding. My dogs are big and so the extra cleaning and cost of food is noticeable.

[Santaisonthesherry]

We went from 1 ddog to 2 then 3 a month later (), then a last one a few years later. Bedlam but wouldn't change them!!
Don't assume you current ddog will thank you though.
As a dc our 2 ddogs shared no love at all..

[NiktheGreek]

We've recently got a second dog. Best thing we ever did. No downsides and definitely no regrets. I'll always have 2 dogs now.

[freddiethegreat]

Don’t leave it too late. My JRT was 13.5 years when my Staff came home at 9 months. We have made it work, but it’s hard on the JRT at times. Xx

[freddiethegreat]

Oh bother. Please ignore kisses. Not a text!

[Tinselpup]

If YOU want two dogs get another dog. I would not do it for your dog.

xxx just cos this thread seems very friendly hey Freddie