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The doghouse

Wanting a second dog

18 replies

PookieDo · 21/08/2019 13:00

I have 1 small dog, who we all absolutely adore. He can be hard work. My DC are 17 and 15 and we all keep talking about wanting a 2nd dog, but I think this is just based on how much we love our dog. I think 2nd dog would be madness, but we all seem to talk about getting another dog nearly every single day. I don’t even know if this would work and it would be even more expensive
Yesterday we took him to the local forest and all the dogs around were in pairs (not usually the case) and they didn’t really want to play with him and were not interested. I think we wonder if this would be a companion for him but I have no way of knowing whether this would work.

This is like some kind of broodiness after you have a baby and you are in the honeymoon phase. Please try to talk me out of it!

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Girlintheframe · 22/08/2019 07:00

We've often thought about getting a 2nd dog but tbh it's just way too expensive. Double the doggy daycare, food, insurance, vaccinations, worming, flea treatments, boarding if you go on holiday. You get the picture Grin
We have had two dogs in the past and tbh it completely changes the dynamic, not always for the better.

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MothershipG · 22/08/2019 07:16

How old is your dog? I thought my first dog would love a companion and got the second when she was 2...to be honest she wasn't that fussed, she tolerated him but didn't seem that bothered.

So if you can afford all the additional costs and you really want another then do it for your self but have realistic expectations.

I now have 3 and they are all over 10 so also wanted to make the point that the insurance costs go up & up so do have a view to the future.

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Jouska · 22/08/2019 08:32

Your dog does not want another dog. They would prefer the time you will have to spend on another dog spent on them. If you want another dog get one but do not get it for the dog. If you want an easy life only consider another dog if your dog is issue free - any issues you do have will be accentuated with a second dog

Up the playing with your dog up the interaction - they would much prefer that.

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longearedbat · 22/08/2019 13:10

Years ago, I knew getting another dog was not what my original yorkie would have liked, so I got a kitten. It was the best thing ever for them both. After the initial wariness they became best buddies and used to play all the time. Also, the cat was not so demanding of my time, so the dog didn't get jealous. Sorted my broody streak too.
Years later, and yet another yorkie - we got a jrt. Individually they were both lovely dogs, but at best they only tolerated each other. Also, the jrt was a thug and the yorkie was very mild mannered. He actually used to knock her over regularly. The yorkie died first at 14, the jrt was thrilled he at last had me all to himself.
Two dogs are also very expensive, especially if you use kennels.

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missbattenburg · 22/08/2019 13:15

We have 3 dogs - the result of bringing together 2 households.

2 JRTs and a springer.

Between 3 adults we manage them to give them all the right levels of attention and good lives but it's pretty clear that the JRTs would be happier without the springer and the springer would be happier alone.

The JRTs are 14 yo and when they go, there won't be any replacements. I don't look forward to them going and will be so sad when it happens, but part of me knows it will be much easier and more relaxed with just the one dog.

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PookieDo · 22/08/2019 14:16

Thanks! I have a cat who is not willing to play with dog 😂 and not very tolerant

It’s just a broody phase, not for a puppy but another furry friend that’s all. Dog gets a lot of attention and could well be jealous, but I also see he loves being around other dogs too. I will just have to love him even more Grin

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joystir59 · 22/08/2019 14:28

We are always debating this too, but I know really our difficult but wonderful JRT loves having us both to himself and he does get to meet and play with loads of dogs around where we live. We are sticking with one. I had two dogs in the past, and found that getting a second dog diluted the intense relationship I had previously enjoyed with the first, and it was harder work looking after two,and more expensive.

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PrayingandHoping · 22/08/2019 14:37

I have 2 dogs and will never be without min 2 now. 2 dogs are easier than 1! My eldest dog is happier (everyone who knows it has commented), they are a great double act.

Yes financially it's more. But that is the only negative

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Pinkblueberry · 22/08/2019 14:41

I would love a second dog too but I’m pretty sure my current dog likes being an only dog - he’s more of a people person than a dog person and I don’t think he would like sharing the attention. I think it should be up to the current dog - if you’re getting the vibe that he doesn’t really want a friend at home, leave it.

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BiteyShark · 22/08/2019 17:22

Whilst my dog loves going to daycare to play with his pals it is obvious that he likes that for a set time and ultimately prefers human company.

It's a tricky one because if you are lucky you get two that are real buddies at home but if they just tolerate each other then you have double the work and two dogs that put up with each only because they have no option otherwise.

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Pipandmum · 22/08/2019 17:30

I have two and though they are very different personalities that are great companions for each other. Got them two years apart. Our first is very friendly and had no problem welcoming a puppy. Now the younger gets anxious if the oldest gets left outside at night (happens occasionally as when on fox patrol he has selective hearing) and I notice the older one waits for the younger to catch up if on a walk.
Practicals - only major expense is boarding as we go abroad for a couple weeks most years. Don’t do pet insurance.

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Phwooooar · 22/08/2019 17:38

We’re about to do just this. We have what we call a wottie (westie/Scottie cross) Grin and are about to take ownership of a 5 month old Great Dane. Fully aware it’s most likely to be organised chaos (we also have 4 cats) but believe our wottie would enjoy having a chum as much as we’ll enjoy him..

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Zuma76 · 22/08/2019 17:38

We got a 2nd dog for our for our first and they were great friends. We got a third for us and the dynamic was horrible between them for a while. It’s settled down now but never again. Would definitely have 2 though.

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joystir59 · 23/08/2019 19:46

We’re about to do just this. We have what we call a wottie (westie/Scottie cross
What you are getting is a mongrel FFS!

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IamtheOA · 23/08/2019 19:58

I had 2 dogs.... they loved each other. As they grew older, I worked more hours, and they could be left a bit longer because they had each other.
Twas a good thing!

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Funf · 23/08/2019 20:05

We did this, ended up with two lovely dogs who didn't bother with each other, no issues though, but when you do get one they may not get on, we have seen this a couple of times so be certain if they don't the breeder would take it back as a responsible one will.

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Phwooooar · 23/08/2019 20:32

joystir59 we absolutely know our 1st dog is a "mongrel" thank you. Out 2nd dog will be a non mongrel Great Dane

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PookieDo · 23/08/2019 20:42

Went out this evening and a larger very bouncy (gorgeous) puppy came over to play. Ddog liked this for about 2 minutes then just wanted to get away. He kept looking at me like ‘help meeee someone is sniffing me and trying to play with meeee’. I think I have my answer Grin

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