Getting a second dog

[TaighNamGastaOrt]

We currently have a vizsla and have often talked about rescuing a wee pal for him. We used to have 2 dogs-my collie but she died 5 years ago and was irreplacable.
We've now seen another viz up for rehoming through no fault of her own and are going to meet her on saturday. We feel we have the experience and knowledge to handle and teach her with kindness as she is nervous.
Our kids are happy-they are well behaved and quiet around dogs and all animals.
Our dog would love another dog-he grieved for our collie and now sunbathes with our rabbit.
but do we need another dog? Yes, we'd love to have her. Our finances would manage-we're far from rich but we can insure and feed her and provide vet attention/innocs etc-as we do with all our beloved pets.
Our dog sitter is happy, our family think we're mad but would support us. (after the eye rolling and comments!)
Its a real heart versus head decision. any suggestions please? Thanks

[TaighNamGastaOrt]

That should say 'any thoughts or experience', not suggestions!
wrong word, sorry!

[Girlintheframe]

If you've got the resources then I don't see why you shouldn't. Your already experienced with the breed and have had two dogs before so you know what your getting in to.
Only thing i would say is that having two dogs totally changes the dynamic. Oh and do you have the space? My two were always play fighting, knocking things over, churning up the garden etc.

[Pipandmum]

As you've had two before don't see why not. I have two and it's not much more work than one. Seems you are using your head and heart!

[GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman]

Why not? Multi-dog households work well when the dogs get on. If your first dog is sociable and the second is also friendly and is carefully introduced, you shouldn't have a problem.

Both dogs might need some solo time with you for training and reassurance, so be aware of that. Otherwise, have fun.

[Scarsthelot]

I dont see why not. But introductions may take a while. Alot of people just expect 2 dogs to get on and it's not always the case

How much background is there on the dog and how well do you know the rescue.

I only ask, because I work with a breed specific rescue. We get told, by people surrounding their dog, all sorts of reasons as to why it's not the dogs fault and the dog is great, trained, soft etc

And while its rarely the dogs fault its obvious the dogs havent been trained, had enough time spent in them and generally are hard work. Definitely not the dogs fault, but they arent the same dogs as their previous owners describe.

I would just spend time thinking about what happens if the dog comes to you untrained and with some problems. Do you have time and resources to dedicate to resolving the issues

[TaighNamGastaOrt]

Thanks, really helpful replies. It's a private re-home but under a good behaviourist. They're being very careful to ensure the dog goes to the right home. We have space and I believe the time. She requires confidence work on her own which I can do. The dynamic was tricky with 2 dogs but we made it work. Each dog got snuggles on their own every day.
It's a big commitment, but I think we can make her happy.

[BadEyeBri]

I found two dogs a lot easier than one. The step up to three dogs was very noticeable though and once nature takes its course we won't have 3 again.