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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Second dog

31 replies

Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:11

I would post on the pet forum but it looks fairly quiet.

I know this is probably more a question only I can answer, but would we be absolutely bonkers to get a second dog. The breed we have at the moment is very chilled, low maintenance and would get the same breed as a companion for this reason, dog is getting upset when being left.

I know it's extra insurance etc but is the cost difference really that huge, again the breed is relatively small so doesn't eat a huge amount. Parents would help with one dog but not two, solution would be one would go to the home board and one to my parent's? If we went away for a weekend or week. Again an added cost but I guess I see it that we would be paying that anyway if my parent's didn't help.

Anyone with two dog's what's it like?

OP posts:
Mincedpies · 11/04/2023 17:18

I have four dogs 😄

The more the merrier, as fast as I’m concerned. However, the biggest difference with two or more dogs (in my opinion) is that life is less than fitting into your world, and you fitting into theirs. Everything is doubled - cost, inconvenience, how restricted you are. I went from one to two dogs and all of a sudden taking them both with me to places where one had been welcome became more difficult. It seems the world has become quite accepting of people being out and about with one dog, but more than one and places/people aren’t quite so accommodating. (And I’m not saying that the world should revolve around my dogs - it’s just a hopefully helpful observation).

All that said - I wouldn’t change any of it for the world. Yes cost etc doubles but so does the fun, the joy, the adventure and the love. It’s brilliant being a dog mum to two of them, and let me tell you it just gets better the more you add 😊

sophiasnail · 11/04/2023 17:18

It really depends on your existing dog. Our dog would hate having to "share" us. If your existing dog has separation anxiety, you really need to speak to a behaviourist because it is far more complicated than just being lonely and introducing a second dog may actually make things worse.

Before our current dog we had two ex-racing greyhounds who barely acknowledged each other, and whilst we hoped they were providing company for each other when we were out, I have a feeling it wasn't making any difference either way.

QOD · 11/04/2023 17:20

i only said yabu as how would you chose which dog went where and how much would they miss each other ...

Nailsandthesea · 11/04/2023 17:22

Mine are related and love each other. The parent was overjoyed to have one of the puppies join us and they are best buddies

Mangogogogo · 11/04/2023 17:26

Mine adore each other and the way they interact is hilarious. I don’t think I could go back to just having one now!

i don’t understand what pp means by how do you chose which dog went where? Ours go for walks together, if one goes to the groomers or into work with someone then the other stays home. They’re not really bothered. One likes chilling and ones very active so that affects how we ‘chose’ who’s doing what but 99% of the time they’re together?

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:27

I would likely put the one we have to my parents as they are well established there, and the other to a home board as I know they have been part of a multi dog household from puppy hood. Again this may change if my parents met the two together and realised they could manage.

We've not yet taken on second dog but have one we would like to offer a home to. Ours pines for other dog's, absolutely loves being around them and will actively seek them out. He will try to cuddle up to the cat. He's been to home boarding with other dogs and I've never seen him so happy.

I mean we go away potential once a year on a week holiday so plenty of time to save, and a weekend away for both isn't break that bank. But would be about avalibility and organisation

OP posts:
sparepantsandtoothbrush · 11/04/2023 17:30

I bought a second one after my first turned 2. Biggest regret of my life! They're both the same breed but the second one is so much more work and, although I adore him, he's such a pain and has ruined the fun I used to have with my first dog 😬

Fibonacci13 · 11/04/2023 17:30

you may not get a chilled second one!

we were talking about this this weekend - a lot of places will welcome one dog but not two now you are right.

I'm desperately trying to persuade dp not to get another one.

MavisMcMinty · 11/04/2023 17:31

The costs are twice that of one dog.

I have two, they’re mother and son, and the boy learnt a lot of very good habits from his very good Mum. I kept a boy pup rather than a girl because I didn’t want them getting bitchy. Two dogs are a safer bet than two bitches in terms of getting on well with each other after reaching sexual maturity, or one of each sex. Also best to get a second dog while the older one is under 5 years old and still willing to play, although pups can also rejuvenate an older dog. I also advise going to puppy/training classes just with the new dog, it’s harder to socialise a puppy when they’re part of a twosome.

sparepantsandtoothbrush · 11/04/2023 17:31

Ours pines for other dog's, absolutely loves being around them and will actively seek them out. He will try to cuddle up to the cat. He's been to home boarding with other dogs and I've never seen him so happy

This was also the reason we bought the second dog. I honestly wish we'd stuck with just one

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:33

I do worry, about that, what if this one is a pain, however it's very unusual within the breed but not past the realms of possibilities. Is it more restrictive with two? I guess I view it, if you've got one to work around then two isn't much different?

But maybe I'm being a bit rose tinted glasses with the idea

OP posts:
MavisMcMinty · 11/04/2023 17:35

MavisMcMinty · 11/04/2023 17:31

The costs are twice that of one dog.

I have two, they’re mother and son, and the boy learnt a lot of very good habits from his very good Mum. I kept a boy pup rather than a girl because I didn’t want them getting bitchy. Two dogs are a safer bet than two bitches in terms of getting on well with each other after reaching sexual maturity, or one of each sex. Also best to get a second dog while the older one is under 5 years old and still willing to play, although pups can also rejuvenate an older dog. I also advise going to puppy/training classes just with the new dog, it’s harder to socialise a puppy when they’re part of a twosome.

Sorry, reading that back it looks like I’m saying two dogs will get on better than one of each sex, when I meant one of each usually get on fine.

Pashy · 11/04/2023 17:36

I got my dog a dog and it was the best thing I ever did for her 😁

(Joking before anyone jumps on me- the entire family was dedicated to adding a second)

My first dog is lovely but very highly strung, despite being a breed that’s known for being mellow and placid. Always loved other dogs so we knew she’d love a little sister.

Second dog is a mixed breed pup from a rescue who was well socialised with other dogs. Shy and chilled, but able to stand up for herself when the first one starts to get a bit too boisterous.

They love each other very much.

I would say that if you are getting second, do it before the first one gets too old. I wanted a second dog years ago but our dog at the time was too old and would have been very annoyed at having a younger pooch around.

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:37

Ours is nearly 18 month's old and the other would be around the same age. We wouldn't go back to a puppy. So definitely young enough, but already he will play for a little while then switches off to it, much to the upset of his dog friend.

They would be mixed sex to avoid dominance issues.

OP posts:
MissEira · 11/04/2023 17:39

I used to have 2 until quite recently (both passed close to each other 1-2 years ago).
They got along really well and it was wonderful to see them being so close. You cant have too many in my opinion.
It is a lot of cost though and we just recently got a new dog and we are definitely sticking to one this time. Everything is just easier with just one (like holidays etc. that you already mentioned). Kind of like with children. The more you have better, but also more hassle, more work, more money.

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:44

It's tricky as I've only ever had one dog so I've no idea about two. I don't want to take away from our lives, but equally I want the best for the dog we have.

Going to places isn't too much of an issue, we live in the countryside so most walks are done through woods and field's. It's definitely the holiday aspect that concerns me the most.

OP posts:
RettyPriddle · 11/04/2023 17:45

I got a second. Large breed. Same sex. Lucked out in that they both adore each other. Did lots of research and got them from the same breeder, who advised me. If they get on, you’ll have to let them board together, though. My two would pine if they were apart for holidays. I find two less work as they learn together and the second picked up training so quickly from watching the first. You do become ‘dog woman’ though. I spend a lot of time talking about and walking my dogs.

Shropshirepie · 11/04/2023 17:48

We fostered a second dog who our first dog got on with brilliantly. It made no difference however when we left the house without them. First dog still howled and the poor foster dog had to put up with it (with his paws over his ears 😁).

Buildingthefuture · 11/04/2023 17:49

We are, and always have been, a multi dog household (a lot more than 4!!) so maybe my opinion isn’t valid…but I think two is easier than one. They play together, entertain each other, they are friends. And, if you’re feeding, walking, entertaining one, it’s no more bother to have two. Do you have to plan more, budget more, be more organised? Yes. Is it worth it? For me, absolutely yes.
But (oh and this will set off a lot of MN vitriol I’m sure!! ) there are two different types of dog people in the world. Those that think “what can this dog do for me” and those that think “what can I do for this dog”. Most people, quite understandably are the former, I happen to be the latter. Look at who you are and do whatever works for you xx

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 17:50

I'm already that crazy dog lady with just the one! But I love walking the dog, and actually pine and look forward to hanging out with them and coming home to them.

OP posts:
PinkFootstool · 11/04/2023 18:00

We just lost our second dog to a sudden illness.

We used to joke we got our first dog a dog, but really she wasn't even slightly happy about the second dog. We thought she'd love it - she enjoyed having other dogs in the house, played with dog that came to visit with friends, lived having her mate here for a fortnight while his owners went on holiday etc. As it was, she ignored the second dog completely. They were like disinterested housemates. No interaction at all.

So if you do it, get the best match for your dog not the dog you necessarily fancy.

As for the other points people have made - it's harder to get dog care for two dogs, harder to take them places together when it's just you, harder to entertain them if they don't entertain themselves, harder to balance jealousy if it happens, harder to protect them both if a dog attacks them (happened to us twice)... We thought it wouldn't be much harder than one but we were wrong.

One dog at a time here from now on.

Original poster
Wonderland19 · 11/04/2023 18:18

It's so hard because I absolutely would love to get a second, ours is no issue when out and walking so I feel another wouldn't be too hard to take out with them. The extra cost would be roughly the same as what we were paying the dog walker twice a month. Just for his socialisation.

This breed tend to come in pairs because of their ease and how they like to be together. But I then worry we limit our freedom a bit without my parents help if boarders are full up. It's just really tough

OP posts:
bamboonights · 11/04/2023 19:05

I just ended up with two who were over attached to me. Gave no comfort to each other, really.

BelindaMelinda · 11/04/2023 19:14

We had two dogs years ago, before dc, and having two dogs made me realise that one was enough.

We had one calm, placid dog. Got a second who turned out to have absolutely a different personality, very energetic and did things that our first had never done (chewing, digging etc).

They got along brilliantly but dog 2 brought out the worst in dog 1. She'd be having a nice chilled nap and dog 2 would hound her until she played. Then they'd be chasing each other round at a time when dog 1 would previously have been relaxing on the sofa with us. It was much, much harder work with two.

I know that's not the same for everyone but adding a second dog is always going to be a big risk and you don't know which way it will go until it's too late!

WetBandits · 11/04/2023 19:18

I love my DDog but he will remain an only dog! He’s very chilled and low maintenance most of the time, until he has to share anything that he thinks is his. He loves seeing dog friends outside of his own environment, but if another dog even looks at his food or toys, he goes apeshit with panic and jealousy. Another dog would be a nightmare. He lives happily with 3 cats, though.