Would it be madness to get a second dog as company for dog 1?

[MuffinMclay]

Until recently I had 2 dogs, of similar ages. Sadly one had to be put to sleep. The remaining one seemed happy at first with his new single dog status (the other one had been top dog and had bullied him a little). Recently he has got more and more clingy - follows me everywhere, tries to come into the bedroom at night (now close stairgate to stop that), and gets upset when I go out (he's never left for long - 2 hours most days). I think he is a bit lonely.

But I have ds who is 12 months old, and am ttc again, so wonder if it would be fair or responsible to take on another dog?

If you want another, why not? Not sure whether an older dog or puppy would be best though. Older dogs are often already housetrained etc but you have to be sure they are ok round children. Puppies can grow up with the children which is nice but then you have all the work of the housetraining and chewing stage........

We got a second dog as company for the first. They hate each-other. They have to be kept in separate rooms and walked separately, and dog number 2 barks his head off every time dog one goes to the garden. The stress is diabolical. We now have a 10 week old baby and are seriously considering rehoming one or both dogs

So the answer to your question is a resounding YES

I would go to your local animal rescue centre and tell them about your situation. They can advise you on what dogs would fit into your family routine best. Also they get the dogs to meet a couple of times 1st on neutral ground. Take them out for a walk together etc. Also when you take 2nd dog home, if it doesnt work out you can take him/her back. Trial period. Its not always nice for a dog to go back to shelter, but its the best and safest way to deal with it imo.

Am I right in thinking that (reputable) rehoming places won't allow a dog to go to a home with children under two years?

Evenhope - that was how it was with my two for the first year or so (had them 5 years before ds came along). It was horrible, and you have my sympathies. We got help from a behaviourist, and things improved no end, but were never perfect; but it was hard work and would have been impossible to do with children on the scene. If I had my time again I'd have rehomed one of them (the now dead one).

what about contacting one of the dog charities, ie guide dogs/hearing dogs/dogs for the disabled to see if you could go on their waiting lists for a reject/retired dog. Many of them will have been puppy walked in homes with children so the rehomers will have full knowledge of their backgrounds, they will be reasonably well trained, used to going out in all situations etc.

1 of our rescue dog came home when dd was about 5 months.

That actually sounds like a really good idea wannaBeWhateverIWannaBe! Wish I had thought of that!

Speccy - present dog is 6 years old, a springer, who still looks and acts like a puppy.

WBWIWB - that is a brilliant idea. Will look into that.

Exercise isn't an issue. I have to walk one dog, so might as well walk two.

The thing is, if I don't get another one, what can I do to make the existing one feel less lonely? Will he just adapt over time?

Just found out that we'll be looking after MIL's dogs for a couple of weeks soon, so that will be a temporary solution.

HI

Havent read all the posts but I had 2 dogs and one of them had to be put to sleep. I then got a puppy to keep the other one company. I have two dc and I can honestly say that although they are REALLY hard work I am glad I have 2.

Double the trouble tbh

no it wouldnt be mad. you can have my molly if you like.

Two dogs is so much easier than one. When we had one she refused to sleep anywhere apart from on our bed , she went loopy when ever we returned home, she ran away on walks .....

With two they curl up together at night, they entertain each other when we are out, they always come when called (they don't like the other one to get more treats than themselves), they are much much calmer and don't demand as much human atention.

I doubt we'll ever have just one dog again.

no, not madness. There is no reason why a 2nd dog won't help the first but there's also no way you could prove it would.

However, I think if you are going to get another dog don't get a puppy with the younger kids there and please go to a rehoming shelter there's plenty of older dogs who need it.

If you have the time to look after another dog then do it, just take ALL the family to the shelter (That includes the other dog)

hopes that helpful.

Thinking about it, I don't think I can face the puppy stage again - all that needing to go outside in the night, weeing inside, eating shoes etc.

I agree that 2 can be easier 1. When I had 2, both would come when I called just one of them (worried they were missing out on something). And they run around a lot more on walks when they have someone to run with.

Thinking about it, I don't think I can face the puppy stage again - all that needing to go outside in the night, weeing inside, eating shoes etc.

I agree that 2 can be easier 1. When I had 2, both would come when I called just one of them (worried they were missing out on something). And they run around a lot more on walks when they have someone to run with.

ooops. computer madness.