Would I be mad to get another dog?

[Disenchanted3]

I have 2 7 month old pups. I originally was going to get a KC Spaniel but ended yup with 2 pugs, my mum has one and they are fantastic dogs.

I love them to pieces and we are just getting past the weeing / poopinng inside phase, but i didn't really mind it anyways to be honest its all part of them learning.

But I can't get a wee KCS out of my mind.

We don't have a big house but a good size garden and fields close.

And the dogs have their own 'bedroom' down stairs (the space near the back door)

I don't know, I would need time to save up, so wouldn't be for months, 3 dogs is alot though.

What do you think?

three dogs is a lot.

People do do it but there are practical issues to consider i.e. you couldn't walk three dogs on your own for instance..

DH and I walk the dogs together and we take them out seperatly too so thats not really a problem.

We only do UK hols too as I wont fly so can take the dogs, although we have a big dog loving family and people are always happy to dog sit.

am trying to be sensible but its almost like being broody, lol.

My dad has always had two large dogs. Atm he has an Akita and a Lab. I have never had an issue with walking them both (he is in ill health) along with my own dog. Untill I got my current dog, who tries to hump everything in sight.

If training is going well, I don't why 3 would be too much, if you have the space and time.

Training 3 at one time would be very hard work though.

I'd love another dog, but mine is a nightmare atm, and I know that I wouldn't have enough time to commit to a dog that was anything less than perfect i.e. needed no training at all. I know that no one can guarentee me that, so I am waiting untill mine is fully trained and will look at getting another dog next year perhaps.

Only you know if you have the time to commit fully to another dog.

The only thing I would say is my pups bark, but im sure i can sort that out during now and then? I would not inflict a 3rd yapping dog on my neighbours.

When do they bark? Mine barks sometimes on a night, just after you put him to bed, but a well stuffed kong, help the barking become less solid.

In the garden if they hear kids/another dog/ a gate shutting/ a bird

Goodness Disenchanted, 2 seven month pups and you want another ? I can only just cope with 1 seven month pup, I think you are mad Clearly yours two are better behaved than mine.

Ah, sounds like they are protecting their terrority from unseen threats. I don't know fully how to train this, but other posters will. When my JRT was doing this I was told by her trainer that if I shouted at her, she would only believe that I was barking with her against this strange, threatening noise.
I had to go to her calmly and remove her from the situation and sit quietly with her for a while, to show her that I wasn't afraid of the noise.

I wouldn't say it is a good idea until your current dogs are fully grown/adult and training is well established. Then again, I would never recomend someone to have, nor would I sell someone, two puppies at once. As a breeder, I would refuse to put you ona waiting list due tot he age of your current dogs, and I know a lot of other breeders also feel that way. Right or wrong, we have to do what is best to ensure a good home for our pups, an dif anything in the new owners life means things are likely to be harder than usual for them, it means they are more likely to give the pup up. (not saying you would do this)

I don't see at all why you can't walk all three dogs together though?! Puppies need limited exercise anyway, but I manage to easily walk three adult Golden retrievers with a pushchair and that will soon be four.

If they bark whilst int he garden, every time they bark, get them indoors again immediately. Do not allow them to be outside and bark. They will soon learn that if they want to go outside they have to be quiet.

thanks for the tip mid, will do that.

should i 'shush' them?

Unless you teach them what 'shush' means, they won't understand you, so I wouldn't bother. Just make them come in immediately every single time they bark when outside. You do have to be consisitent or it won't work, but it won't take them long to get the message.