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The doghouse

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Original poster

Reasons to get a second dog

49 replies

Deadnettle · 25/09/2016 21:41

I want another dog, Dh says that wanting another is not a good enough reason to get one.

I mainly want another dog because I want another dog, and any other reason I come up with is also deemed not good enough.

What is a good reason for getting a second dog? I need a really convincing argument to justify the cost of having 2 dogs.

OP posts:
Badgoushk · 25/09/2016 21:48

Company for the first dog?

If the first dog dies, it may be easier to cope if you already have another furry mouth to feed.

insertsomethingwitty · 25/09/2016 21:54

I have literally just got a second dog. She is a rescue and we collected her a few days ago. I also wanted a second dog just because I wanted one, I still don't really have any good reasons why it was a good idea to get her, but she is just perfect so far.

Original poster
Deadnettle · 25/09/2016 21:57

Tried those Bad.

I can borrow friends dogs to give current dog company so therefore don't need another one, and making grieving easier doesn't justify the cost of 2 dogs.

I'm not sure any reason will be good enough Sad

Insertsomethingwitty how lovely! I don't really have a reason either, I just want one.

OP posts:
Original poster
Deadnettle · 26/09/2016 13:02

Does anyone have a really good reason to get a second dog? I really want another but Dh keeps saying no.

OP posts:
ChoudeBruxelles · 26/09/2016 13:04

Company for 1st dog. We have two (recently lost the third)

BellaGoth · 26/09/2016 13:10

Actually I think "wanting a second dog" is the best reason there is!

We have two. The main reason I have two dogs is that I can't afford three dogs. Blush

It is amazing seeing how the dogs interact with each other. They have more opportunities for normal canine interactions. The way they play together is totally different to the way they play with us. They are far less stressed if we have to go away and leave them with a friend or family member. They gain confidence from each other.

Damn you're making me dog broody again!

Original poster
Deadnettle · 26/09/2016 13:30

I think "wanting another dog" is the best reason as well, unfortuately Dh doesn't think that wanting another justifies the cost of 2 dogs, and he picks apart every other argument I can think of.

Current dog loves playing with other dogs and I think she would love having a friend at home, especially now that the local doggy daycare place is shutting at the end of the week.

Dh is, rightfully, worried about the cost of having 2 dogs, we can afford it but Dh doesn't want the extra expense. He's mostly worried about the cost of insurance, current dogs insurance is about £35 per month and double that is a lot of money.

OP posts:
BellaGoth · 26/09/2016 13:36

Well, it probably won't be double. Our insurance gives a 10% discount for the second dog, if that helps!

Original poster
Deadnettle · 26/09/2016 13:46

We are with petplan and they give a discount too, but Dh still maintains it's too much money. I'm planning to get a quote to see how much a second poodle will cost us and see if I can convince him that we need 2 dogs!

OP posts:
Badgoushk · 27/09/2016 08:26

Deadnettle Get a robust mongrel and just put the money aside each month instead of buying insurance. At the end you might have a little nest egg.

Our insurance was £50 a month for our border terrier. We cancelled it and he's never cost us anything yet! If we had actually saved the money instead of spending it on other stuff we'd have £5000 by now!

Blackfellpony · 27/09/2016 09:04

I got a second because I like having two. I didn't have a specific reason other than that!

I like being able to leave the house and know they aren't alone or put them outside and they have someone else there. They also play together and dog2 loves dog1 so much.

However it is more expensive and much harder to train them or go anywhere!

Original poster
Deadnettle · 27/09/2016 11:10

Badgoushk insurance is a must for us. The insurance paid out 4-5k in 4 years for our last dog (he was pts aged 5), so there is no way we would risk not having it.

Also, poodles are ace.

Blackfellpony I think Dh will need a specific reason before he agrees to a second dog. I've been working on him for weeks and he still says no Sad

OP posts:
Blackfellpony · 27/09/2016 11:16

Is there anything you want to do with a new dog that you couldn't with the first?

For example dog1 can't do agility because of hips so I could have got number 2 to do that with?
If I wanted to show I would need a pedigree as mine are not kc etc.

Obviously the second dog may not be up to the job either but by then it's too late 😄

I only got dog2 as she was desperate for a home and would have been euthanised, even Dh felt sorry enough for her to let her stay and she is his baby now!

Mybeardeddragonjustdied2016 · 27/09/2016 11:28

Has your dh got a games console? Does he have more than 1game? Why did he need more than 1game? Bet just coz he bloody wanted another one!!
We have 3dogs btw!!

TheKitchenWitch · 27/09/2016 11:40

Your two dogs may not actually get on particularly well, so the best reason to get a second is because YOU want one. I

Badgoushk · 27/09/2016 20:38

Tell him it's "because it would make you happy".

BestIsWest · 27/09/2016 20:55

I want a second dog as well.

BestIsWest · 27/09/2016 20:56

To give dog1 canine company?

Original poster
Deadnettle · 27/09/2016 21:24

None of these are working Sad

Dh has said I can get another dog if I fund it. This would be reasonable if I had an income or a way of getting an income. So it looks like I won't be getting another dog Sad

OP posts:
Ipsie · 27/09/2016 21:32

You can afford it as a couple so the best reason ever is - it will make you happy. What other reason do you need to give to someone who loves you and wishes you to be happy?

if finances are tight - fair enough wanting stronger reasons. Otherwise, your happiness is all the reason required 😉

Original poster
Deadnettle · 27/09/2016 21:47

Hi Ipsie we can afford it, maybe not easily but we could do it without to much bother, and it would make me happy. Dh is worried about the cost because he is the sole earner and we don't know what the future holds.

He is saying no for fair, logical and understandable reasons but I still want another dog!

OP posts:
Ipsie · 27/09/2016 22:49

Ah bless. Maybe revisit in a few months time? Maybe future will seem more solid. In the meantime keep at him lol!

BellaGoth · 28/09/2016 07:00

Why don't you start putting away the same amount of money as you spend on your current dog for a few months? So if you spend £20 on food, put £20 aside. If you can manage it for, say 6 months, perhaps your DH will be more willing to discuss the second dog?

Bexta147 · 28/09/2016 07:17

I am desperate for a second dog. OH says if I come home with another dog he is moving out. I've offered to pack his bags for him Wink

I would just go out and get one but I could afford to pay for it and pay for its upkeep myself as I have my own income.

Bexta147 · 28/09/2016 07:18

Posted too soon!