One dog or two?

[itsacatastrophe]

How many dogs do you have? Are there any advantages/disadvantages to having 2 (or more) dogs?
We have a 3yr old jrt and are considering a second dog to give our dog a companion whilst we are at work (I work in a school so wouldn't get one until the summer holidays when I have 5 weeks off to train it). Does anyone get a second dog but regret it later?
All stories welcome

[Medeci]

I regreted it for about 6 months after getting second dog. Thought my first dog wanted a friend as he was always very sociable and playful with other dogs on walks. Turned out he'd rather be an only dog and he ignored second dog for ages (didn't help that new dog kept trying to steal food, toys etc from him).
It ended up being more work than I'd expected as had 2 dogs competing for my attention.
They get on OK now and play together, but I have to leave them in separate rooms because they have very noisy play fights when left alone together and don't want neighbours complaining.

[LaGattaNera]

I had 2 greyhounds (rescue) together as they live boy/girl pairs in kennels when racing and the boy in particular really loved the girl - she tolerated him. I then got a staff cross and he was an only dog - he liked other dogs ok but staffs are more people orientated and he was happy to be an only dog - suspect your JRT would be similar and likely to be put out by the introduction of a second dog. A second dog doesn't stop a people focused dog getting lonely imo and terriers are very into their people more than other dogs. You might he is jealous and unhappy with a new rival which is not what you want.
Why don't you perhaps foster a dog in the hols rather than adopt so you are not committed?

[ihatetosay]

so glad i got a second dog it is company for the other dog and they play together and i dont find it any extra work at all

[justdontevenfuckingstart]

We had one from his previous marriage.Then DD wanted a little dog, shortly after, big dog died and little dog and OH were absolutely lost. Got another big boy and they are stupidly happy together. Total noisy tear around the house nightmare but adore each other. She curls up and sleeps between his legs. (Rottie and Cairn x)

[ImBrian]

I have two dogs and I'm glad I have both. My first dog was only 8 months old when I got the second one and they get along really well. I teach three days a week so it's company while I'm at work (I have a walker at lunchtimes). Mine have similar energy levels which I think is a good thing, a lazy and energetic dog might not have got on so well.

[DramaAlpaca]

I have two, they are good company for each other and play together a lot. First dog spent about a week pretending second dog didn't exist, but within a week she'd decided she adored him. No regrets.

[1nsanityscatching]

We have one,I toy with the idea of a second but then think "what if Eric hated having another dog here?" and so we will stick with just one because I'd feel terrible if I had to return the other dog . Eric likes playing with dogs out of the house but he's not terribly happy if we fuss them so think he would be jealous.

[hahahaIdontgetit]

We have 4, all greyhounds.
Number 2 (dog), came because I was worried that number 1 (bitch), was lonely. She barely tolerates him.
Number 3 (dog), came to pal up with number 2. Instead he chummed up with number 1. Number 4 (dog), who was supposed to keep number 2 company, has palled up with number 1 and put number 3s nose out of joint.

Just be careful........

[LaGattaNera]

Hahaha - so who is no 2's pal? you? poor sausage

[Ylvamoon]

I have 3... and I have to say, it's chaotic, sometimes!
Got puppy dog 1& 2 within 6 months of each other and got on fine. Well, Girl dog one thought boy dog two is her personal play thing. 😀
A few years later, I was given girl dog 3.... now dog 1 thought great, another play thing.... while dog 2 thought if I don't acknowledge, it's not existing!

[hahahaIdontgetit]

Gatta yes, it's me and DH. Poor 🐶

[fairiesandelves]

I have 3 soon to be 4! All an absolute joy and get on well with each other. 2 girls 1 boy at the moment. All came separately but all the same breed. Walking is easy and wear each other out over the fields.

[CaliforniaHorcrux]

My rottie hated other dogs so couldn't have got another but now he's gone my son wants a GSD. Can't really answer your question as have no experience of more than one at a time but if you do get another I hope it works out well