Getting a second dog - good idea?

[jinglebells123]

I currently have an approximately 6 year old rescue lurcher - she is an amazing dog! Great with my 3 year old daughter, loving and affectionate with people but can be a bit reactive with other dogs although she’s more what you’d call a frustrated greeter than a true reactive dog and she’s never aggressive - she just barks.

I really want another dog! We have the time, money and space for one and I also think it would be good for our current dog to have a companion- she’s currently left alone 3 days a week while we are at work but with an hours walk with a dog walker - most of this time is spent sleeping in our bed.

I’d like a rescue greyhound- that’s actually what I was looking for when we rehomed our lurcher through a sight hound rescue.

I have 2 main reservations- firstly how current dog will react to a new dog and secondly and most importantly how a new dog would be with dd as the lurcher was here before dd was born and dd has grown up with her and they have a fab bond and I totally trust the dog with dd and dd knows the boundaries when handling the dog - greyhounds have a fab reputation as being good with kids but the can also have had a different past.

Would welcome any advice/thoughts/considerations to help me decide (then all that’s left is to convince dh!)

Once you've convinced your husband I would say go for it! A good greyhound rescue will match you with the right dog for your family and it would be useful if the dog had been fostered too to get a real idea of personality and how it reacts.

Our latest ex racer was chosen by the rescue for my family to get on with our existing greyhound, a young person with special needs, a cat and hens! And he is doing really well despite never living in a house. We did wait longer for our special boy.

I second the pp comments, a good rescue will know the dogs they have and match you to one that works with your circumstances.

I know have 6 retired greyhounds and a more laid-back, relaxed bunch you'd struggle to find. Number 6 arrived on Sunday and has slotted straight in. Ours range from 10 - 3 years old and have never reacted against any visiting children.

Go and visit a rescue with your lurcher and DD, walk some and see how you get on.

Just be aware that the majority will only have lived in kennels, so stairs could be an issue and you'll have to be patient with little accidents until they've got used to being in a house. (Some people assume that because they are adult dogs they will be housetrained and it's not always the case).

I've got three dogs, they're great together and play endlessly. We have always had a dog but until two years ago, just a single dog, I'd always go for two now, for the dogs benefit not mine

I've got 2 labs, younger is 11 months. Older lab id not take kindly to new boy to start with, but I followed advice and did stuff separately and did not let puppy annoy him too much. Now they are great pals and stick together and have fabulous runs in the wood and look out for each other. I am sure older lab ( 5 years) has benefited. If you can afford it go for it!

DP said no and isn’t shifting - I’m gutted :(

Im having this dilemma i worry that Id struggle to walk and control two dogs at once we're not looking to add another till next year

I really don't find 2 dogs much more hassle and time than having 1 dog. If you do manage to persuade your DP can I suggest you get a dog not a bitch, I find a dog and a bitch get on better than two bitches!

Thanks Rick - I played that tune but he wasn’t buying it - I even offered to cover the extra food and dog walking costs but he wasn’t budging - to be honest he’s not s big animal lover whereas I am - he tolerates our current dog so the thought of a second does not appeal to him in the slightest - doesn’t help that the dog isn’t that fussed with him but adores me.