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The doghouse

If you're worried about your pet's health, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.

Original poster

Two dogs are harder than one...are they?

40 replies

MaureenSowerbutts · 18/08/2020 21:33

Ddog is 3, well behaved, good temperament always been an angel.

Since we got him we have talked on and off about getting a second dog. There will soon be a puppy avaliable and i would really like to add to the family, puppy is same breed.

I know ddog might take a while to adjust and I am prepared to sleep downstairs until both are settled and happy.

We both work from home, ample space in house and garden.

DH thinks I'm being a bit naive thinking it won't be too hard and I am in for a shock.

Please tell me your stories of happy dog and puppy...or your stories of disaster, it will all help.

OP posts:
Dreamersandwishers · 19/08/2020 19:08

Getting ddog2 was the best thing we did. It is expensive, but they are great pals (male & female) and ddog2 keeps DDog1 more active than the lazy monster would otherwise be.

dianebrewster · 19/08/2020 20:17

I've had dogs for over 30yrs - the most I've had at once is 4, that's too many for me, currently got 3.

In terms of leaving them then they settle better, they do play together and can bond really well, but dogs do have personalities and particular individuals have their own preferences.

I have a grumpy old man terrier X - who had lived with older dog but loved being an only child when he died. I could take him out and about, we went on train trips and overnights to friends in London. He is portable and it was rather nice. I was already on a waiting list for a golden retriever though, so she arrived as a pup. Grumpy old man (he was about 5-6yrs) turned into playful big brother, he adores her.

She is now 3 and a year ago we took in a relative's dog when she died, a 6 month old Mini Schnauzer pup. Again, fun and games all round. Grumpy old man plays with the MS, but gets grumpy when the MS and the Golden are being too boisterous. They do as he tells them Grin. He just complains a lot, he'd be a mutterer if he was human, lots of cursing under his breath!

I've introduced older rescues that were never best mates with my existing dogs, but only one serious fight, and even after that they settled down and were fine. I've found introducing pups easier. The biggest gap was a 10.5yr old rescue boy and an 8 week old pup, same breed. He wasn't quite sure what to do when she cuddled up to him, but he allowed it.

I think mixing sexes is a bit easier, if you have that option. End up with one of each sex.

Juiceey · 19/08/2020 21:45

This is really positive! We're vaguely considering a second pup although couldn't afford two in doggy daycare so not sure at the mo.

Original poster
MaureenSowerbutts · 19/08/2020 21:53

@dianebrewster thank you for your post, really helpful.

@Juiceey it is isn't it, i was expecting some tales of woe, i am pleasantly surprised.

OP posts:
Branleuse · 19/08/2020 22:00

2 is a good number. 3 is a pack and too many

FizzAfterSix · 21/08/2020 17:21

I actually have 3 much of the time and it’s great, wouldn’t say they are a ‘pack’ in any negative sense.
I used to have 4 and that was wonderful too, they all got on so well and had tons of fun.

FizzAfterSix · 21/08/2020 17:22

I found it works really well to have a younger dog with my older ones, gives them a new lease of life.

Cliff1975 · 31/08/2020 17:03

We have a 2 year old working cocker, we are thinking of getting a border collie dog, older one is a bitch. The older one is a dream. Will we regret it?

Catsrus · 01/09/2020 08:40

@Cliff1975

We have a 2 year old working cocker, we are thinking of getting a border collie dog, older one is a bitch. The older one is a dream. Will we regret it?
Are you going to do any activities with the BC @Cliff1975 ? I've known a lot and some can be very nervy and snappy unless they've got a job to do. Quite a few at my obedience club (not surprisingly) and I have to say it's not a breed I would have. We look after a collie cross and she's fine with people she knows (usually) but she is really reactive to noises outside and my dogs get wound up by her. The neighbours know when she's visiting !

The working cockers I've known have been bundles of energy but joyous, quite different.

HolyMolyMeOhMy · 02/09/2020 19:16

I would say that having 2 dogs is easier in a lot of ways. We got a 2nd dog when the first one was 10 months old and as others have said found training him much easier, particularly when it comes to house training as he just followed the older one outside and did his business wherever he did!
It’s also much easier (on me!) to leave them alone when going out as they have each other for company and older one is now visibly much more relaxed when we go out.
We did however struggle slightly with getting the hang of walking two dogs but it’s something you get used to in time, although I still prefer when I’ve got my husband helping me out and leaving me with just the one to walk.
They’re not exactly best friends as the younger one is very much the boss and does not like to share (toys, food, humans), and think he has always seen the older one as competition! However his brother is extremely laid back and happy to just go with the flow, so although there’s no cuddling going on between them I’m convinced they do love each other and if separated due to vet visits or grooms they are always happy to see the other one upon returning Smile
Good luck in whatever you decide!

picklemewalnuts · 02/09/2020 19:24

We got two when they were about 3 months old, from RSPCA. They were such good company together. Exercised each other. Kept each other company- they never needed us at night.
Eventually, when they were very elderly, we put them to sleep together as one was too ill to stay and the other would never have coped alone after so long together.

sallyshirt · 02/09/2020 23:55

My dog is too jealous, she would hate it if I got another dog.
She loves people, but not other dogs particularly. She can tolerate them, but much prefers all the attention on her.

Some dogs are just like that, my two previous dogs (I had them one after another) were the same too.

I really feel sorry for older only dogs who have a puppy forced on them when they are elderly.
No only getting replaced before they've died, but having their last couple of years being tortured/jumped on/bullied by their replacement too!

sallyshirt · 02/09/2020 23:58

Yes about mixing sexes.

Does anyone remember the French bulldog/or similar (I think) who was killed by her kennel mate (thread on here about a year ago). They were 2 females, which posters seemed to think was the reason one killed the other.

Grandmi · 03/09/2020 00:05

It depends on the age difference and breed. We went from one to two and it was brilliant...partners in crime!!

QualityFeet · 03/09/2020 00:06

Yeah Always the opposite sex ideally and it’s too late now you have had the thought - it will happen and it will be ace. I have had 4 before and the negatives were all practical - insurance, food, kennel costs etc

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