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The doghouse

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Original poster

Why do people get a second dog?

44 replies

Mamabear12 · 18/02/2021 18:46

I’m just curious why do people decide to get a second dog? We are thinking of getting another. Something we don’t take lightly of course and it will probably not be for another 2-3 years. We have one that is 2, almost 3. She is amazing. We all love her. She gets loads of attention and I am a sahm so we could easily get another and we are a family of 5 so no problem giving attention to a second. Our first has brought so much love and joy into the family. We are very happy w her and even the puppy stages were a dream (don’t mean to brag! Lol). I get all dogs are not the same and the second one could be more difficult.

But I do wonder is it better to just stick to one? Why do people get two? It’s just strange, I can’t explain or justify my reasoning for wanting another. My dh also talks about it and is keen. We have enough space and can afford it. We live next a huge park w great space for a dog to run around plus have a garden. So having a dog is easy for us.

So I’m curious to those who have gotten a second what was the reason? And any regrets? It took us two years of research and waiting for the right time to get our first; who we love dearly. So I’m starting to do research now about getting a second.

OP posts:

Snowymcsnowsony · 18/02/2021 20:53

We have 4...
No shame!!

Happytentoes · 18/02/2021 20:58

2 labs here - second one has been great for the older 1 - really livened him up. Yes they play in and out of the house - more outside than in, but they do interact in the house. But they can happily snooze for hours too.
Only downside is that DDog2 is a barker - a legacy from her life before us, and once she starts, DDog1 joins in. Oh and the smell is stronger 😳
But as pp said - what’s better than more dogs🤷🏻‍♀️

HemanOrSheRa · 18/02/2021 21:40

Well...We got DDog 1 as a pup just over 11 years ago. DP always had dogs but I refused until my beautiful girl cat had died of old age. She would not have coped at all. We left it quite some time but it was so empty here without a pet. DS was starting primary school and I had 8 weeks off work to deal with the morning/afternoon settling in period so it seemed like the best time. She's a happy little soul. Loves everyone and everything.

DDog 2 arrived 2 years ago because I fell in love with a very wonky, scruffy old rescue. She is my girl and I adore her.

DDogs 3 and 4 arrived because we are utterly hopeless at fostering pups .

They all get along very well. The two old girls snooze a lot but the younger two have definitely put a spring in their steps. Even DDog 2 who didn't really know how to 'dog' will run around with them (when it suits her, obviously), play with toys etc and has taught them some manners. They all curl up in their favourite places to snooze, all snuggle up on the bed, it's hard work but lovely. Wouldn't change a thing .

fitflopqueen · 18/02/2021 21:52

We have one dog, she is now 5. Over the last 2 years we have fostered 5, all male and generally only about 18 months old, she has been the boss and has taken to them well but is still happy to be the only dog, she is very much my shadow. We have our next foster coming shortly - a bitch this time, so will be interesting to see if the dynamics remain the same.

Amandapanda1 · 18/02/2021 21:56

Purley company for each other,
I have 2 shih tzus
They eat together
Sleep together & play together
And on days when im busy they get their excersize chasing each other around the garden...

Historydweeb · 18/02/2021 22:01

As a pet for the first dog

noideabutstilltrying · 18/02/2021 22:05

I got my first lab and had her at work with me in the office every day. She was one of about 12 dogs in the office.

I changed jobs and my girl had to stay home more. She was lonely and I wanted a black lab.

My husband was worried if my girl would accept a puppy. We gave them time and space.

6 years on I can't imagine not having the pair of them. They share beds but never food bowls. They curl up on my feet while I'm working and do seem very content with their lot

Chocolatedeficitdisorder · 18/02/2021 22:11

We had our rescue as a solo until he was 4 years old. We thought he was perfectly happy with us, he played with balls and had little interest in other dogs.

We happened upon a young female CollieX who needed a home and decided to give it a try. From the moment they met they played and wrestled with each other in the house and chased each other outdoors. Six years on they still do - they're the best of buddies. We had no idea how much our boy would benefit from having a friend.

willithappen · 18/02/2021 22:20

We have two dogs and it was partly for company for our first and partly purely because we wanted another.
We rescued our first and then he had pups with another dog and so we kept one of those pups so we could experience the breed as a puppy also. So we have a father and son combo at home. They get on great and keep each other entertained and I feel less guilty leaving them in the house alone

doubleleopardy · 18/02/2021 22:23

Company and play for first dog mainly and because I love them. The play thing didn't work out because the second dog doesn't really play much.
Honestly, I get broody for puppies the way other people so for babies. I'd always want two now.

DailyCandy · 19/02/2021 05:49

I would but for the cost!

Monkeytapper · 19/02/2021 05:53

We have 2 now and think we will always have 2. Was worried our older dog (3 year male) wouldn’t take to her and be jealous. But after a frosty 24 hours initially they adore each other. Got 2nd dog at 8 weeks old and she’s a year now and have a lovely relationship. They play and cuddle up together, ant imagine just having 1 now.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 19/02/2021 09:10

I'm trying to persuade DH that three dogs as a permanent feature is a good idea. He says three dogs is one too many... Possibly my perspective is skewed by knowing a lot of people with 3 or more dogs.

We really enjoy our dogs and they are company for each other - the younger two play together loads.

doubleleopardy · 19/02/2021 11:10

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman

We really enjoy our dogs and they are company for each other - the younger two play together loads.

In lots of ways it is too many!

Depends what your lifestyle is but going to pubs and stuff like that is way way harder with three. We used to enjoy this and like taking our dogs with us where we can.

Even just one person holding leads, picking up poo etc

You need a big boot to get them all in plus stuff you need.

Finding a holiday is a total faff when you get beyond two. Camping is out I think.

I wouldn't have three again.

caringcarer · 19/02/2021 12:05

I got 2 puppies from same litter as puppies. They are good company for each other.

GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman · 19/02/2021 13:44

double we have three at the moment and have had three in the past. I get what you're saying (you sound like DH!)

AvocadosBeforeMortgages · 19/02/2021 15:19

I'd like one, as a companion for DDog. Having two isn't double the work, even if it is double the expense.

I won't get a second, however, as DDog can be intensely territorial and resource guards. He likes dog friends in the park, but wouldn't cope sharing his home / toys / bed / mum

wobblewombat · 19/02/2021 16:01

My current older two aren't keen on the pup. That was a surprise as the previous pups have worked out much better.

Wishihadanalgorithm · 19/02/2021 21:57

When you have two or more dogs you get to see them behaving as dogs and not just as pets of a human. I currently have a 6 month old pup but when she is about a year and trained (hopefully) we will probably get a second dog.

I had a pair of Jack Russells for 13 years and together they were hilarious. They had very different personalities but they way they interacted with each other was interesting and I know I wouldn’t have seen this had I only had one.

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