Have you gone from one to two dogs?

[Liz1tummypain]

We've got an ex racing male greyhound who's almost 10. Me and hubby are out of the house at least 4 days / week when a lady comes in to walk him. Have mentioned this to her and she has capacity for another.
What would happen if we adopt a second dog, (a female of maybe 6 or so years)? Does it change the pressure of needing to be around all the time at weekends ? I think my hubby doesn't see that it would change how much we are tied to them- not a massive issue as we have some friends who help out- but we would certainly need to plan ahead more.

So any comments please on how going from one to two would be really helpful please.

We went from one to two years ago, and have had at least two ever since. It doesn't change very much tbh other than cost and the time you spend on individual training. It's lovely if they get on really well - our current duo are best buds and play a lot together.

@EdithStourton thanks, that's great to know. So would you say that having two in a way takes the pressure off of the feeling about leaving them alone if you want to go out in the evenings? I mean one of the main advantages for me with the idea is that our first dog would have a chum while we are at work, but I can't imagine how it changes things in the evenings and at weekends.

As Edith says, the only real difference to commitment is cost, and if anything it takes the pressure off when they are home alone too a bit, as two likely to be happier than one.

Do you have a car that can easily transport two large dogs? Can you afford to insure both? Can you afford the increase in fees for dog walker (they normally add a bit for additional dogs even if just walking your dog now and therefore not taking any extra time) and any increased holiday care?

Also worth thinking about the fact that while the day-to-day commitment may not change, you are extending the length of it by taking on a younger dog.

As long as you're happy with that - the more the merrier!

Depends on the second dog you get.

I dont think it is the right reason to get another dog so that you can leave your existing dog for longer. No it does not take the pressure of that at all.

Two dogs is more work more cost and can be more harder.

I feel more comfortable leaving two dogs alone than one, as dogs are pack animals and like company. But we still don't routinely leave our dogs for long periods: we have a breed developed to work closely with people and they are bloody needy. Three hours is normal, four is fairly frequent, and they can do six at a pinch but that almost never happens - we'll get someone to come and walk them.

Walking two isn't much more complicated than walking one (more poo bags, more treats), though I find with two off-lead I need to be more alert to the possibility of high jinx as two, especially two who are besties, are more likely to go off-piste than one. Luckily the older one has excellent recall so it isn't a problem, but I have known pairs of dogs who have spent their time leading each other astray on prolonged hunting trips.

It's giving them individual time to work on recall, manners, and anything else which is tricky sometimes with two.

@forumsempronii Ok yyes, thanks. I'm expecting the extra cost and more work in that two will need in feeding, walking, taking to vets etc. I'm factoring this in. I don't imagine leaving the dogs alone for particularly longer than we do at present. He is usually alone for up to 4.5 hours max and that wouldn't change. I think it would be nicer for the current dog to have company when he is alone, for the time that he already is. I'm seeking general comments on how life changes. Everyone is different so any comments are welcome. I know the question of car boot size needs consideration so that's the next thing to look at today. Any views at all are welcome.

I regretted going from one to two for about the first 8 months. The dog isn’t necessarily going to slot nicely into your home and get on with your existing dog. If your only reason for getting another is company for your existing dog while you’re out then I wouldn’t do it

@Qwerkie hi thanks for this. Could you tell me some more about your experience please? What are the pro's and what are the con's- from your perspective?

We have gone from one to two. A little stray dog was looking for a home and we fell in love with her. Luckily our dog accepted her straight away. I wouldn’t say they were best friends, but they do play together sometimes and definitely like the company.

one problem I noticed is if you are walking two dogs on lead on your own it is hard work. You have one in your right hand and one in your left. The one on the right always seems to want to go to the left (or vice versa), so you juggle leads, swap them into the other hand, then he wants to sniff on the right. Or one stops to smell something, whilst the other is pulling you forward, so you end up being split in two.
Other than the increased costs, the only downside is double the amount of muck!!

I'd say it really depends on the personalities involved. We had one reactive rescue dog and then took on a second and took on a second dog (puppy). We had to be super careful that the puppy didn't pick up on the traits of the first dog. They are now 6 and 4 and are still better walked separately (husband takes one and I take the other). There is a bit more pack mentality with 2 e.g. when one starts barking, the other always joins in. But they get on pretty well, play together and have formed a little team double act, which is lovely!

I feel more comfortable leaving two dogs alone than one, as dogs are pack animals and like company. But we still don't routinely leave our dogs for long periods

This, exactly, I probably worded my post incorrectly. (From someone whose dogs are barely left!)

We have 2, a male & female, 5 years age gap. We had the opportunity to walk the dogs together and have dog2 in our house before we committed, and it was clear that they could play together and sleep in the same room.
It wasn’t instant though as dog1 was a little put out and dog2 was obviously a little be apprehensive and unsure, but it didn’t take long. Best buds now.
Would only adopt a second if it was an adult ( albeit a young adult) so I could assess how the personalities worked.