Thoughts on getting a second dog

[Eucalyptus22]

Dog is one year old. Someone is almost always at home with him and he gets 2 walks a day, but I still can't help but feel that his life is a little boring and he could do with a companion.

I have researched and would get a dog with similar energy levels/temperament (he's a spaniel and I'm considering a miniature poodle) but wondering what people's real life experience is of having 2 dogs.

No kids, wfh, can afford it, time to train (although I'm no expert) etc.

Please tell me your experiences/stories/pros/cons!

Thanks a bunch.

What's your dog like with other dogs in general? Does he genuinely enjoy their company or just tolerate it? Have you ever had other dogs to stay in the house to see whether he'd be okay with another dog in his space 24/7?

Personally I would see if you can borrow another dog for a weekend (or a week if possible) and see what you think about the reality of living with two dogs, especially two dogs with different needs.

I've got one you can have, I'm at the end of my tether with him today! 🐶

We have had two (sometimes three) dogs for the last 15-odd years. My experience of introducing various puppies is that dog-social dogs are much, much happier with the new addition than dogs who don't really give a shit about other dogs. The ones who don't care much about other dogs will keep the puppy in its place and largely ignore it; the dog social ones are all over the puppy like a rash and dedicate a good year to bringing it up.

The pros are that if they get on, they really enjoy each other - sleep together, play together, sunbathe together. I've never had two that fought - we've always managed at minimum contented tolerance.

The cons are the cost and the time. Make sure your older dogs is trained to what you consider a suitable standard before you get a puppy, because trying to train two together is bloody hard work and burns off more time than you expect. Nail lead walking and recall at absolute minimum. Sit-stay is also useful.

Also if you have a dog, even neutered, think before you get a bitch. I have had a neutered male pacing round the house whining because our young bitch was in season, which is no fun for him and bloody trying for the humans.

I love having >1 dog and we'll get another in a few years time so that the current youngster isn't left entirely bereft when the older one inevitably goes. That transition is something else you need to think about, even if it is hopefully 12-ish years into the future..

We got Dog2 on Monday and I think it's going well so far. Dog2 is a retired greyhound, so she fits in with our routine and the only extra work for me is doing bits of obedience training throughout the day. If you're getting a puppy, that will be more disruptive because the puppy won't be able to do long walks for the first few months so you'll end up either carrying the puppy for most of the walk or doing 2 sets of walks every day.

Dog1 is mostly happy to have a new friend but we've looked after friend's dogs before so he's used to having other dogs in the house and walking with another dog. I'd recommend spending lots of time with other dogs before you commit to taking a 2nd on, so you know what dogs yours gets on with - they don't always want a companion who is just like them. Dog1 is an energetic medium-sized terrier but he doesn't like other terriers or similar-sized dogs, he prefers big lazy dogs who aren't going to take the ball when he's playing fetch.

Also, if you're getting a puppy, your dog might not be interested in it for the first year or could be annoyed by it. Some dogs like puppies, some don't. If your dog doesn't like puppies, having an annoying little dog around taking all your attention will be very stressful for your dog.

My older boy was 6 when we got our puppy (cocker and sprocker) mainly because he was overly focused on me. It was a bit "oh god what have we done" for about 6 weeks but they're the best of friends and inseparable now. I'm so glad we did it, dogs are natural pack animals and it seems quite cruel to have one unless they are older. It also makes it a lot easier when something happens to your older dog - we've always had 2.

It doesn't make a huge difference day to day - you're already feeding and walking one so another just blends in. I do spend quite a bit more on food and vets, that's the only downside.

I have 2 dogs and the 7yr old treats the 2 yr old with indifference.This is an improvement from the hatred that lasted 1 yr

This is all really helpful and fun to read, thanks so much. For clarity, thinking of getting another male. My dog is very social and loves other dogs and people. Great idea about 'borrowing' a dog to see what the day-to-day is like. Eyes up friends dogs 😂.

I have 2 dogs both Lhassa Apso and they really love each other but I got them both as pups together. They are good company for each other if I have to go out for a few hours. DH is home but working in his office so only sees them at lunch time.

We got our second dog a year after our first. Dog 1 was a bit wary of dog 2 for about a day. After that they have never left each others sides. It helps maybe that dog 2 was and still is quite tiny maybe. They do everything together still and have to be close together at all times or they get a bit nervy. God knows what will happen when one of them dies :(

God knows what will happen when one of them dies :(

Yes, this is something to think about.

I know a lot of people who are in a cycle of having 2-3 dogs all the time because they have one who's never been alone and worry about how it will cope.

This sounds lovely. Do you ever find that if one of them decides to be troublesome, you can come home to a wrecked house because of the 2 dogs egging eachother on? I worry that if one is in a 'naughty' mood what mayhem they could cause?

This is lovely and how I imagine my dog would be with another as he's so affectionate and playful with other dogs. Appreciate I could have this totally wrong dependent on the new dog!

I would be introducing the new dog at the same time as you (approx. 1 years old). My dog is mostly well trained, doesn't really chew things he shouldn't and we don't come back to a house of destruction or anything... but he is still a pup.

I do worry if there were 2 of them though the chaos, destruction and mischief they could cause together (when I'm out). What's your experience in this regard? Thank you.

Dog 1 was always pretty good-we were very lucky with him. Dog 2 was a tiny terrorist. She once chewed through an arm
Chair whilst we were out for two hours. She didn't affect dog 1's behaviour at all, he just ignored her being mental-but that might not help you as he is abnormally compliant as a dog I think x

No they are well behaved and only chew their chew toys or denti sticks. They have never chewed furniture or things they shouldn't even when little pups.

I'm in the same boat as you OP, would love a second dog, in part for my first dog. My dog loves other dogs in the park and at his daycare, boarders etc, but I've noticed he can be pretty territorial of other dogs in his house (unless they are ones he likes very much). He has chased a couple of our neighbours dogs out, quite aggressively.

I'm not sure if a second dog would work? He is a rescue dog, and I would plan to get another rescue and do introductions first. But very worried I might end up with baby gates all over my house trying to keep two dogs separate. Not sure what to do

Get a second dog if you want one but do not get one for your other dog.

The time spent on dog number 2 could be spent on the original dog number1 and that would make your original dog really happy.

Be prepared to feel guilty if you get multiple dogs. Are you giving enough individual time to each dog!

Nearly all dogs prefer interacting with humans than other dogs if given a choice. It does not sound like your dog is lacking in companionship if you are around all day.

I have a multi dog household and have done for years. All the dogs do get on but they would much rather be spending time with me than the other dogs from choice.

Two dogs is a breeze, it's that awkward sixth that causes a problem 😆

I’d wait until your current dog is a fully fledged adult, rather than the adolescent he is now before making a decision.

What do you mean when your say your dog is "mostly well-trained"?

I'd keep in mind that what's manageable with one dog can be almost impossible to handle when there are two.

We got another when our dog was 1 and it's the best thing we did. She makes him so happy! And I feel less guilty when I need to go out for a few hours. They are lovely together (mini poodles!)

I love this 😍.

Appreciate reading both sides of the story (pros and cons) as it's not a decision I'm going to take lightly. But I have to admit reading some of these stories of dogs really happy with their companion dog is making my heart melt 🥹.

My dog loves playing with others (although he’s quite picky - nothing yappy but loves a golden retriever. He’s a cocker spaniel) but he’s very possessive in a non aggressive way. If a dog comes to me on a walk, my dog will manoeuvre himself between me and the other dog, sit on my feet and lean against my legs like he’s saying “she’s my human”. I can’t imagine him loving a companion because we’re his pack. Also harder to get a sitter which puts me off too.