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The doghouse

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Second dog

10 replies

AllICanDoIsTry · 19/03/2024 08:39

We have a lovely 4year old small breed dog, weighs about 5kg. She is a very timid little thing, not a drop of dominance in her at all. Perfect all round behaviour wise, was a dream to house train, no separation anxiety, i canot say shes anything other than our golden child!

We fostered a small dog for a few months, same size but much more heavily built, very dominant character off the bat.

DDog was initially over the moon to have a play mate and someone to snuggle up to once she got over the shock of foster dogs arrival and initially i felt it benefitted her. We had been contemplating a 2nd dog before taking on foster dog and were open to a foster fail.

Foster dogs personality began to clash with our other animals and was very much bullying them, DDog became very subdued and when the perfect home for Foster dog came up, we knew it was the dream home she needed.

Ddog is back to her old self but after seeing her so happy with a playmate and a snuggle buddy, im back to thinking, with the right temperament and personality, should we look for a second dog or leave poor Ddog to enjoy a peaceful life.

OP posts:
lifebeginsaftercoffee · 19/03/2024 08:45

Only get a second dog if you want one, not because you think it will benefit your existing dog. There's no guarantee they'll get on or enjoy each other's company.

Devilshands · 19/03/2024 08:57

lifebeginsaftercoffee · 19/03/2024 08:45

Only get a second dog if you want one, not because you think it will benefit your existing dog. There's no guarantee they'll get on or enjoy each other's company.

Agree with this.

A dog does not need a dog to be happy. They can play with other dogs on walks, or play with their humans.

If it goes wrong again and your existing dog suffers, OP...how would you feel? It's already gone 'wrong' once for her. Would you really want to risk putting her thought that twice?

SomersetTart · 19/03/2024 09:28

Your dear happy little dog sounds like a dream.

I'd leave her to her happy life rather than risk messing things up. She can meet playmates in the park then come home and be loved up as an only dog.

AllICanDoIsTry · 19/03/2024 14:25

Oh no it would be for us as a family! Im not getting a dog for my dog, wed happily bring another into our family, if it was agreeable to all of us- including her. But she cant speak obviously!

We know it would take some careful consideration, the dogs size, sex and temperament will all have to be thought about and i am perfectly aware its not guaranteed or able to be judged with a puppy that they will get along, which is why we are taking a long hard think about it and not jumping into anything.

OP posts:
Lastqueenofscotland2 · 19/03/2024 15:20

I wouldn’t subject a timid/nervous dog to living with a puppy… sorry.

ShennyInfinity · 19/03/2024 15:48

I wouldn't get a second dog to be honest, dogs are quite happy on their own plus they get 100% attention from you and as has been said, she can play with other dogs on walks. If you do get another dog you'll have to be prepared it will probably be the dominant dog (packing order) because yours is timid in nature, is that what you want for your sweet girl? It would be a definite no. How about a kitten?

takemeawayagain · 19/03/2024 15:55

I think a puppy would be the absolutely worst choice. If you're going to get another dog then get an older, quiet, calm dog. Otherwise just let her snuggle with you on the sofa and you won't have to worry about whether they'll get on in the long term.

BeansOnToast32 · 19/03/2024 18:33

My dog sounds a lot like yours (small breed, 6.5kg at 20months) she's extremely submissive with other dogs although when she was younger she was the total opposite.

She will always get low to the floor and let another dog sniff her and she only approaches dogs that she knows. If she sees a dog in the distance she will stop and watch its behaviour and if she decides it's too bouncy/barky she will keep out of its way. She doesn't mind nice chilled out dogs.

At home she's a total hooligan, loves throwing and thrashing her toys around and has such a fun personality, you'd think she'd love to have a friend to play with but I would never risk it. I think she's much happier being an only dog, she would be too easy to bully because she's never told a dog off in her life. You also never know how another dog is going to turn out a few months down the line once it's settled because everything might be fine for a while and then things might change.

I also consider her a "dream dog" never had an accident after 10wks old, very obedient, she's absolutely fine when left at home alone but when I'm home she's like my shadow. We have a brilliant bond, she knows what I want from her without me having to say anything and I honestly think having another would spoil it. I've had multiple dogs in the past but I don't think I'd do it again, I love that I can give all of my time and love to one dog and I don't think she'd be happy to share her sleeping spot on my knee with another dog. 😂

ACynicalDad · 25/03/2024 18:36

Can you keep fostering and stick or twist so to speak?

pilates · 25/03/2024 18:38

That was well put ACynicalDad

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