To adopt another dog?

[loveforautumn]

How many dogs does everyone have?

I have a 6 year old cockapoo and really want to get her a friend, we spend most of our days walking etc. But she enjoys her walks alot more when she can run around with other dogs.
Then I think, playing with them outside is completely different to a pooch moving in right? We've had dogs at the house and she's been absolutely fine but again they go after a few hours.
She's a very laid back lazy dog, we rehomed her 3 years ago and she wasn't walked much so although she loves it when she's out sometimes she's not overly keen on going to start with, maybe a friend will encourage her to go more? Or will the 'new dog' learn from her
I've been debating this since november, I have plenty of time to train, be with them etc. Our dog is trained incredibly well so know I have the patients with that side.
I really want another so does the rest of the family but what if they don't get on and I'm stuck with carnage for 12 years 😂

I'd love people's experiences on second dogs and how it went, bad and good!

Yes, it's completely different. Ultimately if you're thinking of adding a dog to your family, as a poster on another thread recently said, what is the worst possible outcome you can imagine? And are you fully prepared to deal with that? Potentially having the dogs separate their whole lives? Choosing between the existing dog and a puppy? You should never get an additional dog for your existing pet because, 99.9% of the time, they're more than happy with life as it is.

Someone on an old thread was saying she had to keep her dogs separate for over a year - a year of feeding separately, her and her DP sitting in separate rooms with the different dogs, a year of walking on egg-shells because her existing dog hated the other dog so much. Someone else fostered, her dog was used to fosters and then, randomly, one day just attacked one of the foster dogs out of nowhere.

Someone will come along in a minute and say 'yeah it's great, buddy and shit-paws loved each other immediately and are the best of friends,' but it rarely works out that easily or that well.

If you do do it, go into it with your eyes wide open and ensure you give your original dog all the things she gets now - walks alone with you, time alone with you, her own space in the house, attention whenever she asks (assuming she gets that now) and ensure she is never left alone with the resident dog or puppy for at least four-six months.

We went from 1 adult ddog to adding 2dpuppies a month apart when she was 3... Then when those ddogs were 3 we added an adult ddog (a dm of one of them) oldest ddog took to her instantly despite only walking them together several times over a couple of years. Sadly ddog 1 died and we got another dpuppy. Nightmare Covid ddog... 4 is more than enough.. Never again.!! Don't get a ddog for your current ddog. Wasn't too sure if ours did. That's why we got 2 dpuppies. She dipped in /out of playtime and kept them on the Straight And Narrow... She left behind a fab legacy. None of them bark in the house or garden.

I have four.
I’ve had more in the past when I was regularly showing. They’ve always got on really well together.

Why don't you foster for one of the charities to see if your cockapoo gets on with them. Lots of charities are looking for fosterers with many dogs being foster to adopt. I have a laid back cocker and thought he would get on with most dogs, we fostered a male cocker last year but our dog didn't like him and was jealous and I ended up having to keep them separate until he found his forever home. It's a great way to help dogs/charities and see if they get on.

2 currently, but usually 3-4 and I've never had any problems in 40 years. All bitches as well. Having said that I choose breeds who are uber sociable and get them as puppies - bringing another adult in to the family is a different kettle of fish. As irritating as puppies can be, adult dogs forgive them more. They are all walked, fed and sleep together

I had two dogs for many years. Now I only have one since one of them passed on. There were a few jealousy issues introducing new dogs into the family, but they grew to love each other. If your dog is easygoing I can't imagine it being much of a problem. Just keep in mind that the time of transition will be somewhat stressful.

I have introduced new dogs into the family and have not had any problems such as you have mentioned.
I don't know where you got the idea that most of the time it doesn't work out, since one can observe many people out walking more than one dog, all of whom seem quite happy.

I have four rescues. I put a lot of time and effort into settling them in and helping them get used to life with me - they have all had awful starts in life and have had issues as a result. With patience and time it’s worth it, they are all amazing. I wouldn’t have four again tbh, I’d stick with two (probably, well maybe…oh heck).

I’ve got two.

Didnt really anticipate any issues as the first dog likes other dogs had had dogs visiting for up to a day with no issues - but it got to late evening and he suddenly seemed to go, hang on he’s staying? And I have to share my people, hmm dunno about that!

We had to have a couple of months of very limited time together and sitting in separate rooms a lot with a dog each.

They’re fine now, but it’s more like roommates who get on ok rather than best pals.

Which isn’t an issue because the second dog was for us, not for the first dog 😂 But if your main reason is a friend for your existing dog, it doesn’t always work out like that.

From me and my mum having fifty combined years of breeding experience and being heavily involved in the dog world and hearing from other breeders how often puppies are returned because people think ‘oh my dog has a friend’ and don’t use their brain cells.

It’s one of the main reasons I don’t sell to people who already have a dog unless they’re a very experienced owner.

Just because the ones you see out and about seem happy, doesn’t mean it’s all fine at home.

We've got a seven year old shi Tzu and a one yr old cocker spaniel. The Shi Tzu was furious when the puppy arrived despite or maybe because of the puppy's adoration. It looks weeks for the Shi Tzu to come round. They love each other now the spaniel is older and has learned some respect. We worked hard to achieve this harmony, and also we are both experienced dog owners. The Shi Tzu is really perky and loving life- he'd previously always lived with other dogs including a spaniel and seemed quite depressed when he found himself the only dog. They more or less ignore each other out on walks as of course the spaniel needs massively more exercise and is massively playful and runs with other dogs. But at home they really play well together and they share a big bed.

This was Christmas morning, they both received the same toy

I got the spaniel primarily for myself as my dog had died and I wanted a dog who could go on reasonably long walks.

While I do agree with the general MN view of only getting a dog for yourself and not for the benefit of your existing dog, I do think you can be a bit over cautious.

I work with dogs including lots of multi-dog households and I've genuinely never known anyone to have the issues I see described on here.

Yes, there are squabbles and the odd disagreement but the vast, vast majority of the time it works out just fine, even if there are some teething issues.

That said, you do need to do things properly - take your time, give the existing dog plenty of space and don't force them to do everything together from day one. It's also important to look at your existing dogs' behaviour and personality and really think about whether they'd want to share you, they're space and their stuff with another dog for the rest of their life.

I have four and have had five at points, they've always been fine after a couple of months at worst. Lots of dogs dislike puppies because they're rude, but they come around eventually. I think most dogs like having a friend to pootle around with unless it's a breed prone to same sex aggression.

Lots of people don't give their existing dog time to warm up to a new pup and it's not uncommon for an older dog to growl or turn their lip up at a pup but it can scare people unfamiliar with it and they get returned, I like to keep a pup fenced off with a play pen when relaxing and attached to me with a lead while doing stuff around the house so it can't harass the older dogs until it gets some manners and sense.

You sound like you did great with your existing dog so I'm sure you'd figure out a second if you want one, just stick to a breed similar in nature to your existing dog.

I was given a puppy. Quite unusual circumstances but she was in such poor condition I couldn't not take her.
Existing dog was 6 at the time, and was NOT HAPPY. But wasn't always dog friendly anyway.
It took two years to be able to have them in the room both off lead and pottering around. And still we have to feed them separately, and separate them when we are out, just in case.
I wouldn't change either of them for the world, but I wouldn't have chosen to have 2 together.

Thankyou for your replies. I've read over them all, and I think i may get a puppy. I'd love an older dog, but I need to know its personality and ways from the start with having other animals at home.
Ours is a cockapoo, so I'm going to look for the same or similar breed, I can't believe the prices of some 😳
I can't help but feel a little guilty as well but hopefully it works out well and we have plenty of countryside walks and beach days when the weather warms up

Thankyou for your replies. I've read over them all, and I think i may get a puppy.

Sounds sensible 🙄

my friend had one dog then later on when she had moved adopted another one. Everything seemed fine they knew that one was a crate sleeper the other still with my friend no problems the crate being mainly dogs choice. another came up which was homeless yes fine no problems. then she got the fourth which as she said was like throwing a hand grenade into the mix. my friend is a very responsible good trainer but oh my life this fourth dog has really upset things. as she says never knows what battles will ensue each day. the 2nd dog refuses to walk with the 4th etc feed and bed times are total carnage.
now i have lost my business i have said to my oh can i please have another little dog but as he said our two dogs and one cat were acquired different times but they all get on fine. one more could really upset things.
i was going to say if it is walking the Cinnamon Trust are desperate for walkers for people like elderly or disabled etc people who cannot walk their own dogs. it is a good idea to contact them then you can have a walking companion but without the hassle of owning

In the real world, millions of families have multiple dogs and never have any issues.

I honestly think MN can over-complicate pet ownership at times - so many rules about number of walks, how long to crate for, when to feed, how to socialise and how to play - while it's well-intentioned I do think sometimes it can cause more problems than it solves.

Obviously nobody should be going out and just buying a puppy on a whim without thinking through the practicalities but I do think there's such a thing as being too cautious about it all.

Yes it is for us, we have thought things through for months and involved the whole family on our decision, if it was a dog coming into a house with no other animals or children then my thought process would change. My husband works from home and I run the admin side of our own business, money isn't short, time isn't short so I couldn't think of a better time.
Might not be a good idea for you etc. But that is simply your opinion

I could have written your post! Exactly the same except I currently have four. Always had from puppies, some from birth.

You are much more likely to know the personality of an older dog than a puppy. You can see what you are getting with an older dog.

Do not be fooled into thinking a puppy is a clean slate. Loads of stuff has happened to the puppy before they get to come home to you. Genetics, position in the womb, how they were born, environmental issues at the breeders, other dogs at the breeders. The blue print has already been set before the puppies come to you.

That's true, I suppose it's a gamble older or puppy. I did see a lovely older dog but unfortunately the owner didn't know how she'd react with cats so didn't want to risk it.
I say getting a puppy, it won't be yet, we're in no rush and will keep searching for the right puppy/dog

I think this is a great idea, providing you do your research and chose a breed likely to suit your original dog. Your original dog will be the boss of the puppy and that's a good dynamic. And your puppy will adore your adult dog. And you've nothing to feel guilty about- you are allowed to chose a pet that suits you and gives your family the best chance of a happy life together.