debating about getting a 2nd dog

Rej

Hi,

Myself and my husband rescued a male dog from the local ISPCA shelter about 2 years ago. He is a terrier cross (neutered), and has loads of energy.

On weekdays we bring him for a 2 mile walk, and 4 miles at the weekend. We have an average sized town garden, he sleeps inside, but we leave him outside when we are at work.

Over the past number of weeks he seems to be a bit depressed.. we are debating about getting a second dog to keep him company...

Any advice on what to do?

cowzerp

I believe dogs should be in pairs, that way they wont get lonely and have someone to play with when your not around, the best type of stimulation for a dog is a dog companion..and as far as space goes, the garden will only be the size of the dog smaller, so its a non issue if its big enough for 1 its big enough for 2.

mymo

I say go for it.
We recently got a pup to keep our year old dog company(had always planned to do this when he was 6months+) and it has worked out great, we don't get a look in at times. They get into all kinds of trouble together, Older fella loves other dogs and went mad on a walk if he saw another dog, still gets excited but not as much. Although we're still adjusting and there's times he wants to get away from pup for a bit of peace, they are becoming great friends.
We have 2 crates for nights and 2 beds for days but will have to buy them a bigger bed as they both want to be in the same one.
Our garden is very small but it doesn't seem to matter(3 walks a day tires them out) and summer is a good time for potty training as you can leave doors open all the time.

star-pants

We got a Lhasa Apso around this time last year, then back in Feb we decided to get a pup to keep her company. They get on great (after a few days of settling in) and have good craic together. They worry when the others away or if one cries. I think it's good they have each other, even to play with when you're tired lol. If you think you can give another dog the attention and care it needs, then go for it - we're delighted we got the pup.

ValerieR

A 2nd dog is great. While I was very tempted to get another (large - I don't like little dogs) dog some time ago, I decided against it.

Of course, it depends how much space you have and what you do with the dog(s). But 2 large dogs (in my case) in the car doesn't leave much space for anything else ; if you go on holidays abroad, it's twice the amount for the kennels ; twice the vet fees ; etc ...

Thought I'd be the devil's advocate

ValerieR

Rej

ValerieR wrote: »

if you go on holidays abroad, it's twice the amount for the kennels ; twice the vet fees ; etc ...

Thought I'd be the devil's advocate

Thats exactly what the hubby is saying.. but aside from all that

I was thinking more about how the old dog adjusted to having a new dog.. and if it would be better to get a puppy or not. And how would you go about introducing them.. Should we let the current dog pick his new friend from a shelter..

star-pants

Well we got a pup because we figured it would be less of a 'threat' as such to our other dog. We brought her to the door, and let Lily come out and greet her (Daisy). Lily was big enough to get up on the couch away from Daisy when she wanted her space etc. We didn't leave them alone together for the first week or so though, just incase, because some dogs WILL go for the new one, especially as Daisy was a pup and smaller, she essentially could have been taken out.

I don't know about getting him to pick a new friend (in the sense I've no experience so I can't say good or bad about it) - but if you do get one, make sure they meet on neutral territory, even the front garden or something, don't just bring the new dog into the house and let it roam around. The new dog has to succumb to your current dogs territory etc, (until/if the dominance changes). Don't leave them alone for the first while (just to be safe), make sure your first dog still gets attention as they can feel put out. Get a second bed and second blanket, bowl for the second dog, just for the time being, as your dog may not want to share.

Other than that, just playing with them together, giving them both attention, letting your dog see that the other dog is ok, and that you're both safe, will help.

Molberts

2 dogs = double the fun for half the work imo

but...

3 is the magic number :pac:

Lemlin

I wouldn't recommend it until you are sure you are ready. My partner and I wanted to try a second dog so we'd have someone to keep our Cocker company.

We brought over a few different dogs and let her mix with them on her patch to get her used to other dogs being in her area and then got a 3 year old Springer off a friend. The friend keeps the Springer but she is gun shy and he didn't mind giving her away.

After a week though, we were glad he'd agreed to take her back if there were any problems. While it was great for our dog, twice the number really is twice the work and I really didn't realise it until we had the second dog.

Two dogs are alot harder to keep in tow than one. I found it very hard trying to get our cocker to listen to me when she was with the springer. My friend had also warned of this. They also got round to all sorts of mischief out in the back yard (digging around the bottom of trees, dirting the back door by jumping on it etc.) that my dog wouldn't normally get into on her own. My friend who owned the Springer had warned me of this and said that two dogs often forget who their master is and sort of egg each other on to get up to mischief.

Also, the minute I walked out the back area of the house the two dogs were very excitable and were jumping on me straight away. My own dog would normally be excited but she wouldn't be jumping all over me trying to get attention! I used to be covered in muck so had to leave spare clothes at the back door and change when I went out!

We had my partner's parents dog down at the weekend too while they were away. It made me glad once more that we only have one for now!

We do plan to get another in the future but I'm planning to wait until our own dog has calmed down a bit (she's 9 months and can already see her going out of the puppy stage and calming a bit) and until I have the back of the house adequately fenced off so that the dogs would only have access to certain parts.

For now, we just bring friends' dogs over to visit her for the day! And she gets plenty of walks.

dellytots

Why not try fostering a few dog before you make up your mind. At least then you'll know what type of dog would suit your situation. Its quite important you get a dog that suit your home and of course matches your own dogs temperment.

fionawhelehan

Hi,
I'm having the same issues at the moment. I'm not in a position to get another dog.

An ideal solution for me would be another dog that lived close by and we could let our dogs hangout together during the day when at work.

I don't suppose you live near Rathgar/Rathmines? My dog is a female cocker spaniel with a lovely gentle personality, she loves everyone and is super friendly.

Anyone any suggestions?

Lemlin

fionawhelehan wrote: »

Hi,
I'm having the same issues at the moment. I'm not in a position to get another dog.

An ideal solution for me would be another dog that lived close by and we could let our dogs hangout together during the day when at work.

I don't suppose you live near Rathgar/Rathmines? My dog is a female cocker spaniel with a lovely gentle personality, she loves everyone and is super friendly.

Anyone any suggestions?

I tend to get either my partner's parents dogs (they have two) or get one of my brother's dogs to stay the odd day with my Cocker as I said above. That way, she gets to mix with other dogs plenty but we haven't a dog there the whole time. They might come and stay a day or two at the weekend or during the day.

She also goes to stay with them a bit too so, if we are away, she's used to it.

fionawhelehan

Sounds great, except I don't know anyone with dogs so I'm at a loss there.

I am convinced that there are people out there with the same predicament as me, its just finding the right one!

Rej

Hi Fiona,

I live in Longford, so am afriad that I wont be able to help you there..
I think Lemlins idea of bringing my dog visiting with me is a good one, ill look into that with friends with dogs to see if they'd be up to it.

Jane

Sweep_S

It is a good idea to have 2 dogs but you have to make sure that the second dog suits your life style and your other dogs temperament and energy levels.
And if you do get one make sure they meet for the first time out side of your home in neutral area and bring them for a walk so they have time to adjust to each other at least 1 hour. And only then let the new dog in to your home. But only one room at a time

Lemlin

Rej wrote: »

Hi Fiona,

I live in Longford, so am afriad that I wont be able to help you there..
I think Lemlins idea of bringing my dog visiting with me is a good one, ill look into that with friends with dogs to see if they'd be up to it.

Jane

It really is easier than getting a second dog. Allows them time to socialise with other dogs but allows you to avoid the responsibility of having a second dog if you're not ready.

I also often let my dog off the lead with friendly dogs on our local green area. They usually have a great run around. Make sure the dog is friendly first though and that their owner is okay with it!