Second dog or not

nickih28

I have a 18 month old beagle and have been considering getting a friend for her as she loves playing with other dogs, and it would be nice for her to have a companion/playmate

Does anyone have any advice of if a second dog would be a good for her, i dont know if it would be best to get a pup or adopt a slightly older (1-3 years) dog!

Any advice would be appreciated

Humphrey10

Personally I think many dogs would be far happier if they lived with other dogs. My aunt had two dogs, they spent so much time playing together, it was lovely to see.

Does your dog prefer puppies or older dogs when on walks? A puppy might be easier, then your dog can easily be in charge, but if your dog doesn't like jumping running mouthing puppies an older dog might be better.

If you are thinking of a rescue, you can take your dog to meet potential new dogs to see if they get on.

hethmar

Well, whatever age you get, nature will follow its course and one will become more dominant and usually the other will accept this. As Humphrey said, it would be a good idea to go to a rescue where the dogs could meet on neutral ground a few times before becoming house mates Ive always had two or three together and even if they didnt play madly together they appreciated the company of the other dog whether at home or when you go for walks or holidays.

gemini12

If you do decide on a second dog make sure you introduce them on neutral territory. A walk together is a good way. We have two Jack russels, a border Collie and a Staffie at the moment. We started with one Jack which we were caring for as a favour for a friend who was ill but as her recovery took some time she and we came to the conclusion that it was unfair for her to be moved again. The second Jack came as a companion to Lady as a puppy. They are brilliant friends and really enjoy each others company.

The Border Collie came next as a temporary foster. He is an older dog at anything between 9 and 12. Due to his age and one or two medical problems the rescue has decided with us that he should remain as a long term foster for the rest of his life. (we would have adopted him otherwise). He doesnt play with the girls but does like their company.

Recently we have taken another foster, the Staffie, who is about a year old and full of bounce. We have had one or two issues with her and the others but we are working through them and she is a real cuddle monster with people though no doggy manners as she has spent much of her life in kennels and has not been socialised with other dogs.

Sorry for the rambling but my point is the age doesnt really matter. A good introduction, time and patience does. There are not many dogs who totally dislike each other to the point that they cant live together.

nickih28

thanks for the replies, good idea about the rescue and meeting on neutral ground, she likes all dogs and tries to approach any when we are out walking wanting to play

Caroline_a

I got my second dog about 3 months ago. My advice would be do it, do it, do it!! My 2 boys play together, eat together and sleep together, just love one another! It's calmed down the older one, and given the young one manners... if I had the space I'd have another 2 more!!

Beckyy

Another thinkg to take into consideration is the practical things, like costs and space. Are your house and car big enough for a 2nd dog? Can you afford double the food? Double the vets bills? Double the insurance, if you have it? Also worth thinking if you have double the time, as a new dog may need seperate walks to train and bond with you. All lots of things to think about, but good luck if you decide to get another dog. Keep us posted!

gettingready

Caroline_a wrote: »

I got my second dog about 3 months ago. My advice would be do it, do it, do it!! My 2 boys play together, eat together and sleep together, just love one another! It's calmed down the older one, and given the young one manners... if I had the space I'd have another 2 more!!

Caroline.. find a space fast... Look:

http://www.germanshepherdrescue.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=707?osCsid=e1d5a793eea43fdc7ad2cc2cc8fb3f60

I thought it was yours or mine......

nickih28

Caroline_a wrote: »

I got my second dog about 3 months ago. My advice would be do it, do it, do it!! My 2 boys play together, eat together and sleep together, just love one another! It's calmed down the older one, and given the young one manners... if I had the space I'd have another 2 more!!

This is one of the things i wondered about, if it would calm her a bit having a playmate, perhaps she would be less likely to chew things she shouldnt or would i end up with double trouble for chewing :eek:

with regards to space, as long as the second dog was no bigger than her we would be fine, there is enough room in the car for 2, food would be ok, i do have insurance and would get the second dog insured to.

hethmar

What area in the country are you?

zaksmum

My two dogs are such a joy to watch. I never intended to have two though. I was looking after my daughter's dog when my poor old dog died, and I just HAD to take the lookalike puppy I was offered!

Then my daughter could no longer cope with her dog so was about to return her to the Dog's Trust...I couldn't have that, so I took her on.

And they just LOVE each other. Play together, sleep together, walk together...it's so heartwarming to see them.

If you can manage two dogs, go for it!