Wanting a 2nd Dog

mountainofdebt

I know I'm being mad (call it fear of the empty nest,lol) but I really want a 2nd dog.

We've had the 1st one now 6 months and tbh I can't remember what it was like pre-dog.

Spoke to the breeder today and it looks like it would be another 6 months before she had another litter ready.

OH reckons I'm mad......tell me I am (or more preferably that I'm not!)

krlyr

I'm a fan of having two dogs, I think they provide great company and interact in a way we can never really simulate ourselves. However, I would say that in your case, be conscientious of the age of your first dog - if you've had her 6 months, she's presumably about 8 months now, problems to do with doggy adolescence can be worst between 8 to 18 months roughly so I would be wary about adding another dog, especially an untrained puppy. I would perhaps consider waiting a bit longer to add doggy number two, or maybe looking at an older, calmer dog that has gone through that potentially difficult stage.

markfj

Don't feel mad, we have 5 dogs and potentially a 6th

I think you'll have no problems, all our dogs were rescues, all one at a time, and then my sister bought a puppy, as long as:

1. They are introduced properly, i.e in a mutual place, the park is a great place, that way a dog is not to feel as dominant regarding territory, let them play (i understand its a puppy though ofcourse)

2. Dont leave them unattended, if you go out, I'd recommend form the outset buying a crate, and if you have to leave them, put the puppy in a crate. Crate training is great. I say this just incase of any jealousy/fighting over toys etc

I am sure you'll be fine

mountainofdebt

thanks guys for not telling me I'm totally mad.

yes krlyr, he's coming up for 8 months old now and everyone has told us that it takes about 2 years for pups to calm down although in fairness he's a very good pup now.

OH did mention that if we did have another one he would be inclined to go for a beagle that needed rehoming as people seriously underestimate the amount of exercise they need.

krlyr

Just remember that hormones can surge at 8-9 months plus and a dog with plenty of training and a previous record of great behaviour can suddenly turn into a nightmare! Thankfully it's usually temporary but it can be hard enough with one dog in the household. Prsonally I'd wait until he was over a year if it were me, even if you go for an older rescue dog.

mkbswimstar

Ones as bad as two. We had our beagle from puppy and felt she was lonely so when she was about 1 we were lucky enough to find another beagle also about 1 needing a new home.
Now neither of them is lonely. They are both naughty, but I love it.
Definately 2 if its a pack dog.

chelle230

I have 2 dogs, had one on his own for 2 and a half years, then got the other. They are inseperable, sleep together, eat and play together.
If one goes to the vet, they pine as they are separated.
For us, it's not that much more expensive as they are both small breeds, and it's nice they have each other for comapny when we're not around.

charlea

we have four dogs 2 bullmastiff and two douge de bordeaux puppies

we have a female bullmastiff age 7 and we had her from 14months then we got a 13 month old bullmastiff in august this year who was a rehomed dog to keep our other dog company
but i had always wanted a douge de bordeax ever since watching turner and hooch years ago
So after reasearching different breeders we bought a female age 8 weeks old in september 2011 there were two puppies to chose from and it was so bloody hard to choose so two weeks later we went back to buy her sister as we felt so guilty for leaving her on her own

love them all absolutly brilliant dogs all of them, all of them get on brilliant share a huge kennal and garden and we have had no problems with them settling in with each other

AliceJenkins

mountainofdebt wrote: »

I know I'm being mad (call it fear of the empty nest,lol) but I really want a 2nd dog.

We've had the 1st one now 6 months and tbh I can't remember what it was like pre-dog.

Spoke to the breeder today and it looks like it would be another 6 months before she had another litter ready.

OH reckons I'm mad......tell me I am (or more preferably that I'm not!)

What breed do you have currently?

mountainofdebt

AliceJenkins wrote: »

What breed do you have currently?

The pup is a beagle.

I did read some where that a good age to have another one would be when the pup is around 9 months (hence the brooding I guess!) but can understand people telling me to wait.

markfj

I should add, my Jack russell is crossed with beagle... those 2 in one dog could have been a nightmare, but even with 4 others dogs, he's a great dog and so pleased we rescued him