Is another dog a good idea?

teddysmum

I remember a James Herriot story where he was called to pts an old dog who had given up and just lay in his bed. For some reason,he had to take a young dog along and this dog made the old one jump from,his basket and play, so a good result all round,as the younger dog was homeless.


Except for a short time with no dog, then taking in a rescue who lived just 4 years as a sole dog, I've always had two or more dogs and they do miss each other if one has to be away (eg at vets) for a while.


My last foursome, is down to one ,but at 15 Teddy is enjoying being an only dog. There was no chance of a companion for him as he has never liked other dogs except his home mates, who were there before him.


Most dogs do like a companion, but there are, like Teddy,exceptions. He likes being an only dog, but doesn't like being on his own.

sheramber

Do not get a second dog unless YOU want one. You are the one who will care for it.

You are the one who will need to walk it. If the two dogs don't get on or the dog is not lead trained you may need to do separate walks. Would this work?

Has your dog experienced another dog in his house? Playing outside is different to having another dog in your house, near your bed, near your dish, near your toys.

I have introduced another dog several times but my dogs have always been very sociable and used to another dog around.

There are a few squabbles until things are sorted out but nothing serious.

Soph1988

Thanks all for all of your insights! I’m doing some volunteering at a dog rescue at the moment and so far haven’t met a dog I thought would be a great match that was available to rehome (their was one who was already owned by the owner of the rescue that seemed they would be a great match!).

I’m happy to get a second dog, I have the finances and time (around work of course!) to meet their needs, like walks, play, cuddles attention etc and could happily manage a couple more dogs without issue, but I’m so aware that my pup has lived a very happy single man life for 9 years and I’m happy to wait or just never get a second dog if I don’t think it’s the right match. I so don’t want to be in a position where I have two dogs snarling at each other constantly and having to rehome the second dog - that is just so damaging and something I am trying my absolute hardest to avoid.

I did consider a greyhound but enquiries around re-homing one have generally been thrown out as soon as they know I have a small furry dog. Apparently the prey drive is high (same with Husky’s) and the risk of it all going wrong is higher. I know of course it totally depends on the dog and it’s past homes / training...!

So right now I’m sticking with just the one and funnily enough, I don’t think my dog even cares haha!:D

cjj_2

Soph1988 wrote: »

Thanks all for all of your insights! I’m doing some volunteering at a dog rescue at the moment and so far haven’t met a dog I thought would be a great match that was available to rehome (their was one who was already owned by the owner of the rescue that seemed they would be a great match!).

I’m happy to get a second dog, I have the finances and time (around work of course!) to meet their needs, like walks, play, cuddles attention etc and could happily manage a couple more dogs without issue, but I’m so aware that my pup has lived a very happy single man life for 9 years and I’m happy to wait or just never get a second dog if I don’t think it’s the right match. I so don’t want to be in a position where I have two dogs snarling at each other constantly and having to rehome the second dog - that is just so damaging and something I am trying my absolute hardest to avoid.

I did consider a greyhound but enquiries around re-homing one have generally been thrown out as soon as they know I have a small furry dog. Apparently the prey drive is high (same with Husky’s) and the risk of it all going wrong is higher. I know of course it totally depends on the dog and it’s past homes / training...!

So right now I’m sticking with just the one and funnily enough, I don’t think my dog even cares haha!:D

I've just been through months of thinking about rehoming a 2nd cat and after 7 months I went for it and its just the best decision. Another rescue gets a good home and from reading your posts that's what would happen if you took on a 2nd dog. You would make it work and give an unwanted dog a loving home. From what I'm reading I would say a dog would be very lucky to find a home like yours