Should I get another dog?

[pitlover]

I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice on how to decide whether or not to get another dog? We have one now, she's about 15 months old. She's extremely friendly and LOVES other dogs. She loves seeing them on walks, at the dog park, and we have her friends over for play dates. She's home while we work mon-fri, and I feel so bad that all she has to play with are her toys. However, when we have a dog for weekend-sitting (in which there are nonstop cycles of intense play, followed by about 5 min break) she tends to get tired with the other dog by the end, and then sleeps for a day or so once he's gone! She's not jealous about attention from us at all, so I don't think that would be a problem, and we have plenty of room inside and out. One other issue is that we may start a family in the next couple of years. Lli is good with babies, but we raised her from very young. What are the risks in adopting a dog over a year old?

[turnerlvv]

Your dog is beautiful!! If you have the financial capability and the time to train a new dog then it shouldnt be a problem. Sometimes when you go to rescues there are dogs that have been around children. :) But I would make sure they know a little bit about the dogs past if you are think of starting a family :) Hope this helps!!!


BTW what kind of dog were you thinking of getting? Another pit?

[StarfishSaving]

I think turner pretty much nailed it- if you feel that you've got the time and financial ability to take in another dog, go for it! It sounds like she'd really like a partner for company. Dogs are pack animals and I know that my dogs love us but feel most comfortable with the rest of their (large with fosters) pack.

Which brings me to this inevitable mention (can't help it!): if you want to get a taste for life in a two-dog household, you could try fostering for a local reliable shelter or rescue. You won't have the vet costs but day-to-day costs and living will be the same as if you were adopting, and you could get an idea of how Lili likes having a buddy. And as far as adopting- a lot of dogs come from family backgrounds and you could get some information about how they are with kids.

By the way- you're not too far from me! If you want any help with fostering, finding a dog, etc etc just let me know! :)

[turnerlvv]

By the way- you're not too far from me! If you want any help with fostering, finding a dog, etc etc just let me know! :)


What about that pit you just posted that needs a home? She is beautiful. :) LOL It was love at first sight for me :p Just a thought.....

[StarfishSaving]

What about that pit you just posted that needs a home? She is beautiful. :) LOL It was love at first sight for me :p Just a thought.....

(That's why I posted her. I didn't want to be pushy in this thread. SHHHHHH! ;) )

[Raye]

Is your dog a Pit Bull? If so, please wait til your dog is a bit older. Pit Bulls can develop dog aggression at any time, though it frequenty happens around at around two or three or four years of age.

Also, if your dog IS a Pit Bull, it's very unwise to leave him/her alone unsupervised with another dog regardless of the other dog's breed. It's just not adviseable. Even if s/he isn't dog aggressive, if a fight DOES happen when you aren't around, it could very easily escalate and Pit Bulls are known for not backing down.

If you do want another Pit, I'd suggest adopting an already adult dog so you know if it has any dog aggression.

[Stark]

Being a multi dog household myself I would advise against it. When I had only one dog to train it was so much easier, and a lot cheaper. If you haven't started a family yet that is something else to consider not to mention time. I enjoy the dogs I have but it is definitely work, I have to make sure each gets the proper amount of attention (training) and exercise. If you're considering any travel you're in for a lot of aggravation especially trying to find sometime who is competent enough to care for your dogs when you're gone. I have to have a friend care for mine because he knows how to handle ny dogs and isn't afraid of them. Boarding kennels and vet offices can be a total disaster, not to mention the emotional affect it has on your dog to be kept in a small cage for days with only an occasional walk on a leash. Just some food for thought, I had a male and female Pit that were raised together from puppies never had a problem until they were about 10 yo. We went outside together to let them relieve themselves and for no apparent reason they went at it, for real. If you don't know how to break up a fight don't try. I cannot believe the physical trauma these two dogs inflicted on one another, if you've never heard a bone crushed in another dogs mouth you'll never forget it if you do.

[Rottweilerlvr]

It's practically a culture shock going from one dog to two dogs, because you have to learn to divide you time between the dogs. I'm not advising yea or nea,( I have three here, so I really can't) but just know that it will be alot of work doubled, more food, more vet bills, more time devoted to walking/training, etc... You get the drift.. Just be sure that you would be ready for the tasks of adding another dog. Having any dog is like having a part time job.

PS- I kennel Joy when I go to work to keep everyone safe, even though she is very friendly and loves playing with my dogs. I would rather play it safe, than to come home and find someone hurt, but when I'm home or only going to be gone for a few minutes she's out with the other 2.

[Tori's mom]

I lived with a single pup for 2 years before we added a second, and I'll never go back to just one. Keep in mind, 2 are twice as expensive, and require almost twice as much training, but the benefits outweigh the negatives by a long shot for me. They have a constant playmate. They get more exercise (2 dogs playing in the yard still get more exercise than anything I can do in the same amount of time),but do keep in mind they still need walks and time with you. The dogs seem far happier with a companion. Dogs are naturally pack animals, and just having another dog around for "doggie stuff" seems to be a great benefit to them. I think adding a second dog was a wonderful thing- and now a third, and a fourth....
Just keep in mind being that you have a pittie I would be sure to seperate them when you are not home. I don't think you'll have any trouble, but better safe than sorry. It may also be easier to have 1 male and 1 female (fixed of course!)

[ClarkFarm]

I think it is wonderful that you are considering adding a second dog without just going ahead and getting one prematurely. Too many others make the mistake of not thinking it through. Yes, a second dog is more work and more financially. If you love dogs, as I am sure you do since you ended up here, then you know all the joys of owning one. Now think of that doubled. And like was said before, your original dog will love the company after everyone settles in.
I had a GSD and I honestly do not think she had any less potential to harm another dog than a pitbull would have. She was same sex aggressive normally and I would never have left her and Zoey alone together even though Zoey and a select few other female dogs seem to have been the exception to the rule. Other than that, my GSD hated female dogs and barely tolerated them even through extensive behavioral training.
I do think a male/female is better compatibility between two dogs and you may be well advised to consider this. I live about an hour north of Pittsburgh myself. There are quite a few large shelters in Pgh that have a need for fostering. It may be the option you are looking for to see what it is like first-hand with two dogs before making the commitment permanently.
Good luck with your decision and please keep us posted.