Are two better than one?

[PaulandJessie]

Hi everyone, I am new here and I would like some advice. I have an 18month old American Bulldog who loves people and other dogs. I work a fair amount and I worry about my dog getting lonely. When I get stuck at work for long periods of time I have a dog walking service and friends that come by to take her to play, but I still worry about her being alone when I am not there. I would like to get another dog because I love dogs but also because I want her to have another companion. Are two dogs easier than one? Any opinions or advice would be appreciated. Thanks! -Paul

[DiggityDogs]

dogs are very social, I'm sure he'd love a buddy! I always say, as long as you a)don't have any serious behavioral issues with the first dog, b) have the means and space to take care of two, and c)truly WANT another dog, not just for your first one, but because you'd enjoy a second dog, then it's a good idea!

[Wolf555]

Any rescue dog is great. You don't have to rescue in pairs. If there is a dog park near your home, a great way for a dog to run and play. Also walks everyday, good food, and lots of water. Crate training might be something to consider. Good luck and glad to see your saving a life.

[ClarkFarm]

In my experience, the second dog will learn alot from the first one, be it both positive and negative behavior. I think of it this way... if the thought of having two of your current dog is a pleasant one, then having a second dog in reality should be enjoyable.

[Rio&Nickysmommy]

Oh! Clarkfarm- you are 100% right that the second dog will learn from the first dog. Origianlly I started out with Rio is has always been a very pampered pooch. Nicholas who lived with four other dogs was always odd man out. Well Nicholas now has become just like Rio- used to being pampered, learned all the ways Rio communicates with us its amazing. He did learn some of his bad habits too- which the only one is Barking. Actualy both dogs learn alot from each other. I was told by many people when introducing the second dog that I needed to make sure my first dog got extra attention- not necissarily the new dog first. We only had one scrap at least that I know of. Guess they figured out who is ALpha and that was that. Good Luck with two dogs. Two happy faces to wagging tales. Ah.. I just love dogs.
Rio&Nickysmommy

[TxDog]

We just got a second pup and my first pup loves it. Took a few weeks to open him up to her though. Read about socializing the dogs, don't just put them together. He gets added exercise running around playing with her and overall he just seems happier.

[amywal]

We rescued a ridgeback hound mix from the pound about a year ago. We love him very much but he is HYPER! He gets constant attention when we are home but still resorts to chewing cell phones, shoes, pillows, ect. He shows us he has them, teasing us, then plays keep away until we tackle him.He chews the carpet, walls, and barks all the time. We play with him for hours but he still has crazy energy. He is a very spoiled dog. We almost never discipline him cause he's too damn cute. He seems calmer after playing with other dogs he knows but very scared of larger dogs. If we take him to the dog park, he only wants to see the other owners and will wimper and climb my leg if dogs come near him. However, he loves my sister-in-law's teacup maltese and my uncle's yorkie. Playing with them tires him out. We are considering getting a second small dog for him but I am leary because I don't want to end up with two crazy dogs and if we get another one, I won't want to give it back once it comes home with us. Has anyone ever had a bad experience with getting a second dog?

[greenymint]

I have a 6 month old Weimaraner (tons of energy) and just got a 2 month old Vizsla, for much the same reasons originally described- I work during the day, and with as social as Weimaraners tend to be, I couldn't bear the idea of her being home alone all day. She loves her new friend- they disappear outside and play in the grass for 30 minutes at a time, they play and chase (despite the size difference). And the younger one has learned so much faster because of the older one- he almost always goes to the door to be let out to go potty, he knows to sit and give his paw (i.e. do tricks) to get his food or a treat (in fact, he's faster at the older at sitting!), etc. The only bad this is that, while my older Weimaraner's bond to me is very individual and strong, I wonder if the puppy's bind to me will be as good, since he has an 'older sister' to tag around with all of the time. Regardless, getting a second puppy was much easier than getting a first- and they love it.

[seraphicia]

Thats great that your pups are bonding and I hope no bad behaviors are being taught(although it's almost inevitable at times it seems) I just hope you're planning to get either one or the other if not both fixed before you end up with a litter of mixes! Anyway, glad it's working out so far, sounds like one smart vizsla pup! I'd like to see some pics, I love weims and vizslas are so beautiful!

[PaulandJessie]

Thanks you so much too all of you who have given me a lot of insight! I am now going to actively seek another dog. I am probably going to adopt a male Lab or Golden (jessie always loves this breed...and I do too!) Thanks!

Paul

[lesley jane]

my older Weimaraner's bond to me is very individual and strong, I wonder if the puppy's bind to me will be as good, since he has an 'older sister' to tag around with all of the time.

Please could some of you experienced dog owners give their comments on this as it is exactly what I was considering.

Thanks
LJ

My dogs are both female (just in case that would reflect a different response )

[ClarkFarm]

I think that concern depends on many variables including the natural bred behavior of the second dog, the individual amount of time spent with the second dog, and overall how the second dog "views" the owner... are you merely the one who brings food or are you also the gentle leader who guides them and cares for them?

I train my two dogs seperately as well as together because this way they know to respond just as obediently either way. I know their bond is very close and they have even napped together during the day atop one another but when I say "c'mon girls!", it is a race to see who gets Mama's first pat. There is sibling rivalry between them just as my human children. As long as it is kept in check and attention is fairly distributed, I do not see a problem with this normal behavior.

[Reggies mom]

I personally think that 2 are better than only one dog.
Winston was 7 when we got Reggie and he accepted her quite quickly.
It is funny to see a Boston Terrier and an Irish Wolfhound play together:D
I do have to keep Reggie's(IW) food up high because Winston would eat it all on her lol. They used to play alot together but since Winston is almost blind now he doesn't play as much. Reggie does get him going though so he is not just laying around.

[amari_monet]

I think two is wonderful after all dogs are pack animals and they would never be lonely I got my Brody (pitbull ) a lil brother, Marley (boxer/mastiff mix) and they are soooo happy and Marley was a breeze to potty train cuz he just followed Brodys lead. Good luck and you will not be sorry

[Megntrav]

For a few months after moving into my new home last March we had just one dog (our boy had grown up until the move with a min pin & the neighbor dog with which they were great friends) and he was quiet, didn't do any damage, etc. But just by chance we went on a trip and rescued a 9 week old Pup and those 2 are BEST OF BUDDIES. It's funny the puppy (he's a year old now) cleans my older dog's ears for him. That dog is wierd like that though. =)
So yes if you have room for a 2nd dog, then you're dog would surely love to have a friend.

[seraphicia]

Our foster pup who has now become a permanent installation, bringing the total to five dogs. He cleans all of the older dogs ears, too. He's such a cutie, and has blended in surprisingly well! Our other youngest, now two yrs old, never engaged in play much wih the older dogs, being more of a loner, and now has a good friend in Ross the newer pup. We have two sets of couples now to play together, they seem to like it, and keep eachother busy. The oldest who's eleven spends most of his days sleeping or cuddling up, so he doesn't need a friend, but the other dogs love eachothers company, even though it started off rocky.

[GSP4619]

I agree. I think it will help them learn by seeing what the first one does. Now LOL lets hope they won't be little devils LOL.

[Brenny]

I got Moki first...and when I started work again and having to leave him alone, he was very lonely. So I got Gracie, who is twice his size now, but they are best buds. Dogs are pack animals..they want to be with other beings..whether its a human or another dog.
The intertain themselves while I am at work...when I leave, the house is clean. When I return, all their stuffed toys, balls, frisbees, etc are strewn all over the house and back yard. Oh yeah....they definetly entertain themselves when I am not here, lol.

[Rottweilerlvr]

It seems like you are wanting to get another dog for your current dog because you work alot and not for you... This is good in a sense for your dog, but is it really good for you.... For over a year and a half, it was just me and Baxter(my rottie) and when I decided I wanted another dog, I looked/searched for about 2 months until I found Isabella from a breeder in Chicago. Isabella has always been very easy to live with, deal with, train with, etc but it was very hard for me to adjust from one dog to two dogs. I was so use to my routine with Baxter, and him and I spending our time together, that when Isabella came, I had to readjust some of "his" time to make for "her" time... Isabella would be taken out more because of her being a puppy and housetraining and Baxter would be inside, I mean, half the time I felt terrible because I felt like he was being left out, which was never a case because everyday, he would have "his" time with me and we would have "group" times together... It sounds like you work to much, and dogs take work, there is nothing worse than having ill behaved dogs(too many times I have seen ill behaved dogs, I would go insane if my dogs acted like half of the dogs I see..) Just keep that in mind, because puppies or dogs needed to walked, worked, trained, feed, etc and it sounds like you barely have enough time for your own dog as it is, much less another dog... Respectfully,
Linnea