Should I get a second dog?

[SmoothieX]

My wife and I keep waffling over this one. I put in a call to a local Lab breeder a couple months back saying I was potentially interested in purchasing one of the dogs in an upcoming scheduled litter. So he put my name on the waiting list, I'm at the top so I get my pick of the litter.

The pups were born a couple weeks back, and will be ready to visit in a couple more weeks. At that point, I need to decide if I want one or not, and put down a nonrefundable deposit.

I'm really on the fence about this. We can afford the food and vet bills, we're experienced with Labs, and my current dog is a good age (1.5 years) to get another one (don't want to mix a pup with a senior dog). I dig the breed, and our current dog is the best pet I could have ever hoped for.

I think he would enjoy the company and having a playmate. Most of our recreational activities involve bringing the dog along so it wouldn't change things much.

At the same time though, we're both busy and work full time. I'm planning to take some classes at night starting in the spring semster. So the amount of free time for training and exercise could be an issue.

Also, we rent right now. We make decent money and could be selective about renting a dog friendly place. However, it's a temporary stop here, and I know we will be moving in a year and a half or so. We're saving to buy, but not sure if we will be ready to for our next move. I'm worried that it will be even harder to find a place that will let us have 2 dogs.

What do you folks think? I'm looking for advice from as many people as possible at this point, hence the thread.

 

[Kestra]

The time thing is an issue, because as you know, puppies and even full-grown dogs need a lot of time and attention. Don't get one unless you're sure you can provide for one. Providing for a dog covers many things ... not just food and medical bills but time, attention, training, etc. Lots of time and money.

On the other hand, I'm not sure where you live, but the one dog/two dog thing doesn't seem to be a huge deal to me. Most places I've looked at with restrictions don't make that distinction. If anything they wouldn't allow more than two animals, don't allow certain types of animals, animals above a certain size, or don't allow animals at all.

Also, don't underestimate the impact a second dog may have. It may have a very different temperament, there is always a chance that they will not get along at first, or that the behaviour of your first dog will change. It can be a lot more work. Another dog means another one you have to take along with you or have someone else manage, another dog wanting attention, another dog begging for food or misbehaving, etc. Some people find one manageable but cannot actually handle two.

I apologize if I'm sounding too overcautious, but I know someone who recently decided she could not handle her two dogs and gave them up. I'm not saying you would do that, but it's a lot of responsibility and it's easy to get overwhelmed.

In general my advice is not to get a pet unless you're sure you can devote a lot of resources to them and make sure they're well taken care of. They deserve good lives, so think about whether or not you could provide that and then make your decision.

 

[SmoothieX]

I forgot to mention it, but the temperament issue is a concern. My dog is a VERY submissive dog. At the park, he rolls on his back for dogs 1/3 his size.

And another thing is caring for a second one while we are away. It's harder to find someone to take two dogs than one, and I prefer not to leave them at a kennel if possible.

I'm a bit more cautious about it than my wife. I keep thinking, "Is this really a good idea?" and a lot of the points I've mentioned echo yours and she admits she hadn't thought about it.

 

[Lindley]

My family had two black labs for many years. One of them finally passed on a couple of months ago. They were sisters, and they definitely kept each other company when we couldn't.

If the puppy gets along well with your dog, it would be good for both of them I think. If not, you may have a problem. But there's not much way to tell how that'll work out except by introducing them....

 

[Kirby]

Smoothie, just make sure that the dogs get along before you bring the new one home.
We had a male dachshund who was about a year old and we decided (for some stupid reason) that he would want another dog around for companionship when we were at work. So we adopted another another dachshund, this time a female, who was probably about 6 months younger than the male, and they HATED each other. They were constantly snapping at each other and, and there was a big dominance struggle between them. We kept them both for about three years, and the female started to get very agressive after our fist child was born, so we ended up giving her to my sister-in-law who didn't have any kids.
The male dog is now 11 and is a wonderful companion to both of our kids, and the female is living a happy stress-free life with my sister-in-law. They still don't get along when they get together.

 

[Cakes488]

I would say yes....but only if you adopt a dog instead of buying one.

But seeing that you're renting I'd have to say no...it will just be that much more difficult trying to find a place when you're renting. It's been very difficult for me at certain points in my life because of my pets so get a second dog when you are the landlord.

 

[PKTrekGirl]

I have always had two dogs. I think that as much as dogs like being around their people, they also like being around other dogs.

And I think it might be a good thing that your current dog is submissive. If the new one is an Alpha, at least they won't have fights, etc.

I just got a new puppy myself a few weeks back as one of my two dogs passed away a few months ago. Now I'm back up to two....and I think that's a good number.

However, the puppy IS a busy little thing. Today, she discovered toilet paper rolls. Came out of the office from a work call and found toilet paper all over the living room, and a 3 lb Yorkie standing in the middle of it, looking at me like, "What? You got a problem or somethin'???"

 

[Marc]

My brother is pushing my mum to get a puppy after a our rottie had to be put down but I've said that I don't think it will be a good idea. Mum's by herself now but she's very busy and sometimes works late shifts, goes out with friends so she's not really going to have hte time to train a dog. She's got the our Shih-zhu Maltese-X to keep her company and I think the OP is going to be very much in the same boat.

So leaving it for the time being is probably the best option.

 

[Finn]

I used to work with a guy who had two Labs at home. He and his wife always made sure they went on dog friendly trips and said having two dogs was easier on them than before they got their second one... But I suppose it depends on the owner(s)' lifestyle.

My parents are taking care of my beloved 5 year old beagle. But I'm hoping to take him with me when I get married in 19 months (from today ). My fiancee wanted a Yorkie and a cat when we have a place where we can have two pets. I warned her that having a Yorkie before the cat might pose a problem when we bring home a kitten. The beagle would pose no problem with the cat. Heck, the kitten probably will scare him away.

Hope you can work it out.