How many is too many?
- Thread starter meepitsmeagan
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When I was in a committed relationship with someone willing to help, in school and working only part time, 5 or 6 seemed so doable. Most of them would have been fosters, probably only 2, 3 would have been ours permanently.
Now, with a kid on the way, and two dogs in the house, I think adding one more would be the limit (for me...my family couldn't deal with that). The limit will probably be the same when I moved out, 2-3 depending on energy requirements/behavior problems/etc.
Now, with a kid on the way, and two dogs in the house, I think adding one more would be the limit (for me...my family couldn't deal with that). The limit will probably be the same when I moved out, 2-3 depending on energy requirements/behavior problems/etc.
I think two dogs is the perfect number right now, while I'm living at home. We both take care of both dogs, but she mostly walks and trains Missy, and I mostly walk and train Jack, and it works. If it was just me, I'd probably have just one dog, just because I don't think I could give adequete one-on-one time to two dogs if I was 100% responsible for everything for both of them. I would definitely be fine with fostering though - I wouldn't feel as guilty, since it's a temporary situation.
I have 6 now, but would like to get down to 3 or maybe 4.
Greyhounds make it hard to do b/c it is so easy to just add another and then another! But the Dogos make it easy to say NO b/c one Dogo is enough for me at a time!
In my perfect world I would go back to 1 Greyhound, 1 Doberman, and 1 Dogo, but I doubt that will ever happen again.
I like 3 big dogs, but then sometimes I do like the smaller dogs too. Bostons, Frenchies, Jack Russells, Min Pins etc.
Greyhounds make it hard to do b/c it is so easy to just add another and then another! But the Dogos make it easy to say NO b/c one Dogo is enough for me at a time!
In my perfect world I would go back to 1 Greyhound, 1 Doberman, and 1 Dogo, but I doubt that will ever happen again.
I like 3 big dogs, but then sometimes I do like the smaller dogs too. Bostons, Frenchies, Jack Russells, Min Pins etc.
I have cared for a maximum of 11 dogs and 2 cats at once. Not financially, mind you, but that's how many dogs I cared for last fall. Two of my own, Tango (foster), and 8 dogs and 2 cats belonging to the person I was dogsitting for (she had 6 dogs and 2 cats but found 2 strays and brought them home to keep before leaving again). Tango and one of the strays she found were small, three medium dogs, and 6 large dogs. Yes, I CAN take care of that many, but I would not want to - I was mentally and emotionally exhausted, partially from the sheer number, and partially from having three dogs that were brand-new to the pack at the same time, one of which required extensive medical care and all three required extended introductions, socialization and training (my own two had been with the pack for several months already at this point - and even at that, Gavroche knew the dogs already because she's the person that took him in when he was a stray). I also had school and work, and they were both 30-45 minutes away from where I was dogsitting. AND two of the dogs had to go to laser therapy an hour away twice a week. At least we had several acres and a HUGE house.
I think my personal limit will be 3, possibly 3 plus a foster (or an older retired pet that is JUST a pet and not a competition dog). Right now two is a good number. Logan is finally trained enough to work, Gavroche is in semi-retirement from trialing, and I've been "grounded" from trialing for the better part of a year due to financial issues and car troubles. I've got the UKC club to work on, and I do spend quite a bit of time with that, and I have two jobs and school. I don't think I could handle 3 dogs right now, even if one was a foster (which is fine, with my record apparently I foster a chihuahua every other year, and since I had one last year... :rofl1: )
I think my personal limit will be 3, possibly 3 plus a foster (or an older retired pet that is JUST a pet and not a competition dog). Right now two is a good number. Logan is finally trained enough to work, Gavroche is in semi-retirement from trialing, and I've been "grounded" from trialing for the better part of a year due to financial issues and car troubles. I've got the UKC club to work on, and I do spend quite a bit of time with that, and I have two jobs and school. I don't think I could handle 3 dogs right now, even if one was a foster (which is fine, with my record apparently I foster a chihuahua every other year, and since I had one last year... :rofl1: )
I really enjoyed having three--I was able to take one out at a time and then the other two were able to keep each other company. Now, it's pretty much I take both, or none--since they don't do well by themselves. However, my two are so well matched at this point--in terms of exercise needs, etc. I think it would be hard to introduce another into the mix. So I guess it's just the hound brothers for the duration...which is fine. I do miss having a retriever--but I adore my hound boys too.
So much depends on so many factors. When I was living in Idaho and was much more active in the way of hiking, I had four dogs and sometimes 5 including one foster for a short time. We hiked off leash every day practically, so it was easy to take them all. They all had good recalls and it just worked out fine. I had fun with all of them and the only time it was inconvenient was when I came to Washington to visit my family. It was a little much to have the four dogs.
Now I'm down to two and they're both Chihuahuas, so very small. They like walks, but don't require a big to do as far as exercise. If I miss a day here and there, they're fine. I walk, but haven't really gone hiking like I did in Idaho. I probably will when I figure out where to go, but it won't be as easy as it was there. I'll have to drive a little ways to get to the hiking trails. Anyhow, I'm older, less active in that way, don't do dog sports at this time, although I might at some time again. The two are easy if I go visit someone where I'll be there a long time. They're easy in many ways. They're also older and laid back. I don't think I'd go for the stimulation of more than two anymore. I don't know that I'd like having only one dog. Jose` and Chulita are so crazy about each other, keep each other company when I'm not here, and are very entertaining to watch interact. I really do love having the two small dogs now at this time in my life and where I live.
Now I'm down to two and they're both Chihuahuas, so very small. They like walks, but don't require a big to do as far as exercise. If I miss a day here and there, they're fine. I walk, but haven't really gone hiking like I did in Idaho. I probably will when I figure out where to go, but it won't be as easy as it was there. I'll have to drive a little ways to get to the hiking trails. Anyhow, I'm older, less active in that way, don't do dog sports at this time, although I might at some time again. The two are easy if I go visit someone where I'll be there a long time. They're easy in many ways. They're also older and laid back. I don't think I'd go for the stimulation of more than two anymore. I don't know that I'd like having only one dog. Jose` and Chulita are so crazy about each other, keep each other company when I'm not here, and are very entertaining to watch interact. I really do love having the two small dogs now at this time in my life and where I live.
Sigh. So many pros and cons to each. Honestly I would love to be with one dog again. However there is no one breed that fits everything we want. Joshs bird dog will be his. He will do the training and all that junk. My koolie or acd will be just that. Mine. I will do the training and exersizing (I know that is spelled wrong) and will go to work with me. And then there is the fact that I can't see us without a bully. Maybe we can stick to three and have a fourth intermittenly when one gets old and we bring a proformance pup in or foster.
Josh keeps telling me to quit worrying about it and that it will just fall into place. Ha. Not with this kid.
I'm pretty sure I'm convinced to stick with three as a general rule. Btw that 9 mal show would be crazy!
Josh keeps telling me to quit worrying about it and that it will just fall into place. Ha. Not with this kid.
I'm pretty sure I'm convinced to stick with three as a general rule. Btw that 9 mal show would be crazy!
I have FIVE dogs in the house, and it's too many. If I'm completely honest with myself.... four is too many.
I keep waffling between two and three. I LOVE my Dobermans, so much so that I don't know how I could ever have just one... but I also want a sighthound, and that brings the number to three and I'm not sure I want three. Though as much as I like to say I only want 2 dogs, I'll probably end up always having 2 Dobermans and 1 Ibizan.
I was happiest with only two Dobermans. Four (and five) is a bit much. Granted, out of the current five, only two are really being worked on a regular basis and one is a foster dog. It sounds heartless, but I'd like to get out of foster work as well. Every foster seems to throw a wrench into our home dynamics, and we end up with scuffles. Granted, that may be because I have a noisy herding breed with no tact.
I keep waffling between two and three. I LOVE my Dobermans, so much so that I don't know how I could ever have just one... but I also want a sighthound, and that brings the number to three and I'm not sure I want three. Though as much as I like to say I only want 2 dogs, I'll probably end up always having 2 Dobermans and 1 Ibizan.
I was happiest with only two Dobermans. Four (and five) is a bit much. Granted, out of the current five, only two are really being worked on a regular basis and one is a foster dog. It sounds heartless, but I'd like to get out of foster work as well. Every foster seems to throw a wrench into our home dynamics, and we end up with scuffles. Granted, that may be because I have a noisy herding breed with no tact.
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4 is too many right? Hard to rent with 4, hard to live with 4,one being a puppy and only 1 1/2 between the last 2...it'd be CRAZY to add a puppy right now, right??? Right?
Someone tell me that 4 is not responsible, not doable and stretching myself too thin right now. It'd take too much away from the other 3 to add a new puppy.
*This is my mantra and what I keep telling myself cause I really like this puppy!*
Someone tell me that 4 is not responsible, not doable and stretching myself too thin right now. It'd take too much away from the other 3 to add a new puppy.
*This is my mantra and what I keep telling myself cause I really like this puppy!*
There is no breed that fits everything exactly for my next dog either. There's about 6 breeds I really really like and a half dozen more I wouldn't mind. I'll compromise and get one at a time, though. I keep thinking after Mia, I won't get any more papillons just to make things easier as far as size differences go. But then I don't think I will be able to not have at least 1 or 2. I love my little dogs and I love all the comments I get about them from the fellow people at our agility school. I think paps have wormed their way in for good.
In general I would be wary of going out and getting a sports dog or several without actually being involved in sports first. I'm a big fan of starting with the dog you already have. I think many people don't realize the time and money factor sports can be.
In general I would be wary of going out and getting a sports dog or several without actually being involved in sports first. I'm a big fan of starting with the dog you already have. I think many people don't realize the time and money factor sports can be.
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This.
And I would never have gotten three dogs so close in age if I had known I was going to get so involved in sport. It's so hard to have three training, trialing, etc. Especially with my travel schedule. Heck it's hard to have two, especially when they are both early in their careers and we are still finding our groove as a team.
Lesson learned. And that is a major reason that Cookie really truly isn't staying even though she meshes perfectly and is such a joy. She already has a place in this world and it's not here, as much as I will miss her come Christmastime. It would not be fair to her or any of my adult dogs to have another performance dog in the house right now. Puppyhood and foundation training I can handle especially since it that sort of work fits in well with Kim's rehab, but another dog competing at trials, another set of entry fees, etc.? Not right now.
And I would never have gotten three dogs so close in age if I had known I was going to get so involved in sport. It's so hard to have three training, trialing, etc. Especially with my travel schedule. Heck it's hard to have two, especially when they are both early in their careers and we are still finding our groove as a team.
Lesson learned. And that is a major reason that Cookie really truly isn't staying even though she meshes perfectly and is such a joy. She already has a place in this world and it's not here, as much as I will miss her come Christmastime. It would not be fair to her or any of my adult dogs to have another performance dog in the house right now. Puppyhood and foundation training I can handle especially since it that sort of work fits in well with Kim's rehab, but another dog competing at trials, another set of entry fees, etc.? Not right now.
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I feel guilty as it is with my 3. Hobie doesn't really go anywhere cause of his health. He isn't crated or anything which works well. I usually take both Judge and LoLa with me everywhere, when the AST comes next year, it will go with us too. I know it's not the right time and doesn't fit in my plans and I need to stick to my guns. If I kept this puppy I won't be able to do any short term fostering, puppy renting etc. It would completely throw everything off. It's hard when their so dang cute!
ETA- I already have 2 trialing and competing right now, it's rough. Next year at this time, I will have my long awaited for AST puppy. I have a year and I think a lot of things are going to change before the AST puppy comes.
ETA- I already have 2 trialing and competing right now, it's rough. Next year at this time, I will have my long awaited for AST puppy. I have a year and I think a lot of things are going to change before the AST puppy comes.
Honestly, that's one reason Gavroche is semi-retired. could he go on and do more rally? Probably. But he takes a LOT more work to train than Logan does, and he doesn't enjoy it the way Logan does, and Logan required a lot of time and attention for service dog training, so Gavroche's rally training got put on hold. Then his thyroid disease, and the behavior problems that came with it...and then the added expense. Entering two dogs in four trials in one weekend is REALLY expensive, especially when you also need a hotel and gas.
I'll still take Gavroche to lure coursing trials because he LOOOOOVES it and it requires pretty much no training. He can continue to run as long as he wants, and maybe he'll earn a few more titles there. But as far as obedience and rally, I'm pretty sure Gavroche is done, while Logan is really just starting.
I'll still take Gavroche to lure coursing trials because he LOOOOOVES it and it requires pretty much no training. He can continue to run as long as he wants, and maybe he'll earn a few more titles there. But as far as obedience and rally, I'm pretty sure Gavroche is done, while Logan is really just starting.
I've gone between three and four for a while now! We were down to two before Kilt came, for about two months.
It's sometimes too much with camping and so on but overall not a biggy. I think camping next year will be around dog shows anyway.
I'd like to have two 'show' dogs that are into agility/obedience/etc. and then one 'up and coming'. Ticket could easily retire to be a couch potato or go do some agility, he's good, Storee is just getting into her own and should be great next year, and Kilt is in training. If I keep a Ticket/Kilt pup next year we'd be good and then depending on how that pup turns out and where I'm at, might keep a second pup out of her a year later - chances are Ticket would be retired for sure and Storee maybe too, we'll see....
It's sometimes too much with camping and so on but overall not a biggy. I think camping next year will be around dog shows anyway.
I'd like to have two 'show' dogs that are into agility/obedience/etc. and then one 'up and coming'. Ticket could easily retire to be a couch potato or go do some agility, he's good, Storee is just getting into her own and should be great next year, and Kilt is in training. If I keep a Ticket/Kilt pup next year we'd be good and then depending on how that pup turns out and where I'm at, might keep a second pup out of her a year later - chances are Ticket would be retired for sure and Storee maybe too, we'll see....
I've handled 4 a few different times before no problem. I much prefer 1-3 if they are young active (ahem high maintence drama queens) dogs though!
First when babysitting the Ridgeback boys for a couple months two years back... which was really easy because I stayed in their house so there were two fenced yards and good places to take them to run. Plus with two other dogs I could easily take one out for 1 on 1 without leaving Scout alone. I had Chico sleep in his crate because well when you've got 3 of 4 dogs who think you are the most valuable item in their existence... yeah. The girls slept in their crates or on the couch in the bedroom then anyway, but Lynley has seniority of Chicago, so yeah. I usually exercised Lily, Lynley, and Scout together, though each did also get one on one outings as well. Chico I exercised by himself, usually at night to avoid loose dogs coming up to us (he's not a fan). Everyone got a little training during one on one time and the girls were doing individual lessons.
The other big time handling four was when my ex visited last winter while I was fostering Spaz (now Zack) the little crackhead mini-aussie. Luckily his pit bull is one of the best dogs ever and super tolerant of the little jerk, lol. And of course I took the little booger when I home to my parent's on the weekend. He was such a douche to my parent's BC... I swear Will is a SAINT for putting up with his crap! They did very well all in all. Good bunch of dogs.
Its not the right time financially to add a third yet and I feel bad enough having a second dog with Lily around. Which is funny because before getting a second I was so sure she'd love it... well she does really well with it, but lets just say she'd much rather I be all hers.
Scout doesn't care because she's other dog co-dependant and must have a "pack" or she'll melt down with anxiety. Lily ... bless her awesome little husky heart wants me all to herself. She's done really, really well despite that. Especially considering the issue we have with Scout not being able to be left behind and her anxiety/reactivity have GREATLY changed where/how/etc. I take the dogs along. It is what it is. So sometimes Lily has to put her head down and pull like the sled dog she is because she doesn't like that my attention is divided. And thats okay because she is the princess.
I'm having a really, really hard time being impatient on getting a third. Which is really silly because I'm doing some pretty fun and awesome stuff with my two. And we've got a third on the weekend when we visit my parent's! THeir BC is just a peach of guy. Realistically I should wait until the girls are older both so they get their time in with me fairly as we're doing a LOT of training together. Scout may never trial because of her issues, but she has to have mental work to be really happy. She's just go, go, go... its really a shame she had to go through that stuff. Oh well, past is past! Anywho I apologize if I'm obnoxious ever talking about wanting a third dog or saying stuff like oh want! lol, I'm just being impatient! Its not quite time yet though!
The biggest perk to more than one is they can play and burn off crazy energy (yay sled dogs!). The biggest down side is hello prey drive magnification when together!
I am definitely not getting any more cats until both my currents have passed. Holy cat drama Batman!
There is a really adorable batch of kittens at the barn though... Oh its a good thing Missy and Scummy are such wenches regarding other cats!
First when babysitting the Ridgeback boys for a couple months two years back... which was really easy because I stayed in their house so there were two fenced yards and good places to take them to run. Plus with two other dogs I could easily take one out for 1 on 1 without leaving Scout alone. I had Chico sleep in his crate because well when you've got 3 of 4 dogs who think you are the most valuable item in their existence... yeah. The girls slept in their crates or on the couch in the bedroom then anyway, but Lynley has seniority of Chicago, so yeah. I usually exercised Lily, Lynley, and Scout together, though each did also get one on one outings as well. Chico I exercised by himself, usually at night to avoid loose dogs coming up to us (he's not a fan). Everyone got a little training during one on one time and the girls were doing individual lessons.
The other big time handling four was when my ex visited last winter while I was fostering Spaz (now Zack) the little crackhead mini-aussie. Luckily his pit bull is one of the best dogs ever and super tolerant of the little jerk, lol. And of course I took the little booger when I home to my parent's on the weekend. He was such a douche to my parent's BC... I swear Will is a SAINT for putting up with his crap! They did very well all in all. Good bunch of dogs.
Its not the right time financially to add a third yet and I feel bad enough having a second dog with Lily around. Which is funny because before getting a second I was so sure she'd love it... well she does really well with it, but lets just say she'd much rather I be all hers.
Scout doesn't care because she's other dog co-dependant and must have a "pack" or she'll melt down with anxiety. Lily ... bless her awesome little husky heart wants me all to herself. She's done really, really well despite that. Especially considering the issue we have with Scout not being able to be left behind and her anxiety/reactivity have GREATLY changed where/how/etc. I take the dogs along. It is what it is. So sometimes Lily has to put her head down and pull like the sled dog she is because she doesn't like that my attention is divided. And thats okay because she is the princess.
I'm having a really, really hard time being impatient on getting a third. Which is really silly because I'm doing some pretty fun and awesome stuff with my two. And we've got a third on the weekend when we visit my parent's! THeir BC is just a peach of guy. Realistically I should wait until the girls are older both so they get their time in with me fairly as we're doing a LOT of training together. Scout may never trial because of her issues, but she has to have mental work to be really happy. She's just go, go, go... its really a shame she had to go through that stuff. Oh well, past is past! Anywho I apologize if I'm obnoxious ever talking about wanting a third dog or saying stuff like oh want! lol, I'm just being impatient! Its not quite time yet though!
The biggest perk to more than one is they can play and burn off crazy energy (yay sled dogs!). The biggest down side is hello prey drive magnification when together!
I am definitely not getting any more cats until both my currents have passed. Holy cat drama Batman!
There is a really adorable batch of kittens at the barn though... Oh its a good thing Missy and Scummy are such wenches regarding other cats!