1 dog vs 2 Pros and Cons

[girlbuffalo1]

I was wondering if some folks here can help me with a pros and cons list for and against having 2 dogs. I happened to be perusing dogster adoptions when I came across the perfect dog. 11 mo old, female, brussels griffon (a breed I have been doing a lot of research on). They are located 1 state over. I contacted them saying I was interested but would have to talk to the husband first. We have talked about 2 dogs being a possibility for us someday. Wrigley just turned 1 yr in January and is pretty well trained (although training is always ongoing!).

Here's what I can think of so far

PROS
Companion for Wrigley
Play time for both dogs with each other
Another cute companion for us
We already have everything she would need (food, crate, fenced in yard ect)

CONS
Twice the vet bills (which can get icky if a big problem arrises
What if they end up not liking each other


Help! We would most definitely take Wrigley with us to meet her and have a lot of questions for the foster mom. Let me know what you think I am forgetting and what you think about 1 dog vs 2

 

[Barb04]

I think it's a great idea to have them both meet and observe how that goes. I also think it's good that one is a male and one is a female. I have 4 dogs and love having more than one. They all have different personalities which I love. I had 2 females at one point who didn't like each other. I separated them with gates in the house. They were both very happy and got to play with the male dogs separately. I never regretted it.

 

[YorkieLover]

We have 4 dogs as well, 3 are male and 1 female. I do have to say the 2 older males are bonded for life, the female was our first and she pretty much rules. she really didn't like the 2 older ones and still isn't that found of them but has learned to respect her elders quite well. The newest was a puppy male and both this one and the female play wonderfully together. It is really cute watching them chase each other around the house. They both pretty much leave the older ones alone so that is a blessing. Good luck and I really think you'll make the right decision.

 

[bubbatd]

I loved more than one ..... but there's a time and a place. Ollie and I just have to cope with each other .

 

[Laurelin]

I love having multiple dogs. So much more loving and interaction between the dogs. They're all so unique. My little pack loves each other (Though Nik acts like she can't stand Harry, she freaks if he's not around). I think the dogs are much happier. Beau and Trey would definitely not be good only dogs. The downsides are um... more shedding, harder to walk four dogs than one, more vet bills, more training, etc. You have to be able to give them each their own time and not expect them to entertain each other.

But I absolutely love having more than one. If you can handle it, I can tell you it will be rewarding. Make sure the dogs get along first and I'm sure it'll work out fine. Just be prepared for all circumstances. We have 3 males and a female and it works great. None of our dogs are remotely dog aggressive or anything though. That would be a concern for me if I had a dog agressive dog and wanted another. It can be done, but it'd be a lot of work to keep them apart.

My little sable and white group gets along so well. (I think I'm stuck in a rut)

I liked having one dog, but two was better, three was even better, and four is just wonderful. As long as you have the means, and it sounds like you're doing your research, I'd go for it.

 

[Zoom]

One dog gives you a special bond between the two of you.

Two dogs gives you more to laugh at and they have each other to play with when you don't feel like being the sole entertainment. Training gets to be tricky, if your dogs will be anything like mine, because the other can't stand for the one to be getting all of the attention.

I don't know what it's like to have more than two, so I'll stop there.

 

[Doberluv]

It's definitely more work and expense, more hair, more throw-up, less space on my bed for me. LOL. But like it was said, more entertaining, more enriching, more interesting, more entertainment for each other. (when they get along) More tricky to manage when you have multiple dogs. You have to be more aware of their body language with each other to prevent any squabble that might come up.

I have two females and two males. The two big dogs occasionally have the beginnings of a squabble because the female happens to be very possessive of food with other dogs, no matter what sex. If there's food close by, I watch her....and I don't mean just dog food. She is the new comer and is still a work in progress. The rest of the time, she adores Lyric. So, it's not a big problem, but something I must be aware and alert about....something that just doesn't come up with a one dog household.

But over all, I prefer all the extra commotion and fun of multiple dogs.

 

[showpug]

I have 5 dogs...should I even answer this

Anyway, I like having multiple dogs, but it does change everything. Having 1 dog is nice because everything is easier and you can really spend a lot of time with that one dog. You can spoil them rotten and have them be your complete focus. Sometimes I miss the days of having 1 dog. I can't just take the dogs on a walk because there are too many and I have to choose which ones go this time etc. Two wouldn't be that different though. I think three is the point where everything changes...

 

[girlbuffalo1]

LOL Showpug I imagined you in my head with all 5 of your buddies each one going in a different direction and you stuck in the middle!

We already kindof put a "maybe someday" out there about having two dogs..and then it became maybe after Wrigley is a year and a half to 2 years old or older that we could consider it--but this little girl is such a beauty and it was totally by chance that I found her. Who knows perhaps the foster mom won't respond or has other people interested I haven't even heard back yet but it's all I can think about!

I think two would be perfect and I don't imagine wanting more however maybe it's like chips or candy in as it's hard to stop LOL!

Really the only true con I can think of in my head is vet costs. I guess the only reason I think about this is because in the year that we have had Wrigley we have had over $2000 in vet bills (although I know that's not the norm!). Everything else (time, attention, training) I think we can handle--and really do not think of as cons.

Wrigley's two best friends at the dog park are griffons and it was so wonderful to watch them play together and get along so well which is what got me initially interested in the breed.

The discription of this girl and Wrigley's temperament seem to both be submissive--is that ever a problem?

 

[Laurelin]

We have two very very submissive dogs in the house. It's not really a problem, but then again we have Nikki dictating everything.

As far as time to add another dog, I found it easier to add new dogs to the household when Nik was young. We got Trey when she was about a year, and it went very smoothly. She's dominant, he's the most submissive dog ever, I think and we had no problems. Throwing Beau in the mix when Nikki and Trey were 8 years was harder. We were all set in our ways and Nikki was like... 'WTH is this?' It worked out, but it took more time for them to get along. When Harry came when Beau was 2 and Nikki and Trey were 10 it was easier again. I guess they hadn't been used to being the only ones for so long. Beau's status in Nikki's eyes also went up- he became the lesser of two evils and she never growls or chases him anymore. (She can't catch either of them anyways). No matter how many puppies we add, Trey would never be remotely dominant towards them and would let them walk all over him.

I think the breaking point is three. Once you have three it seems much easier to add more and more. Three gets pretty hectic, but it's wonderful.

 

[showpug]

OMG...if you get a Griffon, I will be severely jealous and pouting!!

 

[girlbuffalo1]

You should get one showpug--what's another dog in that happy family of yours?

I messaged the foster mom yesterday afternoon and haven't heard back yet...why is this making mr antsy!?!

 

[Lizmo]

I love having more than one dog, but that's just me.

 

[showpug]

You should get one showpug--what's another dog in that happy family of yours?

I messaged the foster mom yesterday afternoon and haven't heard back yet...why is this making mr antsy!?!

Don't tempt me! I do forsee one of these guys in my life in the future.

Keep us posted. I am excited for you!

 

[Gempress]

Pros: Read a few of my Horsemen stories! :lol-sign:

Cons: Read a few of my Horsemen stories! :yikes:

 

[Denaluvscorgis]

I have two dogs, a Corgi and a Dachshund. They were both puppies when we got them. They're the best of friends!!!! The only con with the two of them is the vet bills, but we usually just budget for the expected things...it's tough when the unexpected come up. I wouldn't trade it for anything though...they're great companions to eachother.

 

[Whisper]

The challenges of having more than one dog is so rewardable and worth everything for me. They cost more, obviously; food, vet bills/vaccinations, supplies are multiplied.
But I love having 2 dogs. I want a third eventually.
They each have their own characterisitcs, personalities, and things you love about them. They keep eachother company, and if they get along watching them interact and communicate and so enjoyable. I love watching my girls play and do zoomies up and down the hall. I love taking them for hikes and watching them both enjoy it. I love having them both cuddle up with me.
They have exercise, bonding, walks, and training together, but also individual walks and training sessions, etc. They each still need their individual interactions with you.
You don't divide love, you just "grow" more love to spread on to the new one.