How many before a puppy?

[Babyblue5290]

I was just curious, what are your guys' opinions on how many dogs should be owned before taking on a young puppy? Do you think a person should own at least one older dog before getting a puppy? And I mean a puppy around 8 weeks old to be younger. And I know it's different for everyone but in general what do you think? 1? 2? 3?

Thanks

 

[Dizzy]

Well.. I jumped in at the deep end. Bodhi was my first puppy

I had grown up with family dogs, but that was all.

 

[jess2416]

My family had 2 adult dogs before, but Chloe was the first dog that was "mine" and she was (still is) a puppy... I think I did jump in the deep end, but I wouldnt trade Chloe for anything...

 

[zoe08]

I got both my dogs as puppies, but the first one (stayed at my parents) I did not have a clue and neither did my parents. This time when I got Zoe as a puppy I took her to training classes and stuff and did research on food and everything and made sure I was doing it right. I prefer to get them as puppies.

 

[aelizilly]

You know I can admit that I jumped into getting my puppy a little too soon also. I was checking out the breed and had gone to see one of the puppy's for the heck of it, and of course fell in love with him instantly. If I had it to do over again, I would have got an older rescue dog simply because puppy's are so much work. But, of course I wouldn't trade my Bailey for anything!

 

[Toller_08]

I think it depends on the person really...

 

[bubbatd]

I agree... it depends on the situation.

 

[Southpaw]

I think it really depends. I mean if you're pretty clueless about dogs...well I don't think you should get a dog no matter their age, but certainly not a puppy. Lucy is *my* first puppy--my mom has had tons of dogs and knows how to train them, but she is kind of leaving this up to me. I've been reading this forum since last July and have only had this puppy for a week...I have the experience of older dogs and have done almost a years worth of reading about puppies. So, I was a bit prepared for a puppy...but it definitely is a lot of work and I think a lot of people would be completely lost with a puppy if they've had no prior experience.

 

[Dobiegurl]

I think it depends on the person really...

I agree. Some people need more preperation before diving in and doing something. Chico is "my" first puppy but my family has had a share of both adult dogs and puppies.