I have been seriously considering (for a while now) adopting a play pal for Cody. I would be looking to to get a female (to avoid major conflicts) terrier of roughly equal size and age. My question is for those of you with multiple dogs, do you ever regret having more than one? Do you ever wish that you could go back to just one dog to care for? Thanks for your input.
Multiple Dogs, Yah or Nay?
- Thread starter Verminator
- Start date
I love both my dogs and would not regret getting two. I would just make sure that the dogs get along before adopting another. Bring your dog to the shelter, or rescue, for a meet and greet with it's prospective new playmate. My dogs for some reason just like to battle for dominance and will be fine for a couple days and then will do the whole fighting and mounting thing for a day or two.
I'm really glad we got two. I can't imagine how bored Boris would be without Tips. The only bad point about having two IMO is that it's sometimes harder to train them, as it's not always easy to seperate them, and that it's harder for walks etc. But I have no regret at all, I'm even thinking about #3 in a few years 
Generally, two dogs are pretty easy to care for, as long as they are two females. Two males or a male and a female can sometimes be pretty tough, and you may not be able to have two. Room is another thing. Will there be enough room for both dogs? Dogs love to run..you probably already know that. I once had two dogs... Wendy and Sheba (we had to put Sheba to sleep, she had hip problems and was very agressive towards humans), they both got along fine...
Sometimes I do think "dear gawd, this is SO much work", and that it was easier when I only had Ripley.
Having multiple dogs is more expensive, there is more yard cleanup more often, more grooming, more food, more barking, more shedding, and squabbles between the two of them.
However I can say from experience that the good far outweighs the bad. It is more work and more money, but it is also more love and MUCH more fun.
Having multiple dogs is more expensive, there is more yard cleanup more often, more grooming, more food, more barking, more shedding, and squabbles between the two of them.
However I can say from experience that the good far outweighs the bad. It is more work and more money, but it is also more love and MUCH more fun.
Frankly I've heard the same things about people having two females and two males fight-wise, I haven't seen it though... I think it depends much more on the character of the dog than their sex.
Other than that, I would go as far as saying that I can't imagine having just one dog. Just as having just one child. I think it's important for them to have someone else to play with that understands them. Plus they really wear each other out, which is better if you don't have that much time to excercise the dog everyday. So mostly IMO one dog is fine if the owners spends at least 4-5 hours a day taking care of it, if not two is better.
Other than that, I would go as far as saying that I can't imagine having just one dog. Just as having just one child. I think it's important for them to have someone else to play with that understands them. Plus they really wear each other out, which is better if you don't have that much time to excercise the dog everyday. So mostly IMO one dog is fine if the owners spends at least 4-5 hours a day taking care of it, if not two is better.
The male/male thing depends largely on the personalities of the dogs in question. I live with two boys, one is intact and one is neutered. My neutered dog has a very dominant personality, and he is usually the instigator of squabbles in my house. The extreme size difference in my dogs is the only thing that causes me to split up their little arguments, otherwise they are harmless.
In some working breeds breeders do not like to place a male in a household with a male of the same, or a similar breed. I never really heard that about females though, that is interesting.
In some working breeds breeders do not like to place a male in a household with a male of the same, or a similar breed. I never really heard that about females though, that is interesting.
Until I lost my Bubba, I've had more than 2 dogs for over 40 years. It seems odd to me just having Chip. It does depend on the breed. At one time I had 3 males and 2 females Goldens. All intact. We never had any fights between any of them. On top of them, I kept another male for a friend for 6 months, and boarded 2 girls. Having 7 or 8 around wasn't unusual. Luckily we had a huge house !
I have had a household of 4 dogs for the last 15 years or so, for me, the house seemed awfully quiet when I'd lose one to old age, so off I'd go, in search of a 4th.
The "cons" of having 4, are, the expense, the clean up, but that's about it in my book.
The "pros" are so rewarding, they are a hoot to watch with their antics, I have a blast training them/working them in different venues, they are all
differing personalities and each has it's own niche in my life.
Don't get me wrong, there are days I think, gosh if I only had two!
As for the gender thing, I have two females, two males, aussies & GSD"s, one of each gender. I have always had male dogs, multiple male dogs with absolutely no problems, the girlz do have their spats occassionally, but it's no major thing.
Again, as far as gender, I'd rather have two males, vs two females who can be real "bitches". I say go for a temperament that will compliment the dog you have now, if you have a pushy male, make sure you don't get another pushy one, etc. A good breeder will match a puppy to your existing lifestyle.
I also tend to wait atleast 2 years in between dogs, I like to have the ones I have, in a place, obedience wise, before I introduce a "green" dog into the pack.
Diane
The "cons" of having 4, are, the expense, the clean up, but that's about it in my book.
The "pros" are so rewarding, they are a hoot to watch with their antics, I have a blast training them/working them in different venues, they are all
differing personalities and each has it's own niche in my life.
Don't get me wrong, there are days I think, gosh if I only had two!
As for the gender thing, I have two females, two males, aussies & GSD"s, one of each gender. I have always had male dogs, multiple male dogs with absolutely no problems, the girlz do have their spats occassionally, but it's no major thing.
Again, as far as gender, I'd rather have two males, vs two females who can be real "bitches". I say go for a temperament that will compliment the dog you have now, if you have a pushy male, make sure you don't get another pushy one, etc. A good breeder will match a puppy to your existing lifestyle.
I also tend to wait atleast 2 years in between dogs, I like to have the ones I have, in a place, obedience wise, before I introduce a "green" dog into the pack.
Diane
I enjoy having 3 dogs. Will probably get a 4th in the next couple years. Another Lab........I think.
It is more work, more time spent training and retraining. Cost is more. And cleaning up is more( vaccuming, sweeping, and scoopering). Problems do arise occasionally and you just have to deal with them. In my experience 2 females fight with each other more than 2 males (but they were neutered by six months, that was along time ago). I think the best way to go is a male and female, but I think it helps if the dominance in the pack compliments each other. If that makes any sense.
Now the good things, They play together, they groom each other, and have a companion when their people are not available. A real bond forms between 2 dogs that compliment each other. I am very proud of all my dogs manners when it comes to people, and I get complimented often. I have been having some problems lately with Charlie and Rocket barking at other dogs from a distance, but if they do meet then they are both fine. This started lately and I am not sure why. I can really say I will always be a multiple dog family, cause I think I always have room for one more.
But I will say, you really have to be a dog lover if you think more than one dog will work for your family. And I think any current dog should be completely trained/housebroken before considering another, it will make it easier, and less likely the first dog will regress.
Julie.
It is more work, more time spent training and retraining. Cost is more. And cleaning up is more( vaccuming, sweeping, and scoopering). Problems do arise occasionally and you just have to deal with them. In my experience 2 females fight with each other more than 2 males (but they were neutered by six months, that was along time ago). I think the best way to go is a male and female, but I think it helps if the dominance in the pack compliments each other. If that makes any sense.
Now the good things, They play together, they groom each other, and have a companion when their people are not available. A real bond forms between 2 dogs that compliment each other. I am very proud of all my dogs manners when it comes to people, and I get complimented often. I have been having some problems lately with Charlie and Rocket barking at other dogs from a distance, but if they do meet then they are both fine. This started lately and I am not sure why. I can really say I will always be a multiple dog family, cause I think I always have room for one more.
But I will say, you really have to be a dog lover if you think more than one dog will work for your family. And I think any current dog should be completely trained/housebroken before considering another, it will make it easier, and less likely the first dog will regress.
Julie.
I love having three dogs it is a little nioser then just the one because the girls LOVE to play together but the girls get along fine and as long as Comet isnt being a grouchy old man he gets a long fine to it is awsome to watch them play
With two dogs you get ...twice the fun,twice the energy, twice the food bill, twice the vet bill ,twice poop, twice the love , and lets not forget twice the laughs
With two dogs you get ...twice the fun,twice the energy, twice the food bill, twice the vet bill ,twice poop, twice the love , and lets not forget twice the laughs