2 Dogs?.....Is there a negative?

[PrincessKitty1]

My only concern now is that when the Jack Russell passes because he is much older, how sad our mix will be. He only knows his Jack Russell brother.

Our pitbull-mix was totally devastated when we had to put down our German Shepherd mix two years ago. (The pitbull was the puppy and the shepherd was the adult we adopted from the pound.) His personality really changed, from a happy-go-lucky (loved to go to the vet! Loved to go anywhere! Not afraid of anything!) pup to a whiny, lonely dog. He is totally an inside dog now (does not like to be outside by himself) and has warmed up to the cat a bit, but mainly wants to hang out with us humans constantly.

 

[Crankyshank]

We have 2 beagles and aside from the extra expense the only downside is that they work together. Great as far as keeping each other company. Not so good when it comes to getting into trouble

I would bring your dog with you to the shelter to see how he gets along with the other dog. It really depends on the personality of the 2nd dog.

 

[I Love Pluto]

We have always had 2 dogs. Presently we have 2 male cockerpoos - each 8 years old. We took the then six-month-old puppy to pick out the second dog. They are the best of friends.

My only advice is to bring the other dog with you if possible. This way, you can see if it they can get along, or if it's instant fighting.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We had one dog and I made the decision that when Magic got old and died, that I would stick to cats. Then my sister needed a home for her dog and we agreed to give it a go. She drove her all the way here from Idaho and Sheena has been a part of our family for a few years. I wouldn't trade having more than one dog for anything now (even though I still think that cats are easier).

Sheena has been a great playmate for Magic and I know has kept him "younger". Magic was starting to age before we got Sheena and I have no doubt that he wouldn't be with us still if we hadn't taken Sheena in. Yes, they do pick up bad habits from each other, but they are also great companions and really keep each other company. Our dogs are very much house dogs and part of the family, but it's fun to see them romp around the backyard together.

The biggest negatives are the vet bills, the kennel bills (Sheena hates the kennel, so we make other arrangements now ), and the poop. And crap, do they poop. The positives are great!

Good luck in your decision!

 

[Todd&Copper]

DH and & have two collies and they get along wonderfully - like bread & butter; peas & carrots; peanut butter & jelly; lamb & tuna fish (TM Big Daddy).

We got our second dog to keep our first one company while we were at work all day, and it was one of the best choices we ever made.
If you decide to adopt another dog, make sure your dog and the new dog first meet somewhere other than in your house/yard, and even if they do not shower each other with affection at first, they may very well become best friends after some time and adjustment.

Good luck!

 

[qtwns]

I vote for having 2 dogs. We rescued our pit mix and she was wonderful, but definatly needed a canine buddy (we don't like to play-wrestle in the yard as much as she'd like.) We adopted our male lab mix and they are best friends. Our male had to spend the day at the vet, and our other dog moped around looking for him--and I was home with her all day long. They love their people, but they love having each other too. I have to agree with a previous poster--don't not get 2 females, especially since they haven't been totally raised together. That "dominate female dog" thing is unbelievable and not in a good way. Our neighbor has a very dominate female German Shepard. Our dogs used to play well together, but our neighbor's dog decided that she was going to be the alpha b!t(h in the neighborhood. Our female has been on the losing end a couple of times (and these are dogs that are indoors mostly or in a fenced yard.)