Another Puppy Question

[clarabelle]

We talking about getting a puppy
We have had several people say "Two are easier to raise than one"
Is that really true? Would you get two of the same gender or one of each?
Do dogs get lonely without another dog?
Thanks!

 

[luvwinnie]

I've never had two at the same time...but I cannot imagine it's EASIER! Certainly more expensive...it would be nice for them to have company though. I'd get them from the same litter.

 

[labdogs42]

Most dog trainers would recommend NOT getting two dogs at once, especially not littermates. Littermates will tend to bond to one another instead of to their new owners. One puppy is enough work without having to work with two at once. I'd go for one and if you love having a dog and want it to have a buddy, get another one in a few months.

BTW, dog training is a big hobby of mine and I also teach puppy yclasses, basic obedience and some agility classes. I own two Labs that are 1 year apart.

 

[TheDisneyTraveler06]

We have 2 dogs. It was a lot easier on our puppy to have an older dog in the house. They keep eachother company. I would recommend 2 dogs. That's just me.

 

[preshi]

I made the mistake of letting DH talk me into two littermate puppies. While I love them to death they are such a handful.

 

[sue1013]

I wouldn't get 2 the same age one puppy is enough for me to train at a time. We have had 2 dogs. Our older dog was 6 when we got the puppy. It was the easiest puppy we ever trained. He followed the older dog we really didn't have much training to do at all.

 

[kwdietrich1]

Well, I raised two female littermates from birth(our older maltese gave birth to just two females; we kept them both!). They are 9 years old. I will have to say they were a lot easier to raise and train than Sophie our newest edition. They both contented each other, never whined at night, and are well behaved. Both Hailey and Chelsey are very attached to one another as well as to my DH, DMIL and myself! If you have the resources and patience, I would recommend getting two of the same sex from the same litter. I had a positive experience, but I realize it might not be for everyone. Good luck with your decision

 

[clarabelle]

Thanks everyone!
I think we may get one now and maybe add another later

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

Most dog trainers would recommend NOT getting two dogs at once, especially not littermates. Littermates will tend to bond to one another instead of to their new owners. One puppy is enough work without having to work with two at once. I'd go for one and if you love having a dog and want it to have a buddy, get another one in a few months.

BTW, dog training is a big hobby of mine and I also teach puppy yclasses, basic obedience and some agility classes. I own two Labs that are 1 year apart.

Exactly. The general advice from dog show people is to put one obedience/conformation/agility title between dogs. Basically, get a puppy and make sure you have it trained very well before you get a new puppy.

 

[EEYOREMAMA]

It is never a good idea to train more than one at a time, especially if you're a newbie puppy owner.

A puppy will train easier, faster and be more family-oriented if there is no competition with another dog. Littermates are struggling for attention and will not be as loving a family pet as you are hoping for.

Take the time and train one at a time. Each one will have the chance to become that family pet that will cherish. Good luck

 

[ohiominnie]

Most dog trainers would recommend NOT getting two dogs at once, especially not littermates. Littermates will tend to bond to one another instead of to their new owners.

This is exactly what I was gonig to post. Well said!

I have also heard you want that new puppy to bond to YOU, not another dog. While it'd be nice for the two puppies to wear each other out, it can also cause problems when the two dogs work together to destroy something!! Friends of ours got two littermate labs. When they were finally convinced they could be trusted out of the crate, they left them alone for an hour. The two dogs ATE THROUGH A WALL!! So they had a big hole between their kitchen and their livingroom!!!!