How do I know if I should get another dog?

[Wonders10]

Hi everyone,
I currently have a 2 yr old standard poodle. She is most definitely an alpha dog, sometimes over us too, but overall she is an insanely friendly, smart, good natured dog. For the past few months, I've been really thinking about getting another dog. I still live with my mom while I'm getting my masters so she has a say in it too since its her house and she will take care of the dogs as well. Most of the time, she thinks its a bad idea, but sometimes I think she has considered it herself. I think some of her concern is extra cost (we have to have our dog groomed every 6 weeks, plus boarding her (or them) at their "hotel" while we go away, etc.) I'm not worried about the cost, but I think we are both wondering how our dog would react to have another animal to compete with for attention. She is a very spoiled little girl LOL. When we see other dogs when we are out, she usually cries and wants to go near them if they are far away from us or she just sniffs them and moves on. Little dogs really freak her out though, but I would definitely not get a little dog - I think she thinks they are toys that move. She doesn't touch them, just gets in her play position (butt in the air and head down) and barks at them. Anyway - thoughts on this? I know there are lots of animal lovers on these boards! Thanks for the help!

*Shannon

 

[mommy*RN]

That's a toughie...do you have any friends who have a dog they could bring over to interact with your pup? We have 2 dogs, but we got them within 2-3 months of one another.

This is going to sound silly, but if you find a pup you want to get - let the doggy play with a flannel blanket or something and then bring the blanket home to your dog. Let her sniff it and such, but don't let her play "rough" with it or chew on it. This is the recommendation to new parents bringing home a baby with dogs in the house. We did it with both of our kids to let our dogs know there was someone new on the way. They do pretty well with our kids (the littler dog just hides...).

I hope someone else here can offer you better advice...mine is just silly sounding even to me!

Good luck in your decision!

 

[Wonders10]

No I have actually heard of that! We would definitely have a trial run or meeting of some sort somewhere before anything permanent was done. If we got a dog, it would probably be another standard poodle since that is what we know and like, but anything mixed with a standard poodle (labradoodle, goldendoodle, schnoodle, etc.) are also options since they have lots of poodle qualities and are soooo freakin' cute!

ETA: I see in your sig you have a Penelope in your family - I had a cat named Penelope for close to 18 years. It's such a cute name and you hardly ever hear it.

*Shannon

 

[Tigger&Belle]

We hadn't planned on getting a second dog and only got one because my sister needed a home for her dog (long story, but an abusive marriage ended and my sister drove her dog from Idaho to Maryland to see how she'd react to our dog and cats, not even knowing for sure if it would work). It was the best decision for our existing dog and has added years to his life. He has really enjoyed having a buddy to play with. He was not an alpha dog, however. Sheena (our second dog) is alpha, so when Magic dies, if we were to get another dog that's something that we'd have to think about. Good luck in your decision!

 

[Ready to go in Ok]

I have a doxie who is absolutely an alpha dog. The only creature higher than him on his hierarchy is me.

I found another little guy that had been at the pet store for 4 months. I just tossed and turned thinking of this poor little guy losing all of his siblings and his mom, then being isolated in this metal cage for 4 months and it killed me. I went back a week later, and he was still there, so I brought him home.

Honestly, I didn't give a lot of thought to how my other doxie would react, I just wanted this little guy to have a home. My 1st doxie definitely was a bully at first until the pecking order was established, but once that was taken care of they became inseperable.

Best decision I ever made. I don't know if it made a difference that they were the same breed, but my poor little 2nd doxie was so skittish from being poked and prodded at by people in the pet store, there was no problem with the 2 of them establishing who the alpha male was going to be.

But the joke is on my alpha dog.......my timid little doxie just quietly hops in my lap and gets the lion's share of the attention, while my alpha dog is so busy making sure everyone else knows who's boss, he never realizes what is really going on.

 

[poohandwendy]

I think that you need to think about the current circumstances and future circumstances, because it sounds like there will be changes due to your education.

You say that your mother has misgivings about the idea, like the costs involved. Would she be the one who foots the bill or would you? If she is the person who would be paying for the dog and because it is her house, I really think the decision should be primarily hers.

And would you eventually be getting your own place? And which dog/s would come with you, if any? These sort of changes really can affect dogs, important to think about it.

But, bottom line...I think since you are living in your mothers home, she should be totally on board with it before you even think about it.

As far as personality goes, it's so hard to predict what wil happen. Some dogs do really well with a companion, some just do not like it and will ignore or even bully the 'new' dog. Sometimes the new dog is the problem. I think introducing on neutral territory is always a good idea, in the beginning. Just to see f they tolerate each other at all.

 

[Wonders10]

I think that you need to think about the current circumstances and future circumstances, because it sounds like there will be changes due to your education.

You say that your mother has misgivings about the idea, like the costs involved. Would she be the one who foots the bill or would you? If she is the person who would be paying for the dog and because it is her house, I really think the decision should be primarily hers.

And would you eventually be getting your own place? And which dog/s would come with you, if any? These sort of changes really can affect dogs, important to think about it.

But, bottom line...I think since you are living in your mothers home, she should be totally on board with it before you even think about it.

As far as personality goes, it's so hard to predict what wil happen. Some dogs do really well with a companion, some just do not like it and will ignore or even bully the 'new' dog. Sometimes the new dog is the problem. I think introducing on neutral territory is always a good idea, in the beginning. Just to see f they tolerate each other at all.

You're right about my mom which is why I mentioned it in my OP. I have a good year and a half before I will be finished with my masters degree and I'm not planning on moving out anytime soon before then. I take my dog to her Vet appt, the groomers, etc and pay the bills, then my mom will usually write me a check for some or half of it. It is sort of understood that when I do move out, Phoebe (our dog) will stay here with my mom. Not because I don't want her but I think she is slightly more attached to my mom than me, by just a hair. Plus, this is the house she has always lived in and there is no need to flip her world upside down with a move. I do plan on living close to my mom but thats another story. Anyway, that is another issue to consider - if we got another dog, I absolutely don't think I could separate them when I move out which means that my mom would have 2 full grown large dogs to take care of. Granted, I have always promised to help financially once I move out, but my mom will still end up actually taking care of them. And I understand that, but my mom talks as though she is turning 80 sometime soon and will be an invalid (sp?) when I move out LOL. She's not even 60 yet, very active, and she fails to realize that as she ages so will the dogs. And worse case scenario, I would be more than happy to take in Phoebe and her possible little brother if I needed to. My mom is so wishy washy. For instance, we always go into this one puppy store next to Pet Supermarket. The last time they had a black male labradoodle, great price, good age, adorable - she was all over him! Then we left. And the next day she says "I wonder if they would let us bring Phoebe in to play with that dog and see how they got along". WTH!?! Then a few hours later, she says that its fun to talk about but might not be a good idea.

My point is I would never ever just bring a dog home without asking my mom. She is absolutely part of the process - heck, Phoebe is part of the process. I guess I'm just looking for other people to tell me when or why they got their second dog. We do talk about it a lot, but then one of us will just drop it. A couple days later, it comes up again. So that's the real quandary. Thanks so far for your advice.

*Shannon

 

[mommy*RN]

No I have actually heard of that! We would definitely have a trial run or meeting of some sort somewhere before anything permanent was done. If we got a dog, it would probably be another standard poodle since that is what we know and like, but anything mixed with a standard poodle (labradoodle, goldendoodle, schnoodle, etc.) are also options since they have lots of poodle qualities and are soooo freakin' cute!

ETA: I see in your sig you have a Penelope in your family - I had a cat named Penelope for close to 18 years. It's such a cute name and you hardly ever hear it.

*Shannon

Penelope (or Penny as we call her) was rescue through 4 paw animal transport. She was a puppy, and according to the papers we got her mom was a dalmation and her dad was a shar pei - I don't think so. They actually named her, and I liked it so it stuck. She only gets called Penelope when she is in trouble!

Simon I kinda snuck in there. As a kid we had a Peekapoo named Benji. I loved that dog! I always wanted a Peekapoo myself, but couldn't find any. About 3 months after we adopted Penny I saw an ad in our paper for Peekapoos. I had to go. Then I saw Simon and knew he was for me!

Penny was always a good dog. VERY easy to train. She only had 1 poop accident on the floor and that is becuz she had tape worms when we got her (that was sooooo gross!). Even now when she has to puke she knows to do it on the kitchen tile. They do "bicker" with each other. Simon likes to think he is alpha-dog, but it's really a toss up. Penny likes to pounce on him when they are outside...then they "fight" but it doesn't last long and it's never caused injuries.

We crated Simon when we first got him and Penny would sleep by the crate every night. He hated it and would cry and she would try to lick him. She is such a mom! Even when I brought my first baby home we used to sleep him in the bassinette downstairs in the family room. Penny would lay by the bassinette and the MINUTE she sensed movement or heard something she was looking at me like, "Mom - get him - he's gonna cry - help him mom!" She was my mini-mommy!

Anyhoo - since I am bragging so much about my pooches - here's their pics...

This is Penny - not very "Shar Pei" as we were told. I'm thinking her dad was a shepherd of some sort becuz she can SHED! I hate the glowy eyes...freaky!

This is Simon - lazing around as usual. He is such an indoor dog! He was black with very few little patches of light brown - but now he is gray gray gray!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I have 2 dogs. Having 2 is alot more work and expense. We got our dogs at 4 months old together as rescues.

The real issue here is since you are planning on moving out, I would not get another dog.

 

[Hercules10]

I've got a male Shepherd who's been king-pin since day one. He's very protective and aggressive if any other dog that he doesn't know approaches us. However he's OK with his four-legged neighbors (I.e. he knows them) and will get down on his belly to play with them.

Sooooo when we decide to add to the family we decided it had to be a pup so that the pup could kinda grow into the family and he could get used to the pup.

Today the female acts like she's in control, but when it comes down to the real tests of food, playthings and lead she always allows him to go first.

Short: I think if you get a pup you should be fine.

Female is on the left. The male is on the right (in back)

 

[clutter]

My cockapoo LOVES other dogs. But they'd come over to play, they didn't play by HER rules, and she was totally over them. But for some reason, I debated for months and months about getting a second dog. Finally I bit the bullet and got a 12 week old 'poo puppy. I don't know if it's because he's the same breed, or if it's because she had the opportunity to 'train' him, but boy oh boy do they love to play together. One thing that I noticed is that puppyhood is easier with an older dog around.

Now, that said, here's the mom in me. Seeing as one or both dogs will eventually be left with your mom, it's gotta be her decision. She'll have your help for another year and a half, then she's on her own. Now, I'm not saying that it's a bad decision (I don't think that it is), but it is hers to make. Sorry.

 

[Thrawn]

it seems to me that you have money issues first you say money isnt an issue then you say that you have to help your mom out. this doesnt make sense at all.

 

[DznyFan]

Something to bear in mind if you have a strong alpha dog:
Our current dog, an extra-large Golden, came to us by way of a rescue organization. They placed him with us specifically, because we had no other dogs in the household. He had been placed twice prior to us, and neither time worked out because of his strong alpha nature. I could definitely see that with him when we first got him. He has worked out fine in our home, and after three years had become a total gentleman. You could have a problem bringing another dog into the mix, depending on your poodle's nature. Not saying you WILL, but it is a possibility. Some dogs just can't deal with another in the home.

My cat, on the other hand, puts the 100+ pound alpha Golden in his place.

 

[Wonders10]

it seems to me that you have money issues first you say money isnt an issue then you say that you have to help your mom out. this doesnt make sense at all.

Money isn't an issue in the sense that we are claiming we can't afford it. My mom always uses it as an excuse and I keep trying to tell her that even with the added expense of another dog, we can afford it and I would be more than willing to help after I move out if the dogs stayed with her (if she needed or wanted it). Bottom line - money really isn't the #1 factor in us deciding to get or not get a dog.

And while we are on the subject, me moving out really isn't an issue as far as my mom and I are concerned. It does come up but truthfully that would not be the only thing keeping us from getting another dog. I think most of the worry is for our current dog - that she will change since she won't be the only little princess in the house, etc. I know cats are not dogs but this is exactly what happened to my cat years ago when my mom brought home a stray kitten. Our first cat was never the same.

 

[Wonders10]

Something to bear in mind if you have a strong alpha dog:
Our current dog, an extra-large Golden, came to us by way of a rescue organization. They placed him with us specifically, because we had no other dogs in the household. He had been placed twice prior to us, and neither time worked out because of his strong alpha nature. I could definitely see that with him when we first got him. He has worked out fine in our home, and after three years had become a total gentleman. You could have a problem bringing another dog into the mix, depending on your poodle's nature. Not saying you WILL, but it is a possibility. Some dogs just can't deal with another in the home.

My cat, on the other hand, puts the 100+ pound alpha Golden in his place.

Well she is an alpha dog by what I would consider an alpha dog to be. We got her from a breeder and she is not aggressive or anything negative. But there are times that she likes to tell us what to do - take me out, throw the ball, give me a snack, etc that I think are a little alpha-like of her. But I would most definitely want Phoebe to be the boss over any new dog we may get in the future if they can't be equals - hope that makes sense.

ETA: Just realized that this sounds like since we got her from a breeder, she can't have problems. LOL. Totally not what I meant. I actually meant that since we got her as a puppy from the breeder we know her "home" history (we are her history).

 

[minkydog]

If you are still living at home finishing up your schooling, this isn't a good time to bring in a new dog. Even an older dog needs a lot of attention until he settles in. Your mother may be "only 60" but she is the one who will be with the dogs all the time. If SHE wants another dog, fine. But it's not your place to ask. Until you get your own place, no more pets.

 

[poohandwendy]

Well she is an alpha dog by what I would consider an alpha dog to be. We got her from a breeder and she is not aggressive or anything negative. But there are times that she likes to tell us what to do - take me out, throw the ball, give me a snack, etc that I think are a little alpha-like of her. But I would most definitely want Phoebe to be the boss over any new dog we may get in the future if they can't be equals - hope that makes sense.

First of all, thanks for the clarification on my earlier post. I understand the situation better now.

As to the above, there is no way to predict, guarantee or expect a specific hierachy when it comes to dogs relationships. It isn't something you can do anything about. It has more to do with their temperment and personalities. Sometimes age, sex, size can be factors. It is something they work out amongst themselves and you will only realize over time which one 'won' the role of alpha.

It is unlikely you will have equals with two dogs that are not of the same litter (even then it is not necessarily likely)

Bottom line, it does not matter what dog is alpha as long as there is harmony in the home.

Good luck whatever decision you make!

 

[Wonders10]

If you are still living at home finishing up your schooling, this isn't a good time to bring in a new dog. Even an older dog needs a lot of attention until he settles in. Your mother may be "only 60" but she is the one who will be with the dogs all the time. If SHE wants another dog, fine. But it's not your place to ask. Until you get your own place, no more pets.

I get what you are saying about me moving out, my mom having to do more of the work for them, etc., but I am a 26 yr old woman. Why exactly do I have no place to ask if she is interested in getting another dog? I wrote the $1500 check when we got her and drove her home, I took her to the Vet when she was attacked by our neighbor's dogs, and the bill is on my charge card, I pick her up at the doggy hotel after we come back from vacations and foot the bill, I drop her off at the groomers, pick her up and again, pay the bill. I just want it clear that I most definitely play a large part in this dog's life and me asking the person I am living with, who happens to be my mother, to consider getting another one, isn't that shocking of a request.

It is ultimately her decision, I will give you that. But I'm starting to feel like a child who wants another puppy because they are "so cute". Trust me, this is not the case. I'm not trying to sound mean if anyone takes that to be the case, but I do take things personally, and right now, I'm starting to feel like a child. And I'm not really sure if anyone is really answering what I want answered LOL. I get it, I'm moving out in a few years. But it isn't set in stone who Phoebe (and her potential little brother/sister) would live with. I brought up moving to Orlando and few months ago and one of the first things out of my mom's mouth was (in a shy voice) "well, would you bring Phoebe with you?" - my mom gets lonely enough as it is with no one around. I don't think I could really bear to take Phoebe out of her house at the same time I'm leaving.

With that said, let's pretend I'm living with my mom forever and money is no object (which technically money is not a huge issue as I already stated) - now answer the original question please.

 

[Jockaroo]

We decided to get a second Scottish Terrier after we bought our house. Honestly, hubby talked about it more than I did, because I was content with Mac and did not want to upset his world. Mac was 6 years old. We did research and determined that in our case we wanted an adult dog that would not pester Mac. We also decided that a female would cause fewer territory issues. We adopted Tipper when she was 4 years old. She had a wonderful life in her first home, but her owner passed away. We did the introductions in a neutral area, allowed them to smell towels and toys with the other's scent, etc. Except for a small scar on one pup's nose--which we refer to as the "animal cracker incident", there was no blood shed or trauma, besides a few growls over toys which were promptly ended. If Mac started baring his teeth, the toy disappeared, because I am the boss! Honestly, Mac pretty much ignored Tipper for the first few weeks. We made sure to give him lots of love, attention and affection as he adjusted to his new pal.

If you have one dog in your home, it is the alpha dog. Adding an additional dog to the mix will have the dogs determine who is alpha. It is not important to the dog to be the alpha, only to know his/her place in the pack. Once the alpha is determined, the dogs are fine. The pack position may change as the dogs age, or if one becomes ill. In our case, since Tipper was very timid and insecure, we figured that Mac would be the alpha. We let them work things out, which we believe was accomplished with the before mentioned "animal cracker incident." As alpha Mac is always given a treat first, Tipper second. If there are 2 toys, Mac picks first, Tipper gets seconds. But never, in any way, is Mac allowed to take a treat or toy from Tipper.

When an opposite sex dog is introduced, you will have an alpha male and an alpha female with one being the dominate dog. The biggest problems come from introducing the same sex dog--there can not be 2 alpha females or 2 alpha males. With the same sex animals, you may have more fights, especially with unneutered males, as they determine the pack order.

Only you and your mother can decide if adding a new dog to your family is the right thing. Best wishes with your decision. Tipper is sitting on my lap right now and I know we made the right choice.

 

[maddiemouse]

For instance, we always go into this one puppy store next to Pet Supermarket. The last time they had a black male labradoodle, great price, good age, adorable - she was all over him!

Please just be aware that this puppy is most likely the product of a puppy mill or a backyard breeder. No reputable breeder would ever allow one of their puppies to be sold through a pet store. And a labradoodle is a high priced mutt. Nothing against mutts, Ms. Maddie herself is one, and is the best dog in the world, IM(and her)HO. But that's the truth of the matter.
So if you pay big bucks for a pet shop puppy, while you are performing a rescue IMO, they have a lot better chance of finding a home than the pups at your local humane society, who will most likely be put down if not adopted.
Why don't you check them out?