Just went from one dog to two!

[katie01]

We have been tossing around the idea of adding a second dog to our family for awhile now, and have been looking at Petfinder and so forth. Saw one we were interested in the other day, met and were approved by the foster mom from rescue, and we are now the proud owner of a Papillon mix! It's another female and joins our female Shih tzu mix dog.

Not a lot is known about the dog's history other than that it is an owner surrender, and it was only in the foster mom's care for a few days. Everything checked out fine when she took it to the vet, and she seems like a sweetheart.

I am very happy we adopted her and our kids are over the moon, but I'm having that same panicked feeling like when we added our second child to the family, like, "How do I do all this?!"

We do not have a fenced yard which is obviously a huge disadvantage, we are going to get one but the fence company is booked up for months. We knew it would be challenging to walk two dogs, I think it will be fine, but it's weird not knowing the new dog's signals for having to go potty (the foster mom just let her out in her own fenced yard around her work schedule, and said he dog didn't have any accidents in her house), and she's peed in our house twice in the first few hours already. I expected that, but she also peed outside twice in those first few hours too, I'm guessing that's just nerves and not a sign of UTI or something?

Our first dog looks rather despondent, but is not showing any aggression, I think she'll like the new dog (I hope?) in time, as she seems to love my in law's dog when we visit. Our first dog came to us as a puppy and it was a long road to house train her, but we just had one dog, this is going to be a challenge taking them both out, keeping them from eating each other's food, and so on.

I'm rambling, I just want someone to tell me this is going to be ok LOL. Mainly that she will be house trained eventually and I also want to hear that two dogs are better than one

 

[sunshine1178]

We have been tossing around the idea of adding a second dog to our family for awhile now, and have been looking at Petfinder and so forth. Saw one we were interested in the other day, met and were approved by the foster mom from rescue, and we are now the proud owner of a Papillon mix! It's another female and joins our female Shih tzu mix dog.

Not a lot is known about the dog's history other than that it is an owner surrender, and it was only in the foster mom's care for a few days. Everything checked out fine when she took it to the vet, and she seems like a sweetheart.

I am very happy we adopted her and our kids are over the moon, but I'm having that same panicked feeling like when we added our second child to the family, like, "How do I do all this?!"

We do not have a fenced yard which is obviously a huge disadvantage, we are going to get one but the fence company is booked up for months. We knew it would be challenging to walk two dogs, I think it will be fine, but it's weird not knowing the new dog's signals for having to go potty (the foster mom just let her out in her own fenced yard around her work schedule, and said he dog didn't have any accidents in her house), and she's peed in our house twice in the first few hours already. I expected that, but she also peed outside twice in those first few hours too, I'm guessing that's just nerves and not a sign of UTI or something?

Our first dog looks rather despondent, but is not showing any aggression, I think she'll like the new dog (I hope?) in time, as she seems to love my in law's dog when we visit. Our first dog came to us as a puppy and it was a long road to house train her, but we just had one dog, this is going to be a challenge taking them both out, keeping them from eating each other's food, and so on.

I'm rambling, I just want someone to tell me this is going to be ok LOL. Mainly that she will be house trained eventually and I also want to hear that two dogs are better than one

Two dogs are better than one. They entertain each other, and double the cuddling opportunities.

 

[katie01]

Two dogs are better than one. They entertain each other, and double the cuddling opportunities.

Yes, we needed more cuddling opportunities, our kids were always fighting over who got to snuggle with the one dog

 

[dclpluto]

Even if a dog is potty train.some dogs want to mark their territory in a new home. Got another dog four months ago he was 8 months old as soon as he got into the house he pee. Hasn't did that since

 

[Liberty Belle]

Congratulations! What's her name?

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Yes, time is your friend. She needs time to settle in. Be careful about showering too much attention on the new dog - she's a newcomer to your home so you have a blank slate to start with, be sure to work towards developing "good" routines and habits. (Many people think "poor dog" and actually contribute to bad habits by "spoiling". Dogs live in the moment so start fresh the right way now that she's with you. She will live up to your expectations so keep them high.) Give your first dog the attention she's used to; the second dog should get attention when she does what you expect her to do, and that is behave well and go potty outside, etc. Praise then. (Naturally, include her in things, but just be careful not to give her all the attention, especially if she's not doing what you want her to do. Not to be unkind, but she has to sort of earn it. You might be surprised how fast she learns. And no worries, in dog language that means she learns what you want her to do, and earns praise by doing it. Otherwise, you can unintentionally reinforce bad behaviors. Over time, this will become less of an issue. But for now, you need to establish routines and respect with her if you want her to be a well-adjusted dog in your home.)

I'm going to caution you about food and treats. Sometimes two dogs together behave differently than they would individually. So even if your first dog had no food issues before, having "competition" around (you have to think the way dogs think) may cause some, especially if the other dog is or becomes (in your dog's eyes) "pushy", etc. Dogs do have their own hierarchies, and they seem to understand them instinctively; if one dog doesn't, or there is push back, then there can be problems. A special word of caution around "treats", especially bones and rawhides. They are VERY high value items to a dog and often they are willing to fight (in their eyes) over them. I would seriously just hold off on them for a while, while everyone adjusts to your new living situation. And if I did decide to give them later, for a while, I would make sure they are separated, and make sure the kids aren't "in the fray" anywhere nearby if there is a problem, as there can be a bite unintentionally. I realize some will think this is over the top, but, when you really know dogs, it's not.

Now the good news. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Didn't you start a thread several weeks ago saying you were frustrated in looking for a dog? (Was that you?) I know how hard that can be, and also know the feeling of like, "What have I done?" The first days and weeks are always the hardest and it's natural to have those feelings! In no time, it will be second nature. Best of luck! We need pictures, and periodic updates!

 

[Patch'sD]

Have had two dogs for many years. Walk them twice to three times daily now has new house has to many critters to leave them in the backyard. Within a few days they settled into the bathroom walks. So just get them used to the daily walks and they will be fine.

 

[katie01]

Attempting to post pics, not sure if both will post. One is of the new dog, and another with both dogs as close as I could get them for a pic, they look a lot alike

 

[katie01]

Just the new dog

 

[katie01]

Even if a dog is potty train.some dogs want to mark their territory in a new home. Got another dog four months ago he was 8 months old as soon as he got into the house he pee. Hasn't did that since

Thank you, so far so good today with no accidents, maybe it was just a territory marking thing

Congratulations! What's her name?

The rescue didn't know her original name, they transported her in from a kill shelter out of state, so she just had a "generic" name on the website. We think we are going to call her Daisy, our other dog is Sasha

Have had two dogs for many years. Walk them twice to three times daily now has new house has to many critters to leave them in the backyard. Within a few days they settled into the bathroom walks. So just get them used to the daily walks and they will be fine.

Thank you, good to hear a success story with walking more than one

 

[katie01]

Yes, time is your friend. She needs time to settle in. Be careful about showering too much attention on the new dog - she's a newcomer to your home so you have a blank slate to start with, be sure to work towards developing "good" routines and habits. (Many people think "poor dog" and actually contribute to bad habits by "spoiling". Dogs live in the moment so start fresh the right way now that she's with you. She will live up to your expectations so keep them high.) Give your first dog the attention she's used to; the second dog should get attention when she does what you expect her to do, and that is behave well and go potty outside, etc. Praise then. (Naturally, include her in things, but just be careful not to give her all the attention, especially if she's not doing what you want her to do. Not to be unkind, but she has to sort of earn it. You might be surprised how fast she learns. And no worries, in dog language that means she learns what you want her to do, and earns praise by doing it. Otherwise, you can unintentionally reinforce bad behaviors. Over time, this will become less of an issue. But for now, you need to establish routines and respect with her if you want her to be a well-adjusted dog in your home.)

I'm going to caution you about food and treats. Sometimes two dogs together behave differently than they would individually. So even if your first dog had no food issues before, having "competition" around (you have to think the way dogs think) may cause some, especially if the other dog is or becomes (in your dog's eyes) "pushy", etc. Dogs do have their own hierarchies, and they seem to understand them instinctively; if one dog doesn't, or there is push back, then there can be problems. A special word of caution around "treats", especially bones and rawhides. They are VERY high value items to a dog and often they are willing to fight (in their eyes) over them. I would seriously just hold off on them for a while, while everyone adjusts to your new living situation. And if I did decide to give them later, for a while, I would make sure they are separated, and make sure the kids aren't "in the fray" anywhere nearby if there is a problem, as there can be a bite unintentionally. I realize some will think this is over the top, but, when you really know dogs, it's not.

Now the good news. Congratulations! I'm so happy for you! Didn't you start a thread several weeks ago saying you were frustrated in looking for a dog? (Was that you?) I know how hard that can be, and also know the feeling of like, "What have I done?" The first days and weeks are always the hardest and it's natural to have those feelings! In no time, it will be second nature. Best of luck! We need pictures, and periodic updates!

Thank you so much, I knew you'd have lots of good advice! Yes, that was me asking about adding another dog awhile back, I probably had more than one thread about it I was getting discouraged because small dogs go super fast around here on rescue sites. Plus some of them are so picky in needing a fenced yard, or needing you to compile a dossier of your life story with pets plus a list of references and so forth. I know why they want to do it of course, for the good of the animals, but like I said the dogs we were interested in would all get adopted before we completed the hoop-jumping. There are tons of rescues in our area though, we ended up finding this dog on one that was so very nice and easy to work with. Very reasonable on their adoption fees as well. The foster mom told me she had scores of people calling on this dog, but I was he first to call, and everything looked like a good fit when she came out to the house, so we are very happy it worked out.

Both dogs are right next to me now, the new one off to the side and our "old dog" on my lap, so this's is progress.

Thanks for the advice on the food, I do think that is going to be the toughest part. Sasha is used to having her food bowl out all day and being able to eat when the mood strikes her, but Daisy has been eating once a day at the foster's house, and is trying to steal from Sasha's bowl. It's hard with our open house layout to separate the food dishes vey well

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Thank you so much, I knew you'd have lots of good advice! Yes, that was me asking about adding another dog awhile back, I probably had more than one thread about it I was getting discouraged because small dogs go super fast around here on rescue sites. Plus some of them are so picky in needing a fenced yard, or needing you to compile a dossier of your life story with pets plus a list of references and so forth. I know why they want to do it of course, for the good of the animals, but like I said the dogs we were interested in would all get adopted before we completed the hoop-jumping. There are tons of rescues in our area though, we ended up finding this dog on one that was so very nice and easy to work with. Very reasonable on their adoption fees as well. The foster mom told me she had scores of people calling on this dog, but I was he first to call, and everything looked like a good fit when she came out to the house, so we are very happy it worked out.

Both dogs are right next to me now, the new one off to the side and our "old dog" on my lap, so this's is progress.

Thanks for the advice on the food, I do think that is going to be the toughest part. Sasha is used to having her food bowl out all day and being able to eat when the mood strikes her, but Daisy has been eating once a day at the foster's house, and is trying to steal from Sasha's bowl. It's hard with our open house layout to separate the food dishes vey well

I know, it's hard trying to find a rescue! I've been frustrated as well. They are adorable!

 

[loves to dive]

We have a little yorkie who is an only dog but my son has two, a yorkie/poo and an Italian Greyhound/?. Both of his are rescue dogs. He got the first, yorkie/poo, when she was a tiny puppy and she was an only dog for about a year. He and his ex-wife worked long hours and Scarlett was often alone, which is not a good thing for yorkies so they got Rhett (yes we are from Georgia). Rhett has some issues with anxiety and was obviously abused but Scarlett didn't have too many problems adopting him. He is actually bigger than her now but they both eat out of the same dish and share treats often. It's funny when they come to our house because our dog thinks she is a big dog with them. Normally she is very submissive around others dogs but with those two she runs and jumps and plays and even growls at them if she thinks they are getting too much attention from us (we don't let her do this and she gets immediate punishments). She also has her bowls down all the time although she does get fed a wet food for breakfast. She has no problems with them eating her food. When we feed her breakfast we have to feed her in the bedroom because she won't eat that in front of them, we think it's because they are so active when it's put down and since they are bigger than her it kind of scares her. Other than that, food is not an issue. We will give all three a rawhide stick at the same time and they end up trading them all day, one will put theirs down and another dog will grab it. This usually goes on until Rhett picks up the spare one and eats it all up (he will eat anything). The only problems they have ever had with Rhett and Scarlett is if Scarlett has to go to the vet and Rhett is alone he will chew on carpet and doors because he can't be separated from her. All three dogs are potty pad trained although Rhett and Scarlett prefer to go outside and will ask. Our dog will only pee outside, she doesn't like anyone seeing her poop. We have a big yard but it is not fenced and we let all three out and have no problems with them running away. Scarlett will push the boundries until we tell her no but otherwise they stay in our yard and the same at home. We don't let Scarlett and Rhett out into the front yard at our house but our dog can go in both the back and front and will stay in the yard unless our next door neighbors are out, then all bets are off. That is only because on both sides of us they spoil her rotten and call her if they see her out there and she loves humans. I have her trained to come and stay by my side if I click my fingers and point. She will stay right by my side until I tell her she can go, I'm working on Rhett and Scarlett, Rhett is doing o.k. with it, Scarlett is stubborn but I'll get her there. They are all three treat trained for obedience, ours will not eat dog treats of any kind but loves beef jerky so that is her treat. The only problem my son has with having two is when it comes time to board them if he has to, it can get expensive.

 

[Tuffcookie]

OP, Congratulations! I too, went from 1 dog to 2 in April. Gracie was an only dog for 6 years until Molly joined the family. I knew there would be an adjustment for Gracie but I had no idea how long it would take! Gracie was very jealous of sharing my attention with Molly. I think things finally started getting better after Molly was spayed. Now Gracie loves having a sister and they are so cute chasing each other thru the house! I would recommend getting the fence as soon as you can. It makes housetraining go so much easier plus it gives them an area where they can run wild!

TC

 

[bellebud]

for fencing, you certainly don't need anything huge - these are tiny dogs. For now, I'd buy inexpensive fencing that you put up in a small area, just so you don't have to leash walk them. Even 1 or 2 baby-gate surrounds (my mom used that with her tiny dogs). Just somewhere they can be outside for 10 minutes.

We've always had 2 or 3 dogs at a time (I prefer 2). Never just one... too lonely for the dog. As for the feeding, we feed one in our kitchen and the other in our dining room at the same time. The competition makes them both eat right away. Your older one will get used to eating like that.

congratulations and good luck.

 

[katie01]

We have a little yorkie who is an only dog but my son has two, a yorkie/poo and an Italian Greyhound/?. Both of his are rescue dogs. He got the first, yorkie/poo, when she was a tiny puppy and she was an only dog for about a year. He and his ex-wife worked long hours and Scarlett was often alone, which is not a good thing for yorkies so they got Rhett (yes we are from Georgia). Rhett has some issues with anxiety and was obviously abused but Scarlett didn't have too many problems adopting him. He is actually bigger than her now but they both eat out of the same dish and share treats often. It's funny when they come to our house because our dog thinks she is a big dog with them. Normally she is very submissive around others dogs but with those two she runs and jumps and plays and even growls at them if she thinks they are getting too much attention from us (we don't let her do this and she gets immediate punishments). She also has her bowls down all the time although she does get fed a wet food for breakfast. She has no problems with them eating her food. When we feed her breakfast we have to feed her in the bedroom because she won't eat that in front of them, we think it's because they are so active when it's put down and since they are bigger than her it kind of scares her. Other than that, food is not an issue. We will give all three a rawhide stick at the same time and they end up trading them all day, one will put theirs down and another dog will grab it. This usually goes on until Rhett picks up the spare one and eats it all up (he will eat anything). The only problems they have ever had with Rhett and Scarlett is if Scarlett has to go to the vet and Rhett is alone he will chew on carpet and doors because he can't be separated from her. All three dogs are potty pad trained although Rhett and Scarlett prefer to go outside and will ask. Our dog will only pee outside, she doesn't like anyone seeing her poop. We have a big yard but it is not fenced and we let all three out and have no problems with them running away. Scarlett will push the boundries until we tell her no but otherwise they stay in our yard and the same at home. We don't let Scarlett and Rhett out into the front yard at our house but our dog can go in both the back and front and will stay in the yard unless our next door neighbors are out, then all bets are off. That is only because on both sides of us they spoil her rotten and call her if they see her out there and she loves humans. I have her trained to come and stay by my side if I click my fingers and point. She will stay right by my side until I tell her she can go, I'm working on Rhett and Scarlett, Rhett is doing o.k. with it, Scarlett is stubborn but I'll get her there. They are all three treat trained for obedience, ours will not eat dog treats of any kind but loves beef jerky so that is her treat. The only problem my son has with having two is when it comes time to board them if he has to, it can get expensive.

Cute names, I'm a Gone With the Wind fan too. We think our new dog may be part Yorkie too.

OP, Congratulations! I too, went from 1 dog to 2 in April. Gracie was an only dog for 6 years until Molly joined the family. I knew there would be an adjustment for Gracie but I had no idea how long it would take! Gracie was very jealous of sharing my attention with Molly. I think things finally started getting better after Molly was spayed. Now Gracie loves having a sister and they are so cute chasing each other thru the house! I would recommend getting the fence as soon as you can. It makes housetraining go so much easier plus it gives them an area where they can run wild!

TC

I'm glad your two dogs are finally getting along! I had heard that two female dogs are often the worst combo, but we are hoping it will all work out

for fencing, you certainly don't need anything huge - these are tiny dogs. For now, I'd buy inexpensive fencing that you put up in a small area, just so you don't have to leash walk them. Even 1 or 2 baby-gate surrounds (my mom used that with her tiny dogs). Just somewhere they can be outside for 10 minutes.

We've always had 2 or 3 dogs at a time (I prefer 2). Never just one... too lonely for the dog. As for the feeding, we feed one in our kitchen and the other in our dining room at the same time. The competition makes them both eat right away. Your older one will get used to eating like that.

congratulations and good luck.

I didn't even think about the option of putting a small pen in the yard for bathroom breaks. Good idea

 

[tzolkin]

Congratulations! I remember posting on your other thread because we had also been looking for a second dog for several months. We wound up adopting a greyhound a few weeks ago.

For the first few days we were feeding them separately in their crates to be sure to avoid any food issues. I can now feed them both in the kitchen with no problems, but I do watch to make sure they don't invade each other's space if one finishes before the other. They also haven't had any issues over toys/chews either, so that has been good. Again, I was only giving them items in their crates, but they are now fine with having them out in the living room without any conflict.

We do not have a fenced yard, but I walk about 5 miles per day. I had assumed that there would be an adjustment period where I would have to walk the two dogs separately for a while, so I was prepared for some extra work. But after the first day, we have been good with walking together. (I quickly figured out how to juggle two leashes and lots of poop bags) I have found that they sometimes do not go out for a "quick pee" in the yard if I take them both because they tend to get distracted, so I will take them out separately for that.

Do you use a crate? We have always found that helps with the housetraining process. For the first few weeks at least, you really have to give them your full attention to avoid accidents so crating if you are busy/distracted is a big help. They also learn that they go immediately out to go potty any time they come out of the crate. My dogs have never really had a signal for needing to go out (although I have met some that were trained to ring a bell). I just take mine out regularly and they seem to figure out quickly that those are their opportunities. I'm sure yours will figure it out quickly.