Two Dog Family - Am I crazy

[KCmike]

My youngest daughter has her heart set on a second dog for our family. We have always been a one dog family - a daschund. She is about seven years old right now and is wonderful. My kids are 15, 12, and 12. I personally don't want another dog as it is another mouth to feed, have to take it out all the time, and all the other responsibilities that go with it (potty training, etc).

She would like a Shih Tzu. How are these dogs to raise? Would they be an ok companion to our daschund?

I'd be interested in others who have two dogs in their family that would be house dogs.

 

[surfergirl602]

Heh.... we have three dogs. Three labs. They are a handful. And huge. I would think that two small dogs would be easier than big dogs. I was all set with the two that I have, and then my DH got a hunting bird dog. Yeah, guess who takes care of it on a daily basis....

 

[lovin diz]

we have 2 dogs. the poodle is almost 7 and the other (mutt) is almost 2. I never thought i could have 2 dogs at once, i thought it would be so hard. But, the 2nd dog was so much easier to train. She watches what the oldest one does and copies him. And it is a blast having a puppy again. I told dh, when my 7 yr old baby goes to heaven i am going to try to get another asap, because of how easy it is to train them....I will always want two dogs from now on!

 

[laurafergie]

My youngest daughter has her heart set on a second dog for our family. We have always been a one dog family - a daschund. She is about seven years old right now and is wonderful. My kids are 15, 12, and 12. I personally don't want another dog as it is another mouth to feed, have to take it out all the time, and all the other responsibilities that go with it (potty training, etc).

She would like a Shih Tzu. How are these dogs to raise? Would they be an ok companion to our daschund?

I'd be interested in others who have two dogs in their family that would be house dogs.

Since your youngest is 12, this would be a good time for a serious heart to heart about HER responsibilities if you get the new dog and then stick to it.

As far as compatibility, most dogs get along fine with each other, as long as you don't have two males with an unspade (is that a word? anyway) female. They will work it out who is the alpha dog.

We have had all types of dogs and cats, at least 2-3 at a time for 20+ years. We just took in strays, so no choosing what kind. But I have to say, we are down to one 17 year old beagle and one 6 year old cat and I'm leaving it that way. When Mr Beagle goes to the great dog house in the sky, DH and I have agreed, no more dogs. But we will probably always have a cat.

 

[golfgal]

In some ways 2 small dogs would be easier then one. They would have someone to play with all day. I agree that if your DD is so set on having a dog, she needs to be the one to take care of it.

 

[Luvchefmic]

we are over the bend insane.... we have eight dogs here (long story but a joy) some advice if I may, DD must be responsible and take care of both the dogs, not just the new one (no favoritism) take your original dog to meet the new prospect...if you have a male go for a female (& vice versus)

 

[hereyago]

Actually I used to think having 2 dogs was crazy, but I had a rot/hus mix and I got a German SHepard mix puppy. The puppy's "big brother" actually helped with housebreaking, as he would sit at the door, puppy got big enough to let herself outside.

I had to have rot hus mix put to sleep a few years later-cancer and my gs was lonely, so we got another gs, who is a year now. His "sister" helped with him as well. Plus dogs are pack animals and it keeps themselves occupied if they have a playmate.

Ok, my girl GS passed away unexpectedly at the beginning of the year. Do we have another puppy? no, we have a kitten. the gs had cats around at his first home, but we kept them apart but able to see and smell each other through doors and a gate. Now, every morning, the kitten cries for his "big brother", gs goes in the room, kitten rubs his head against the dog's snout and purrs and he will kiss the kitten.
I may get another puppy at the end of the year.

My Dd is 11 and she handles the feeding and poop picking, as it makes me want to gag, plus she wants to run a dog boarding /daycare one day, great practice for her.

 

[bettymae1121]

Having two is easier in some ways, they tend to keep each other entertained. That said, double the cost! Double the food, double the vet bills, double the poop to scoop, double the kennel bills when you go on vacation (a dog/house sitter may make financial sense at this point). But day to day work, it's not that much different in my limited experiance (I've always had dogs, but rarely two at a time).

 

[iwrbnd]

We have 2 Golden Retriever and they are the best of friends.

The biggest problem we have with 2 dogs is the damage they do to your yard. Eight big paws and double the poop really hurts!

 

[Duckfan]

I just wanted to mention that you dd should be prepared for the fact that a second dog may not turn out to be her dog. We got a second dog that was supposed to be my dd dog but attached to me from the start and is very much my dog. It doesn't always work out the way they want.......

 

[LindaR]

Two dogs is a piece of cake! I have a toy poodle and a very large mutt. They are trained to potty on command, so they both go out at the same time and business is taken care of easily. They also keep each other company while I am at work.

Later this summer I will be adding my first kitten (ever) to my household which consists of just me! (dd21 is away at college)

I don't really think its any different than just having one. Responsibility is responsibility (I think its really because I trained them to do things at the same time!)

 

[tammymacb]

If you really don't want another dog, don't get one. The theory of "oh, DD is 12 and can take care of it" is all good, until the reality happens. DD will be busy with friends, busy with sports, school, etc etc....and picking up poop will come dead last. Feedings may be "forgotten" etc etc. So, if you aren't OK with picking up these chores, don't get another dog. I'd hate for you to get rid of a dog, just because "you didn't want it in the first place, and DD isn't being responsible."

If you, in the end, are OK with the responsibility, I think you'll find that 2 dogs often do better than one. They aren't as lonely, destructive or hyper when they have a playmate.

I have 4 greyhounds I've adopted from different tracks and a boykin spaniel who came from the local SPCA. I feed, groom and poop pick for them as it wouldn't happen any other way. And I have a 13 yo DD.

Another thought, check out your local shelter when and if you decided to add another dog. There are many wonderful dogs who need homes out there and they would be eternally greatful for a good home. Why buy when others die?

JMO.

 

[Sgt Mickey]

We just got a second dog about two months ago. We had a 6 year old lab and got a second lab. He is alot of work. Sometimes I have to remind my kids how much they promised they would help out BUT I think my older dogs loves having him around.

 

[stsomewhere]

We took our 1 yr old with us to the rescue. She got along very well with the older male dog.

We got him on Friday and things seem to be going pretty good.

 

[BigEeyore]

Getting another dog is a bit like having a second child - you already know the ropes and responsibilities of being a parent, so it is not a huge lifestyle adjustment - but there will be more work and cost involved. Of course, you also get all the love and devotion a dog brings!

You mentioned a Shih Tzu - no offense to any Shih Tzu lovers, but I would not recommend that breed. They require a lot of grooming, and are prone to a myriad of health problems (eyes, skin problems, heart), and can be tempermental (not great for kids IMHO).

 

[jt'smom]

we have 2 four year old cocker spaniels from the same litter, and after having them, i wouldn't do it any other way! they keep each other entertained, and the smarter one tends to "babysit" the clueless one most of the time. my only concern is if something happens to one of them, i think the other will go soon after from grief!

 

[leslie@dvcstore]

we have 2 female dogs that are 2 years apart, but honestly i will probably always have dogs but not 2 at the same time. it is alot of work and i would advice on not getting a breed that tends to shed quite a bit. i love my dogs to pieces but i hate the dog hair!

 

[MichelleVW]

We've got 3...and although I think we are crazy sometimes, I can't imagine just having one dog now!

 

[SiAmCrAzY]

We have 2 Golden Retriever and they are the best of friends.

The biggest problem we have with 2 dogs is the damage they do to your yard. Eight big paws and double the poop really hurts!

I agree! We have 2 Boxers 5 + 8 (Boxers are like potato chips- you really can't have just one) and I couldn't imagine our lives without them. But sometimes I do fantasize about what our yard would look like

With the proper training and socialization any dog can be a great addition to your family. Although it is important to remember that each dog comes with thier own distinct personality and the ability to wreak havoc if they chose to- no mater the breed.
Our first Boxer is so pleasant and peaceful- he practically trained himself! The 2nd- not so much Among other things he unlocked his own kennel and destroyed our entire house while we were out running errands Turns out he was to smart and to bored for his own good. He has since grown into a great dog and I wouldn't trade him for the world. I will however pull out the pics of our ruined home and refresh my memory on the way to pick up our next puppy, just to make sure I am ready for the worst case scenario

No I don't think you are crazy, but maybe I am a little biased, even with all the trouble he has caused our 2nd dog has been one of the best decisions we have made. Everything we do now is twice the fun

Good Luck with making the right decision for your family

 

[Tinijocaro]

Best move we ever made was getting a second Bichon for our 4 year old dog. They are best buds and to see them play and cuddle is just heartwarming. I never worry when we are gone that Ollie is lonely because he has Lacey and she keeps him young, insists on playing with him.

Yes, twice the poop, vet bills, food, barking...but they are smallish dogs and it really isn't that big of a deal. My dogs don't shed so we don't have that issue.