Hi Deborah, I have almost always had two dogs. Mostly I have waited for my “puppy” to be somewhere between 2-4 years old before introducing another “puppy” into the mix. It has depended upon the nature, maturity, and training of the first pup, and the type of breed of the new pup I want to bring in. For example I my Golden Retriever was 2.5 when I brought Sarge into the family. But my Golden has all the wonderful tendencies of that breed. Sweet, patient, kind, confident....had he been needy rowdy and pushy, I would have waited until he matured a bit more.
Ideally two years or so but sometimes we fall in love... Our breeders wait time was 2 years plus (we had a year old black and a 15 year old chocolate) when we put our name on the list. Fudge had some issues and we thought it would be any day that she would pass. She kept going for another year and the breeder put us up on the list. We had 3 dogs in January. Long story but it all worked. Though I would not suggest it if you are still working or do not have multiple people able to help with care and training.
Thanks for your replies! Our Hailey is now almost 3 and we are bringing home a new puppy in a month or so. Glad we waited until she was a bit older and calmer before adding a second dog
I have a 3 y.o. labrador and condsider getting Bouvier des Ardennes. I think it's a good time to get a second dog for us but you have to take into account how much free time you have.
