My lab (Remy) is going tomorrow be seven months next week and I have always wanted to have two labs. I’ve found a lovely breeder who has had their last litter and I’m very keen. I think my friends and family will think I’m crazy but part of me thinks get the puppy stage of the second pup over and done with now whilst it’s still fresh from the first pup and the other part thinks that things are really good with my first pup now and would it ruin things with him? I’ve read ideally you should wait until your first dog is two but I’m feeling impatient about it and think ideally Remy would love a play mate. Am I crazy????
Hi @Jo Spink My advice is twofold. Follow your heart. Could be twice as much fun. Different personalities. Different bonds. And second, follow your head. Having a playmate for your first dog is not a good reason. Two dogs in a household don't necessarily play with each other. And certainly don't get another dog until your first one is obedient. The puppy will learn to copy the older dog's misbehaviour. If you decide to get another one, then make sure you read about how to introduce another dog. It is not just a matter of bringing another dog into your home.
Just be aware that your 7mth old who may be well behaved and lovely at the moment is about to hit the teenage phase. If you're extremely lucky you'll get through it with no repercussions but in most cases training goes out the window as those hormones kick in and it's a case of going back to basics. Good luck with whatever you decide.
My puppy (almost dog now, I guess) is deep in the "teenage phase" and it's A LOT. New behaviors are emerging, things that I'm going to have to try to train out of her, and it doesn't look like it's going to be easy. I can't imagine getting a new puppy now. If you're very experienced with dogs (which I'm not) and you think you can handle it (which I couldn't) then go for it! But if not, then I would hold off until the first puppy is really past all the adolescent bumps - just my two cents. I've always thought an older dog would be better for Mira than a playmate - maybe set an example.
I like having two dogs, and ours do play together sometimes. I think a bigger age gap than 8 months would be preferable. Ours are about 9 years apart, which I think is too much, and I would prefer 3 to 6 years.
