we are still undecided about whether to continue to pursue adding another dog.... or not. our dog seems happy enough on his own, his bestie is a cat i know a lot of people think dogs are happier as a pack , but can they truly be happy on their own?
Re: is it really better with two or more? Yes they can be truly happy - YOU are their pack But do what you want to - have two or more, or just one, because your dog/dogs will be happy if you are. I want as many as I can squeeze in, but OH is less enthusiastic ('tho he totally adores Tatze) so I have opted for Guide Dog puppy walking - we will still have two, but more on a 'fostering' basis.
Re: is it really better with two or more? No chance for me. Not risking upsetting the family dynamics.
Re: is it really better with two or more? Yes, of course one dog can be very happy with you. You enjoy its company and so it enjoys yours. It is more of a commitment getting two or more, we have three but they are working girls, so they are happy with their lot. To get more than one needs a lot of time and effort to train them, which should be done separately until they are trained enough to work together. We went to a friends today and guess what they have a litter of Lab pups 3 weeks old Oh my. Noooooooooo more.
Re: is it really better with two or more? I think Jacqui has a point Tami,the family dynamics....it's not just about your existing dog and a new playmate,you've got a cat to consider too.We are a one dog family and we always will be ,Dexter is happy ,I believe : he enjoys playtime with other dogs but on our own he's settled and relaxed just hanging out with his humans
Re: is it really better with two or more? I really think Tami, that you would be much better off drawing a line under the rescuing idea . Its obvious that your dog is perfectly happy , as are very many dogs, to be the only dog, they are not missing out on anything at all , they are part of a family and therefore happy . My situation was different to yours , I brought my Lab , as a young puppy, into a home with a resident dog with which he formed a close bond . Sadly my older dog died and my Lab was lost as an only dog . No doubt he would have adapted , as most dogs do but we decided to rescue a small terrier, which was the breed of dog that sadly died . Flynn came from Ireland , the two bonded immediately and my Lab Sam was truly happy to have a companion again , we had just six short months before little Flynn became very seriously ill indeed and at the age of just 18 months , we had to say goodbye to yet another dog . This time, poor Sam was very distressed indeed, he simply wasnt used to being an only dog, he became depressed and so 11 months ago , we rescued our little Millie, an older terrier and so once more , life is good for Sam . I have only told you this as an illustration as to when it can be good to have two dogs , but quite frankly , I dont think its something you should be really considering if your reasons are that you think your dog needs a friend, because he doesnt, he is happy with your cat , just my opinion .
Re: is it really better with two or more? I think based on your most recent experience your dog is probably perfectly happy with the status quo. You meet plenty of people who only have one dog and they all seem perfectly happy.
Re: is it really better with two or more? We've had three dogs, but only one at a time. They were all perfectly happy. It sounds like your dog is happy the way he is, and indeed, was NOT happy when you tried to bring in another one. So not sure why you are contemplating it again. It's not fair to anyone concerned, animals and humans both, to keep trying to make a square peg fit a round hole.
Re: is it really better with two or more? When I had my last dog we had the experience of baby sitting his litter sister for 6 months while her family went overseas. The sister was a very pushy and attention seeking dog. My dog was a quiet, soft type. While two dogs got along very well my dog became subdued and kind of receded into the background a bit. He was honestly much happier when she was gone. So, two is definitely not always better than one and some dogs are much better off if they have you to themselves (even if they are sharing you with a cat).
Re: is it really better with two or more? we discussed it last night. we do feel that right now, our family really works for us. romeo and raleigh have a wonderful relationship and get along great, they truly are besties. we might discuss it next year, we may not.... after all,,,, if it aint broke, why fix it?
Re: is it really better with two or more? So many people have told me I must get a friend for Shadow, but I don't know if I have the ability (or personality) to handle two! I don't have an OH or children, so Shadow gets my full, undivided attention when I'm at home. And during the day when I'm not, my neighbours (landlords) open the gate between our yards so that she can run in their big garden and play with their Jack Russels. I'm happy with one dog, Shadow seems happy, but people were starting to make me feel bad. So I'm so glad I read this thread!
Re: is it really better with two or more? l've got two labs and for myself I think its good if you have the time for tow off them because as you all know they are full on and you need the time for them
Re: is it really better with two or more? [quote author=shelley link=topic=6135.msg86808#msg86808 date=1402372753] l've got two labs and for myself I think its good if you have the time for tow off them because as you all know they are full on an you need the time for them [/quote]
Re: is it really better with two or more? My friend's dog, Zaba has been with us for the week - she absolutely loves having him. But I must be honest, I'm a bit jealous - I get far less of her attention! Here they are -
