I've just spent a week with my sister who lives in another country. She has two dogs, siblings, 2.5 years old. Such lovely dogs -- HuskyxLabx. They play non-stop with each other. They seek out human contact, yet they seem so content when left with each other. And on walks, well, the fun they have together racing around, just wonderful to watch. So I was thinking: perhaps we have been doing Snowie a disservice being an only dog in our family. He is a very social dog and loves company. Although as an adult, he is less likely to want to play with dogs he doesn't know, but comes to life when we visit his doggy friend up the road. When I got back from being away for a week, he seemed so sluggish compared to my sister's dogs. Granted, they are only 2.5 years old, he is 4.5 years old. But they had each other to play with all the time. For Snowie, at home, he's usually sleeping. He gets two long walks a day plus an outing to the park midday. And if I know he's allowed, I take him with me when I run errands. But I wonder if he should have a permanent companion to keep him busy during the day. I am not keen on raising another puppy and am open to getting an older Lab (yes, the breed is non-negotiable ), similar age to Snowie so as to have the same energy levels. But do we run the risk of making Snowie's current easy home life a misery? Any thoughts?
Ah, what a dilemma! I would hate to upset Lilly's peaceful home life. I think. We look after my Sister-in-laws lab over holidays (and she over ours) and although they get on okay, I feel it is more a tolerating each other situation. They do play now and again, and get on better as the holiday goes on. Also both are a bit "flat" when they are then separated again. So, they both might really enjoy a permanent companion. They never play on walks. Mine is off sniffing, hers is begging for a throw of the ball. How would a new dog affect dynamics? I guess another dog from a "rescue" would be more likely to have a bedding in period with meet-ups before a final decision. This might be a better option than a tedious puppy to drive you older dog bananas. But some members even on here have struggled with the "baggage" a rescue dog brings. Might depend on where the dog comes from and its history. I am rambling a bit now LOL. Perhaps if you had a "try before you buy" option to test the water, that would actually be a good plan.
We went for a long time with only one dog (at a time), and finally decided we would like to have a younger Lab to go with our 9 yr old Lab. I was a little worried that one or both of them would be so focused on each other that we might not matter much, but that has not been true at all. At the same time they do play together and entertain each other quite a bit. They generally, but not always, go to the same places in the house together. When we walk them off lead they generally are pretty close together. They play Tug, and compete for thrown tennis balls, although Tilly concedes most of them if Cooper is chasing. When we kennel (board) them they go in the same run. I am sure that Cooper loves being around Tilly and has learned a lot of good behavior from her. Most of the time I think Tilly is happy to have Cooper around, although sometimes she kind of rolls her eyes. I wish we had done it sooner. I think Tilly would have liked having another pup around even more when she was younger, but even so she acts younger now just having Cooper around. I would do it again in a flash.
I love to see Juno running and playing with doggy friends and have seriously considered getting a second dog. I question whether she would like to have another dog around all the time, grabbing attention and the best place by our feet, getting smaller bits of banana as a treat because she has to share. My main concern, and why I talk myself around each and every time revolves around health care and whether it would be right to introduce another dog and risk the status quo with Juno's elbow by over activity or injury during play. For me that keeps coming up as a No
for me one dog was amazing two was wonderful and three was perfect. I now back to two but won't be getting another until Midge is no longer with us. She 13 now and I think another dog or pup would be hard on her. I though long and hard about getting Rory because I was worried about Dougs poor health. I think I should have done it sooner but everything is easy in hind sight. I was very conflicted about the whole thing even when i went to collect him. It worked out well all the dogs were very happy together. I would do it again and I did notice a difference in the dogs when they were all together they seemed very relaxed and happy. It all felt very natural and I saw many possitive behavioural changes, i just loved it. I don't think i could ever go back to just one dog but who knows what will happen in the future. I wouldn't go for one the same age as they will develop all the age related problems together and it can be expensive and heartbreaking. just good luck whatever you do
Benson was only 11 months old when we fostered Casper who at the time was 5.5 years old. So I guess the other way round. They clicked straight away, and now are like a lovely comfy pair of slippers together. They are not so playful as they used to be, Benson being a kind dog is very mindful of Caspers aches and pains. So although they don't run around madly together they really enjoy each others company in a very simple way. Casper will mither though if Benson is not around. Fostering is not for everyone, we mainly have had dogs just outside of adolescence, and whilst needed a bit of help to adapt, given a chance would've kept all of them.
Hattie was 4 years old when we err…I decided it was a good idea to rescue a dog that's when Charlie came into our lives at 9 months old Charlie was shall we say DIFFICULT and we faced and still do face a lot of training and we have had him for almos 5 years. Unfortunately the foster carer for the rescue centre did not see fit to give us the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Hattie did spend a few weeks glaring from the landing at Charlie but it didn't last long and she decided he wasn't that bad to have around Having said that Hattie and Charlie really do get on well, snuggle up together for their afternoon sleep, play and chase each other and Charlie is a complete gentleman never taking treats before Hattie, they share toys and have never faught. All that said, I would not have two dogs again as it's bloomin' hard work on top of everything else that needs to be done in life and I love my dogs to bits If you do decide to rescue a dog please ensure you get as much information as possible before making a decision. Try not to let your heart rule your head, I am an expert at that and make the best decision for your family and lifestyle.
Belle was about 10 when we took Scooby in - he was fairly old - don't know exactly. There was no "get to know each other" due to his circumstances he just landed on us one evening. Belle was miserable for 2 weeks and we seriously doubted what we'd done - having the option to send Scooby back to the household he'd come from, with a dog that had already attacked him twice. Then Belle turned suddenly around. She perked up, back to her old self. They never really "loved" each other (though we did catch them trying to play chase once ). Belle didn't appear to miss him when he passed. With Coco - much younger, he was 16 months - we spent a few weeks of meeting and walking them together. He was way too boisterous for her, but she put him in his place and when he came home, she did not sink into a "depression". She tolerates him. 2 Dogs with such an age gap can be hard - they have to be walked separately, Belle gets tired and only wants very short walks, besides which, Coco needs a lot of one-to-one on lead walks. I would pick ages that were closer in an ideal world.
I will be getting another puppy at some time, but I think I'll wait until Poppy is five or six years old - young enough to still enjoy the puppy. I had two male dogs for many many years, they were two years apart in age, absolutely inseparable!!!
As you can see there are pros and cons to this issue. It is just what is right for you. I have two dogs, Fred who is 2 years and Annie his half sister who is 6 month. I love them both dearly, but they are hard work. I am at home all day so that helps. They do love each other, although Annie can bully Fred and we give her time out in her crate. Fred just doesn't stand up for himself, he is as soft as butter and Annie know it
One other thing; we got Poppy when Bones was already 12 years old. In retrospect, it was a lot to expect from him. I would never do that again. She gained such a lot from having a calm, gentle big friend, but he found having a bouncy puppy quite a trial, poor old lad.
We started with one dog then onyx came along. The house feels whole with two. I also find that they keep each other company. Onyx was lost when Tilly died & Very Flat. He is now 10 and we rescued Poppy 6 Months ago although it took a little time, Poppy has put a spring in his step. He doesn't play with her ( But he is not that kind of Dog) But she loves him ( he is very Calm) and he loves her. I think He loves the fact that he gets lots of Fresh chicken and fish as she needs so much training. He just sit beside Saying " I am amazing". I would find it difficuit to go back to 1 dog. I find it less work .
Thank you everyone for your honest, heartfelt responses. The reason for wanting another dog the same age as Snowie's -- which, yes, at some point they will both have the same age-related problems and probably pass on at the same age (double heartbreak) -- is precisely for this reason: I don't want to get to another point in my life when I must consider getting another dog to keep the remaining one company. Once that time comes, I don't think I will have another dog again. I don't think I can go through the anxiety again of worrying about a sentient being's happiness and health. Perhaps I worry too much! But we will be in or close to our 60s then, and I think that will be a time when we will want our freedom again! For Snowie's sake, I think a dog closer to his age will be ideal for the age-related concerns: similar desire for play, similar fitness, similar interests, etc. Of course it would be wonderful to get a puppy: a clean slate that we could mould and who most likely will play second fiddle to Snowie, who is such a gentle boy that he could be bullied if such was the second dog's nature. He loves having dogs visit us, although on one occasion, a visiting dog was eating a treat (I foolishly gave them treats, which Snowie gobbled up but the visiting dog had to work at) and did not want Snowie near him lest Snowie stole his treat. So poor Snowie tiptoed around him and looked very confused, how could there be a dog in his house who didn't want to play with him?! It would be ideal if his doggy friend from up the road would come to play, but Charlie is a timid dog and will only come here if his owner accompanies him. I once tried to bring him back with us and he was so miserable, and so happy when I walked him home. Unlike Snowie who would love to play all day in their garden, but if I'm not there to supervise he would eat all Charlie's food up and be in and out of their swimming pool and pond, and they can't have chlorine in their pond, so that doesn't work either! If I were to get an older "rescue" dog, I'd hope it would be a Lab that was loved by someone who could no longer keep the dog. I kick myself every now and then: A few years ago Snowie's breeder called me and asked me if I wanted one of her 10-month-old pups. The new owner could no longer keep him. Snowie was about two years old. I had in my mind that the 10-month-old had already learned bad habits and why was he being given up, what weren't they telling me, did he have health issues like Snowie? And Snowie, at that time, still had some ways to go with training (better recall, building a closer relationship with me, etc), so I felt we weren't ready to introduce a new dog. How silly I was (I think!). That pup was rehomed and is now winning titles at breed shows! He looks very similar to Snowie, and with the same mum as Snowie I do believe he has that same gentle nature (I've haven't met him, he lives in a different city, but I get updates). Ah well, one shouldn't regret!! If we do decide to get a second dog, I will be sure to post about it here!
Just another thought for you, have you thought about fostering. Not sure if there is a charity or whatever near you that rehomes dogs b they are usually looking for good foster home . It could be a good 'halfway house' for you having another dog around with Snowie but not permanent, until you fall in love of course
You know, this is a brilliant idea! It will could very well help us decide if a second dog will work, or not. Of course I might become too attached, even to a problem dog, as has been the case with a fellow dog walker that I meet regularly on the mountain: they have a lovely Boxer that they took everywhere with them (restaurants, holidays, etc). Then the girlfriend decided they needed a second dog and brought home a rescue Boxer x Staffie. They could tell immediately the dog was a problem dog when it entered their home, by which time it had entered the girlfriend's heart and she could not bare to return it. Suffice to say, the original Boxer's life has suffered because she no longer goes on outings or holidays because the rescue dog cannot be left alone (terrible separation anxiety), and the rescue dog cannot be taken on holiday or outings because she is generally hostile to other dogs and is so bouncy and unmanageable that she can never be let off a leash. So, yes, head must rule heart... (easier said than done...) And as I type Snowie is busy fishing in the bin because he's bored and wants an outing, but I am waiting for an online work meeting to begin. Now, if there was a second dog, would they be happily playing together, or would I have TWO dogs fishing in the bin and making a mess?
Or choosing that very moment to have a noisy game, especially if the work meeting is via Skype! It's odd how my two decide to do just that when I need to make a phone call!
Oh, yes! There must be something about the tone of my voice, or the voice at the other end, that always wakes my two from their slumber to have a game of bitey-face or ask to go outside, right in the middle of a call. I'm forever pressing the mute button to tell them to behave
