Dogs

Question: What do you think? two dogs, or one?

(Posted by: Claire ~528491ಌ~ on 2010-03-09 12:01:59)

I know I've asked this question before. And if you have a problem with that, don't answer. (Sorry if I came off rude, but I got some emails from people complaining.) I have a great doggy, he's a four year old Finnish Lapphund. He generally gravitates toward listening to my mother, and doesn't show me much affection. Although he doesn't ignore me, the original intent of getting him was so I would have a pet, and I was planning on doing agility or disc, but he's not interested. I still love him a lot, but he's a lazy boy no matter how much I try to play with him!He's on the verge of couch potatoe, and he virtually does nothing... EXCEPT when he's with another dog. He loves puppies, and it's pretty much the only time he plays and barks. Plus, I read that if you have a lazy RESCUE dog, sometimes they don't learn to play and having a second will increase their activity. I think I finally got my mom to agree to getting a puppy. We just visited our neighbors new puppy and Sammie did great! He came to life, practically. He wanted to play and was a lot more vocal then usual. The problem is, I don't want Sam to be jealous of the new pup. I don't want him to feel like we're replacing him or anything. Afterall, I'd do it not only for my hapiness but for his benefit, too. What do you think?

Posted by: navyguy on 2010-03-09, 12:24:10

Lots of ppl have more than one dog. if you can afford it financially, from a time stand point, and emotionally and your mother says yes i dont see what the issue would be.

Posted by: Herbie & Fern- *CRUFTS* yey on 2010-03-09, 12:24:17

I was a spoilt, bratty, snobbish child.. I must admit. I got bored of my dog because he wouldn't play, he refused to play point blank. He is quite fearful so it was difficult to train him new things without him getting frightened and when I walked him, I felt like I was just walking alone he was that uninteresting. So I begged, moaned, promised etc.. and managed to bag myself a puppy! Ok, so it was wrong of me to act in such a bratty way, but lets be honest, it worked. Yes, my little 4 year old rescue dog came out of his shell and started to interactive. He loves to play with other dogs now and is much more fun and easier to train. He is still much apart of the family, and isn't left out. As long as both dogs are given equal amount of attention, then there should be no problems. I think I would find it difficult now, to not have two dogs as I am so used to it.

Posted by: Eye Cry For You on 2010-03-09, 12:25:12

If your dog is happy with another dog around, and you can take care of another one, then I think you should get one : )

Posted by: Schmemdog- to MS for BIRDS! on 2010-03-09, 13:26:56

There advantages and disadvantages to having two dogs rather than one. I personally think the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, but that's me. Pros: They do get to interact more. My slightly overweight mix trimmed down when we got another dog. They play, and when we take them to the country, they wear themselves out chasing each other. It's not that much more work- Just another leash to hold onto on walks, and another bowl to fill at mealtime. You can have dogs with different personalities that compliment each other. I have a sweet, lazy, but independent cattle dog mix, so I got an energetic, athletic and somewhat clingy lab to do events with. They compliment each other nicely. Cons: The sometimes wind each other up and I need to separate them. More expensive. Double the preventative treatments, double the food, double the vet bills, etc. Your only dog isn't the only dog any more. You need to share your affections with both dogs. This is a pro or a con, depending on how you think about it. I like having dogs, but I "m also really committed to them. My lifestyle isn't for everyone, it's a lot of work, but I wouldn't change it. Good Luck!

Posted by: packmom5 on 2010-03-10, 06:58:12

This is a classic case of attaching human emotions and feelings to a dog! This is a dog you are talking about not a human. You can't think of the dog as having human emotions like that; dogs are not wired the same as we are! I'm sure your current dog would enjoy the companionship of another dog and they will get along great as long you enforce some natural boundaries for them. I have 3 dogs and 2 cats and they are all fine!