Our mini-schnoodle puppy will be 1 year in September. I am debating whether we should get a little "sister" for her.
She is an amazing puppy and we are nuts about her. Sometimes I think we just got very lucky; other times I think it's the brilliant puppy parenting (ha ha just kidding).
I'd like another puppy for a companion for her in case we go out of town, etc. When we go out on walks, frequently, she loves to see other dogs. She has "friends" up and down our street.
We are home almost all the time (homeschool and work from home) so she's not without us very often.
The cons are double the vet, food, and grooming costs (schnoodles need to be trimmed about once a month because they don't shed). We also had allergy issues when we first got her (though she is supposed to be low allergy). The allergy issues have calmed down but we believe allergies are somewhat cumulative in nature. On the other hand we are doing better with allergies overall (lots of work with alternative practitioners).
Are you happy that you got a second (or more) puppy/kitty, and why? Any other thoughts?
Well, for me, one dog is not enough and three dogs is too many. But then I don't work and my youngest of three is 15....
It's really nice for them to have each other's company. I've got two Goldens. They play together all day long. It's just nice. But yeah, vet bills are huge, a lot more work, etc.
:)
This is a loaded question and totally individual. There are a dozen good reasons NOT to get another puppy and another dozen on why YES you should get another. I'd say make a list of pros and cons and see what is really important to you.
My family often tells me to get our dog a "friend," but we have refused. I think he likes all the attention of being an only puppy and I certainly like having 1/2 as much work and expense. My brother, however, has three dogs and would take more if it weren't for the cost. They adore having all those pups.
As long as we homeschooled (the past 5 years), one dog was great. Now that kiddo will be in public school, and I'll be working, I'm thinking seriously about adding another pup to our family.
So... No answer here, just the same Q!
The extra work frightens me.
Which is funny... Because I take on "extra" kids without batting an eye. But poo patrols, walks, vet bills, cash for food... They all make me very nervous about a second dog!
The decision is truly a family decision...meaning it is what your family can handle. I will warn you (this was just our experience) we had one dog, for about year who was very social, loved other dogs, etc. We added a second puppy and our first dog stopped getting along with any other dog (even ones she had previously played well with). Could have been completely unrelated, that was just our experience.
boy, your question is part of my ongoing BooHoo moments. It's been 8 days since my beloved dog was put down, & our labradoodle is mourning as much as I am. :(
When we got CoCoa, he was our 2nd dog. & after the old one died....he became a monster! He became needy, he became somewhat of a delinquent, & we just knew he needed a playmate. I think we lasted 2 months without a playmate for him.
Now we're in a position where he's the only one left & it's wiping all of us out. Our other dog's death occurred right in the middle of Band Camp, so I don't have my 16yo available to run CoCoa each day. & school starts fulltime next Thursday....so this, to me, proves we need a puppy to keep CoCoa on an even keel.
Because ChockO's death has hit me so hard, I need time to mourn his loss. I feel like I'm being rushed into a decision...but, man, CoCoa is lonely. He's eating only every other day....he's climbing in bed with us (which he never does)....& he's not even getting up when the daycare kids roll in each morning. It's sad beyond belief. He & ChockO were together for 4 years.
So, to finally answer your question, I have always preferred two dogs. My daycare will be slowing down for the next 2 months, & I do have time to train a pup....& I have begun my research. I do know that it is always better to bring in a younger dog....so that your 1st dog can retain authority. A younger dog will submit easier, & after having 2 dogs most of the past 20+ years....as far as I'm concerned, it's a proven fact.
I'm with you on the allergy issues. Since we have a labradoodle, my dr thought it was his coat bringing the outside allergens in to me. I think she was right....
As for the grooming, we have our labradoodle shaved twice a year. We let him get somewhat shaggy in between, especially the winter months. So if you could slow down on the grooming, perhaps that would cover the expense of a 2nd dog. Good luck in your decision!
I did it years ago when I had cats. The problem was that the older one was spoiled and didn’t really like the younger one. They got along most of the time but it would have been easier to only have one.
Dogs do not act the same as cats so I think as long as you have a sociable dog then you should be fine. My daughter has been asking to get another puppy so I have been checking the local Boston Terrier rescues. I am not sure though if I want to double the work though.
I would rather get a rescue dog from a pound than a puppy. Like you said, there will be an extra expense and an extra pet that isn't just going to be a companion to your dog, but to the family as well. So, if you are okay with doing more training and such, and investing that extra time, than go for it.
We grew up with lots of pets that got along amazingly together, but with my current dog... she is HIGH maintenance, so no way would we be able to get another pet with her. Well, we did get a kitten, and they got along okay, but we rehomed her b/c it was just too much.
I have 3 grown dogs and 1 puppy we are keeping and 3 that needs homes. I'm not sure I am the right person to answer this question. I am afraid I will be stuck with the other 3 pups since a shelter is not an option.
I have 4 dogs (one a puppy) and 2 cats. I would definitely recommend it! They love having the company and the enjoyment you will get from watching them interact is priceless. The joy they give to you is unsurpassed. Your other dog will be fine with it - your 1st dog is baiscally a puppy too!
Good luck!
