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Are second dogs more or less work? (1 Viewer)

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My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?

 
Not much more work honestly - they keep each other company. The only big difference is the vet bills since our second came with some health issues (both of ours were about 4 years old when we got them).

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.
I don't understand your kind.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.
I don't understand your kind.
I'm with Woz here, dogs suck. And if his wife finally does get pregnant, any deal Woz thinks he has in place will be blown to bits. "Sorry, I'm breastfeeding our human baby, Woz, you need to take care of those stupid dogs now."

 
When we got a second Lab it was more work. Double the food, double the crap, double the vet bills. But it was also double the fun with them.

 
Not much more work honestly - they keep each other company. The only big difference is the vet bills since our second came with some health issues (both of ours were about 4 years old when we got them).
I agree. I have three. Not a whole lot more work than one (they typically play and sleep with each other), but it is a lot more expensive.

It may depend on breed though. I have pugs, which are a bit less work than some other breeds.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
The single easiest way to be certain your wife will get pregnant immediately is to do something that significantly affects your life/relationship. Adopt a child, get a puppy, buy a house, whatever.

 
Not much more work honestly - they keep each other company. The only big difference is the vet bills since our second came with some health issues (both of ours were about 4 years old when we got them).
I agree. I have three. Not a whole lot more work than one (they typically play and sleep with each other), but it is a lot more expensive.

It may depend on breed though. I have pugs, which are a bit less work than some other breeds.
Trust me, once you get to 4 its a piece of cake. But yeah the food and vet bills get up there.

 
I always try to pair them for the companionship. The upkeep depends on the animals involved and how you house and maintain them.

 
Not much more work honestly - they keep each other company. The only big difference is the vet bills since our second came with some health issues (both of ours were about 4 years old when we got them).
I agree. I have three. Not a whole lot more work than one (they typically play and sleep with each other), but it is a lot more expensive.

It may depend on breed though. I have pugs, which are a bit less work than some other breeds.
We have two Weimaraners. The second one has had tumors pop up and some other things - we wouldn't trade her for anything, but she's cost a lot more than our boy who's only had one problem (had heartworms when we adopted him).

 
Agree with most people - a little more work, but not a lot. Much more expensive (basically doubles your dog expenses) but if the dogs get along well it will help with both of them. I think it's a good idea if you can afford the additional expenses and you make sure the 2 dogs get along well.

 
More work.

Your dog will be happier though to have a buddy.
:goodposting:

It also may help certain behavior issues.
Or compound them. We have a 7 year old lab who acts 1 and still is all over any guest at our house in an obnoxious manner. Then we rescued a beagle/basset mix with some other unknown breed in there too. He was initially chill around people... but he would mix it up with the older dog sometimes. Now the beagle is obnoxious to guests too, and our lab starts stuff with the beagle. They learned each others bad habits imo

 
And jeez do Labs shed like there is no tomorrow.

Next dog is going to be a labradoodle. Don't care how silly they look or how stupid their name is. It'll be worth it not have it constantly shedding all over everything.

 
And jeez do Labs shed like there is no tomorrow.

Next dog is going to be a labradoodle. Don't care how silly they look or how stupid their name is. It'll be worth it not have it constantly shedding all over everything.
We have a short haired hound mix. She sheds, but not a lot and they are tiny hairs. Also she can say "I love you" and can run 45 MPH.

 
Did bring up the baby point with my wife and my fear that dog care may become my job once a baby pops out.

Her response, which I find to be somewhat logical, is that the soonest we'd have a baby is 9 months from now so she'll have at least that to train the dog. Sounds like that may not be enough.

 
Ah #### I didn't think about the shedding. Our current dog doesn't shed badly at all. Will have to ask about this.

 
"Oh, I'm pregnant, look at all the free time I will have for the next 9 months " said no woman, ever.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.
I don't understand your kind.
I'm with Woz here, dogs suck. And if his wife finally does get pregnant, any deal Woz thinks he has in place will be blown to bits. "Sorry, I'm breastfeeding our human baby, Woz, you need to take care of those stupid dogs now."
Woz isn't quite the idiot he once was but on this topic he is. Are you one of those soulless cat lovers like Tanner? And here I thought I knew you fatguy.

 
I'm with Woz here, dogs suck. And if his wife finally does get pregnant, any deal Woz thinks he has in place will be blown to bits. "Sorry, I'm breastfeeding our human baby, Woz, you need to take care of those stupid dogs now."
Woz isn't quite the idiot he once was but on this topic he is. Are you one of those soulless cat lovers like Tanner? And here I thought I knew you fatguy.
I prefer cats to dogs but I wouldn't voluntarily get either one. Can't wait until all my pets die and I don't have to deal with any of them. Right now our home has a dog, a turtle, a fish, two dwarf hamsters and two hermit crabs, all of which were acquired against my will.

 
"Oh, I'm pregnant, look at all the free time I will have for the next 9 months " said no woman, ever.
Sorry Woz, I'm on bedrest, you'll have to walk the dogs for me. And pick up some pickles for me when you're out.

 
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I'm with Woz here, dogs suck. And if his wife finally does get pregnant, any deal Woz thinks he has in place will be blown to bits. "Sorry, I'm breastfeeding our human baby, Woz, you need to take care of those stupid dogs now."
Woz isn't quite the idiot he once was but on this topic he is. Are you one of those soulless cat lovers like Tanner? And here I thought I knew you fatguy.
I prefer cats to dogs but I wouldn't voluntarily get either one. Can't wait until all my pets die and I don't have to deal with any of them. Right now our home has a dog, a turtle, a fish, two dwarf hamsters and two hermit crabs, all of which were acquired against my will.
I can give you my beagle. After a week you'll just have 2 dogs and maybe a turtle.

He is a straight killer. Took out a snake in my backyard a few months ago. And then at the beach (Corolla, NC), these crabs that come out at night... he terrorized them. One of the prior owners returned him because he was actively hunting her cats.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.

 
I don't understand not liking dogs, unless you're just a miserable person and you don't like anything.
They put me in the hospital twice. Bit me numerous times throughout my childhood.* I've gone from being deathly afraid of them to hating them to now tolerating them (I actually come home and rub the dog's belly now and stuff). It's been a long road. Nonetheless, I like plenty of things. Dogs just aren't one of them.

*And yes, I get that dog sense fear and all that, but to then project blame onto the child emitting the fear due to bad past experiences to absolve the dog is just ####### stupid logic.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.

 
I don't understand not liking dogs, unless you're just a miserable person and you don't like anything.
They put me in the hospital twice. Bit me numerous times throughout my childhood.* I've gone from being deathly afraid of them to hating them to now tolerating them (I actually come home and rub the dog's belly now and stuff). It's been a long road. Nonetheless, I like plenty of things. Dogs just aren't one of them.*And yes, I get that dog sense fear and all that, but to then project blame onto the child emitting the fear due to bad past experiences to absolve the dog is just ####### stupid logic.
You don't have to justify yourself. People that actually want stupid dependent animals living in their houses are the nutty ones.

 
I'm with Woz here, dogs suck. And if his wife finally does get pregnant, any deal Woz thinks he has in place will be blown to bits. "Sorry, I'm breastfeeding our human baby, Woz, you need to take care of those stupid dogs now."
Woz isn't quite the idiot he once was but on this topic he is. Are you one of those soulless cat lovers like Tanner? And here I thought I knew you fatguy.
I prefer cats to dogs but I wouldn't voluntarily get either one. Can't wait until all my pets die and I don't have to deal with any of them. Right now our home has a dog, a turtle, a fish, two dwarf hamsters and two hermit crabs, all of which were acquired against my will.
I have a feeling I'm looking into a crystal ball here. I'm frankly just too selfish and concerned about actual humans to have pets.

Although, to be fair, with our current dog my wife has been awesome about putting zero responsibility or expectation on me with it.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.
What's your experience with multiple dogs?

 
Ya, i have the 2 alpha dogs problem mentioned above. It sucks. They run and play together all day outside while we work, but have to be separated on a regular basis due to fights over a piece of food or where they want to lay or any number of petty things when we are home. The first dog was very calm when it was just him, but he seems to be in a constant state of anxiety trying to stand his ground vs the younger (even bigger) dog.

The fact that you poop scoop tells me it's probably not an outside dog and maybe a smaller dog, so you might have better luck.

 
I don't understand not liking dogs, unless you're just a miserable person and you don't like anything.
They put me in the hospital twice. Bit me numerous times throughout my childhood.* I've gone from being deathly afraid of them to hating them to now tolerating them (I actually come home and rub the dog's belly now and stuff). It's been a long road. Nonetheless, I like plenty of things. Dogs just aren't one of them.

*And yes, I get that dog sense fear and all that, but to then project blame onto the child emitting the fear due to bad past experiences to absolve the dog is just ####### stupid logic.
I guess I can understand this up to a point. But there are so many smaller and non-aggressive types of dogs that I can't understand feeling this way about, say, a beagle or a golden retriever.

There are too many people who adopt dogs and have no idea that there is time and effort required to train and socialize and make sure it gets enough exercise. Then they end up with a misbehaving dog, and they blame the dog or dogs in general. There is no greater non-human companion than a well-trained and happy dog.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.
What's your experience with multiple dogs?
Well it's always worked well. And there is something to be said for the companionship angle. Especially if you like to travel a bit. Of course you are feeding and taking care of two, so expenses double. But overall the workload doesn't. Now that's based on also having a yard for the dogs to play in. If you have to walk them that is probably a more work thing.

 
Ya, i have the 2 alpha dogs problem mentioned above. It sucks. They run and play together all day outside while we work, but have to be separated on a regular basis due to fights over a piece of food or where they want to lay or any number of petty things when we are home. The first dog was very calm when it was just him, but he seems to be in a constant state of anxiety trying to stand his ground vs the younger (even bigger) dog.

The fact that you poop scoop tells me it's probably not an outside dog and maybe a smaller dog, so you might have better luck.
Both (our dog and the one being looked at) are larger dogs. Like 70 lbs. We have a big backyard and a dog-door that lets our dog go in and out of the house whenever he pleases (we keep him partitioned off to just this area when we're gone).

As for the poop, I don't do that. My wife does it for the background probably once every couple of weeks.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.
What's your experience with multiple dogs?
Well it's always worked well. And there is something to be said for the companionship angle. Especially if you like to travel a bit. Of course you are feeding and taking care of two, so expenses double. But overall the workload doesn't. Now that's based on also having a yard for the dogs to play in. If you have to walk them that is probably a more work thing.
The positive is that we do have a big backyard as I just mentioned above. My wife always feels badly when we leave for a few days because the dog has the big backyard and nobody to play with.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.
What's your experience with multiple dogs?
Well it's always worked well. And there is something to be said for the companionship angle. Especially if you like to travel a bit. Of course you are feeding and taking care of two, so expenses double. But overall the workload doesn't. Now that's based on also having a yard for the dogs to play in. If you have to walk them that is probably a more work thing.
The positive is that we do have a big backyard as I just mentioned above. My wife always feels badly when we leave for a few days because the dog has the big backyard and nobody to play with.
Yeah you avoid a lot of abandonment behavior when you have two dogs. I think it's good you guys took them to meet each other.

 
there is time and effort required to train and socialize
Yeah, this isn't a positive. I don't like stuff that takes time and effort. I remember when we were trying to train our dog and I'd say "sit" or whatever and the dog wouldn't sit, and dog people would say, "no you have to really say it like you mean it" and then I'd say "I don't want to say it like I mean it." Why would I want to act that way?

 
Had a lot of dogs over the years and never had problems like this.
What's your experience with multiple dogs?
Don't mean to step in for NCC, but we currently have 4 shetland sheep dogs. Many others have come and gone over the last few years as well as we're very involved with a couple animal rescue groups. We do a lot of animal transfers and fostering in addition to our 4.

You have to have the right dogs. If you're considering a 2nd I'd recommend contacting a rescue group or shelter first. Let them know what you're looking for. They will assist in choosing the right dog and should allow you to return the dog if things don't work out. They're number 1 priority is the dog, not you so they will be very careful to match the right one with your family. They are usually not in a rush, so they will take their time to get it right. The 1st one or 2 may not be right, but they should continue to find a good match for you.

 
there is time and effort required to train and socialize
Yeah, this isn't a positive. I don't like stuff that takes time and effort. I remember when we were trying to train our dog and I'd say "sit" or whatever and the dog wouldn't sit, and dog people would say, "no you have to really say it like you mean it" and then I'd say "I don't want to say it like I mean it." Why would I want to act that way?
Because it's a dog not a person. You do have to kind of act like you are the alpha. If you aren't running this pack who is? And you don't have to yell or anything. Just use a stern voice to show it isn't play time now. Once they start listening you can dial it back.

 
It's not double the work, but it is double the money. It's also more than double the fun (as long as they get along with one another).

When I only had my border collie, they only play time he got was with me or with Mrs. Matttyl. Then I got an Australian Cattle Dog (that's her in my avatar icon or whatever it's called). Now I can play or run with either of them, and they can play with one another when me and the Mrs. aren't around.

If you're talking about having a child, it may actually be best for the current dog to have a playmate of their own as there will be much less "people time" once a baby enters the picture. Of course that's just looking out for the best interests of that dog, and maybe not the best interests of everyone involved.

 
My wife wants to get a second dog. Those of you familiar with my sentiment towards dogs know that I'm now their biggest fan. When I met my wife she had a well-trained dog and I actually have come to like and get along with the dog very well. That said, my wife and I have a good understanding that all things dog-related are up to her (training, feeding, poop-scooping, etc.) and that, while I'm not nearly as bad as I used to be with dogs, my preference is to not be around them. So, if we got a second dog she's well aware that I'll be of no help and I'd basically be doing my best to tolerate the dog.

She's also aware that if the decision were solely up to me I would not want a second dog. However, she really wants one for two main reasons: 1) she believes getting a second dog will give our current dog a "friend" and will it make it easier for our current dog when we go out of town for several days (which is often) so it may create less work for us in the long run; 2) her maternal instinct is in full throttle and she's frustrated because we've been trying to get her pregnant for six months now with no luck and a dog may be a way to relieve some of that stress. So, essentially, I'm trying to weigh the pros and cons to see if this is something that will meet those two goals and not disproportionately make our lives more difficult (and, for me specifically, not piss me off too much).

She found a family yesterday looking to re-home a dog. 1 year old female mix-breed. It is kennel-trained. We free feed our current dog and this dog apparently doesn't do that. The dogs met and appeared to get along.

So, generally, is a second dog substantially more work and headache? Anything about my specific situation that would make it more or less so?
Don't do it. You have no idea if the dog will like or want its new playmate. We did the same thing years ago and it was a mistake. Way more work, tons of money once they both were old and started to have problems, and worst of all, the dog who was there first didn't really like the idea of another dog being in the house all the time. She would routinely hump the other dog out of dominance, guard bowls of food and water, and growl at the other dog when she encroached on her space.

This is a big waste of time and money on your part.
That's why you bring the old dog when you meet the new one.

 
The positive is that we do have a big backyard as I just mentioned above. My wife always feels badly when we leave for a few days because the dog has the big backyard and nobody to play with.
When you go out of town, you just leave your dog alone in your backyard for days?

 
2 dogs are more work than 1. Not twice as much, not even close, but more.

However, dealing with a puppy is easier if you have an older dog around. My girl learned a lot from the older dog's example; she was housebroken in 1/4 the time it had taken for the older dog and learned to sit the very night we got her when she saw him get a treat for sitting. He taught her what to do when they heard "go to your room", "go outside", etc.

Now if dog #2 is a full-grown dog, the level of work will depend largely on the habits the dog already has. Remember the old saying...

 
fatguyinalittlecoat said:
McGarnicle said:
there is time and effort required to train and socialize
Yeah, this isn't a positive. I don't like stuff that takes time and effort. I remember when we were trying to train our dog and I'd say "sit" or whatever and the dog wouldn't sit, and dog people would say, "no you have to really say it like you mean it" and then I'd say "I don't want to say it like I mean it." Why would I want to act that way?
:lmao:
 
Don Quixote said:
Zow said:
The positive is that we do have a big backyard as I just mentioned above. My wife always feels badly when we leave for a few days because the dog has the big backyard and nobody to play with.
When you go out of town, you just leave your dog alone in your backyard for days?
No we have a dog-sitter for anything longer than a weekend trip. But my wife still feels badly.

 
Keith R said:
2 dogs are more work than 1. Not twice as much, not even close, but more.

However, dealing with a puppy is easier if you have an older dog around. My girl learned a lot from the older dog's example; she was housebroken in 1/4 the time it had taken for the older dog and learned to sit the very night we got her when she saw him get a treat for sitting. He taught her what to do when they heard "go to your room", "go outside", etc.

Now if dog #2 is a full-grown dog, the level of work will depend largely on the habits the dog already has. Remember the old saying...
Agree...we got a puppy when our first was 5...it definitely helped train. It also has the older dog acting younger...more energetic, etc.

We also went with very different breeds purposely...English Bulldog (older) and Golden Retreiver...and that has worked well too. The opposite personalities bring each of them towards the middle.

Now it's hard for me to imagine having just 1.

 

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