Tell Me Your Two Dog Experience!

[RGD.]

Two dogs here also - and quite frankly would not have it any other way.

We have TJ who is half Blue Heeler, half Border Collie. And we have Rusty - 100% stupid beagle. TJ is going on 10 and Rusty is about 15. They sleep together, eat together, drink out of the same water bowl, etc etc. Maybe two of three disagreements in the past 10 years - no injuries though, just like two brothers going at it.

Since you already have one there and the other is a puppy - your current dog will become the boss (that pack thing kicks in). And since you are bringing in a puppy (which is what I always do) - your current dog will not feel as threatened as with an older dog and will accept him/her a lot quicker - often accepting the parental thing pretty well.

And just in my opinion - dogs are just like us in the fact that they need and want companionship. Most of us can't be with our dogs 24/7 - two dogs give them the companionship they need.

Sure - it costs you twice as much - food bills, vet bills, etc - but I wouldn't have it any other way.


Ron

[DMK]

Well... we have four.... now mind you together they only weigh as much as one larger dog, but they are a neverending source to fun. We presently have my mildly retarded Jack Russell, and three Rat Terriers.
Over the years we pretty much have always had at least two at one time.
Thet keep each other company and play off of each others induvidual personality.
The only concern is the initial introduction of the new dog. We've found it best to have the time to spend with them, even a weekend of nothing else on, that way you can monitor things and they will set their own pecking order.
Good luck and stock up on dog cookies.

[alley00p]

Over the years we've had two dogs at the same time, always one who has been around for a while, and one puppy. Same experiences as the guys mentioned above with very few problems.

Presently, we have a Lab/Australian Shepherd mix and a house cat. We had much more trouble intregrating the kitten into our home, as the dog felt threatened for months by this little ball of fur. Now, he's used to the kitten and they play together (mainly thundering through the house back and forth). They drink from the same water dish and the dog loves the fact that the cat is not a "people food" person, so anything that might drop on the floor is his - the cat sniffs it and walks away.

Personally, I think you will have few problems adding a second younger dog or a pup to your home!

Charlie

[RHNewfie]

Overall we dont expect any trouble, and I am not concerned with the naysayers... we are very excited! I have had Labs all growing up and I can't wait to have another one!

We too have two dogs. A lab/chow/other mix male Rockie and a lab/chow mix Zoe. Both of them are about 5 years of age. They play fight a lot until Zoe tires of it. Rockie is a lot more playful and tends to piss Zoe off now and then. Zoe has been injured once, either bit or scratched in the inside corner of her eye. I saw blood and took her to the vet immediately. Nothing serious, but I wanted to be sure.

Zoe was here first so she "rules" most of the time, but when they've gotten "into it" Rockie most often comes out on top and Zoe ends up belly up, though she does grab a rear foot now and then and flips him over.

Upside is they keep each other company when we're both at work. The only downside is the double cost for food, kennels, beds, toys, treats, vet bills and medications.

Best wishes with yours!

[Old Sailor]

Jeff, you know we have 2 dogs...cocker spaniel and a pug....no problems. As for the nasayers, tell them bite me.

[RHNewfie]

LOL! I will quote you Dave!!

You can meet her in July!

Originally Posted by RGD.

And we have Rusty - 100% stupid beagle.

LMAO. I too am blessed with the same breed. What an apt description!

[mikeyj23]

We have two and none of us would like it otherwise. They're best friends and keep each other company, and they add plenty of excitement to our lives. #1 is a 45lb mutt (AmStaff, Pointer, Basenji, Pit, etc.) and #2 is a 8lb Maltese/Bichon. They couldn't be more different but get along really, really well. No downsides here!

Originally Posted by spincycle

LMAO. I too am blessed with the same breed. What an apt description!

Sorry to agree, but we had a Beagle when we lived in OKC. His favorite "toy" was not any that we purchase for him, but a half a brick he loved to play with and cart everywhere but into the house. He ate a Norfold Pine and an Apple tree, both were about four foot high when he devoured them. He also ate about three feet of garden hose and there was evidence in the dog rockets. We gave him to my mom when we moved and somebody took him from her back yard... Sam, where ever you are I hope you're OK.

[68TriShield]

RGD has met my Beagle,actually many inmates have.
Rebel must be a exception to the rule
We also have a Chow/Golden,Rebel tolerates Ivan.
Count me as a vote "for" 2 dogs.