Should I get a second puppy?

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
I've heard that having two is a bit easier because they entertain each other. My guy is not bad or anything, but we do have busy lives and he gets left at home a fair bit. I was hoping to give him a playmate.

He's a very smart, slightly skulky, Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Great with kids and loves other dogs. Really sweet temperament, just wants to be loved.

Good disposition

 

trmiv

Lifer
Oct 10, 1999
14,670
18
81
I think it's a good idea. We almost got another dog to keep ours company, but then decided on a cat because I didn't want to potty train a new dog. But the two love each other and play a lot.
 
Jun 4, 2005
19,723
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How old is your current dog? I've found that older animals have a hard time getting used to having another around. Plus, it might start acting weird (less attention for him).
 

Bryophyte

Lifer
Apr 25, 2001
13,430
13
81
I think it's a good idea to wait a year or two so that the first dog will have a primary bond with the humans in the family and not the other pup. After the dog is through the puppy phase and they settle down and have good manners (around 18 months), they will help 'parent' and socialize the new pup. We found that pup 2 was taught good manners by pup 1 faster than pup 1 acquired them from us.
 

djheater

Lifer
Mar 19, 2001
14,637
2
0
Originally posted by: Bryophyte
I think it's a good idea to wait a year or two so that the first dog will have a primary bond with the humans in the family and not the other pup. After the dog is through the puppy phase and they settle down and have good manners (around 18 months), they will help 'parent' and socialize the new pup. We found that pup 2 was taught good manners by pup 1 faster than pup 1 acquired them from us.

He's just under a year
He's a working dog as a herder he's already bonded with the girls as his herd. It's hilarious. If I ask him "Where's the baby?" He'll freak out and run all over the house thil he finds her :)
When they leave for school, he sits by the door until they come home. Seriously, about 8 hours. occasionally going to check out other stuff, but then back at the door waiting for the girls. It's really sweet.

I was thinking just a lazy mutt breed for a companion.
 

Bryophyte

Lifer
Apr 25, 2001
13,430
13
81
Originally posted by: djheater
Originally posted by: Bryophyte
I think it's a good idea to wait a year or two so that the first dog will have a primary bond with the humans in the family and not the other pup. After the dog is through the puppy phase and they settle down and have good manners (around 18 months), they will help 'parent' and socialize the new pup. We found that pup 2 was taught good manners by pup 1 faster than pup 1 acquired them from us.

He's just under a year
He's a working dog as a herder he's already bonded with the girls as his herd. It's hilarious. If I ask him "Where's the baby?" He'll freak out and run all over the house thil he finds her :)
When they leave for school, he sits by the door until they come home. Seriously, about 8 hours. occasionally going to check out other stuff, but then back at the door waiting for the girls. It's really sweet.

I was thinking just a lazy mutt breed for a companion.

That should work, then. I wouldn't get two young puppies at once, but that one has had enough time to bond. My dog was 3 when we got pup 2, and she will always stop what she's doing when we call her. She is really attached to pup 2, but completely loyal to us and will chastize him if he ignores us.
 

Injury

Lifer
Jul 19, 2004
13,066
2
81
Meh... my dogs will just spend the day sleeping and watching the birds in the backyard. They do dog things during the day and enjoy our company in the late afternoon.

The only regret I have with moving away from my parents is that I don't get to have a dog warm my feet at nights and be there to greet me when no one else is home.

Wish my landlord allowed pets.
 

EGGO

Diamond Member
Jul 29, 2004
5,504
1
0
I loved my two dogs, they were simply best friends. You'll see how strong their companionship can grow if you get another dog. I say go for it.