My husband and I have always wanted to have a multiple dog household. Our 1st dog is about 14 months old. We talked about waiting until our first dog is at least a couple years old and I do intend to do that.
My question is how do you know you are ready? What are the some of changes I should expect?
My husband isn't crazy about getting a rescue bc we have younger children in the home. So considering we will most likely end up with a puppy, how is it possible to pick one that will get along with the one you already have?
How would you know if you dog is a "only dog" type of dog?
I wouldn't add another dog until my current dog is solid in training. That is the biggest factor. Plus, what free time do I have for another dog? With young children and a puppy, I would wait for a bit. But, that's me. I would like to get another dog but I want my current GSD to be more solid and I would be grasping to find the time to care for another being.
Having two dogs is kind of like having a second kid. If you sit down and actually think about it you'll almost always find a reason or two not to do it. Once the second kid or dog is there you just adapt and make it work.
Everyone says that two dogs are bad. But, I think that someone who will have one well behaved/trained dog will probably have two well behaved/trained dogs.
Whereas someone that has two ill behaved/trained dogs probably would have had the same outcome if they only had one.
Well, I don't think that EVERYONE says two dogs is bad, just that having two young dogs is bad. A friend of mine got a second dog when his first one was about a year old, the first one wasn't very well behaved but nothing crazy, the usual jumping up on people and barking at cats sort of behavior. He learned from his mistakes and raised the second dog much differently. So much so that the younger dog was correcting the older one's behavior. A funny sight to see. It has been done for thousands of years so having two dogs isn't the end of the world. But I do agree that only do it if you have the time for it, a young baby, a mortgage and two dogs is putting too much in one plate.
I disagree with the sentiment when one dog is well trained. Its when you are comfortable with two dogs you can devote time to separately and together. One can train, one can be separate. If you are willing to put the time into two dogs, go for it.
If there were just dogs to worry about, a time table doesn't need to be so worried about. But, when you have young children, time is a premium. Small children are time and energy suckers on a good day :wink2:
@musicmanswife that's the thought behind waiting a little bit more to get her training down. Overall, she is doing really well. We're still working on recall in the most exciting places and she can play a little rough with other dogs. Some people say that's just a GSD thing.
Yes kids do take up tons of time. My oldest is 8 and participates in our hikes/walks. It's so great. My youngest is 3. I can't wait until he can tag along too but it'll be a while.
My heart is so full of love and I feel like we have a nice home to offer to a lucky dog. Truth be told I really want a rescue but I think that's in the cards for me down the line.
Your dog should be around other dogs or you might not be able to add another one later. It's kind of like having a baby. How do you know you are ready for another child? These were my reasons
When you start noticing puppies everywhere.
When you can't stop thinking about puppies
When your dog has calmed down, doesn't need anymore training and your realize it's too quiet at home.
That is a good point about your dog should be around other dogs. A lot of people don't permit meet-and-greets, go to dog parks or doggie daycare. More even say they don't want their puppies playing with other puppies as a part of puppy classes.
Many say they permit interaction between a handful of known safe dogs but how often does that occur in today's busy households?
I hear you. I think about it too. But, I've got enough on my plate. My kids are 7 and 9. Our weekends and weeknights are spent at their activities. Sometimes we get up really early to get my dog her exercise before we're gone. It's a balancing act. Dogs and training is where I find my happy place. But, kids. They sure are cute too.
for me, the answer would be after you have vacuumed the house for the second time in one day and there is still GSD fur everywhere and over everything and you say to yourself, "you know, I think it would be really fun to double the amount of fur I have in the house"
Yeah we were wanting to add a pup for awhile the puppy fever was on and off. We decided to get a pup when the puppy fever was a constant. Even though we always have something to work on it was getting quiet in the house so felt the timing was good. Max was dog reactive so getting a pup of the opposite sex was the best way to go for us. It only took them a less then a few days to be great friends.
It wouldn't hurt to look into GSD specific rescues in your area. Mine gets a litter or two every once in while. And they're familiar with the breed, so they should know their adults well enough to match you up with a child friendly adult.
And even if you decide to put adoption off till the kids are older, it's good to do your research on the rescue ahead of time.
In any case, rescue groups always need supplies and money for bills, etc...so if you're not in a position to adopt that's a great way to give back.
For me personally, I know when to add the next dog when the other is able to maintain a down-stay amidst distractions so I can work with a pup in the presence of the "old" one(s).
Oh, are we ever getting rain! I know we need it, but in the drought years I did enjoy being able to take a dog hike year round, and our outdoor flyball practices were rarely rained out. It's raining today and supposed to continue all weekend, so practice is doubtful.
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