Are we insane?

We have a 7 month old lab puppy and are considering getting another in the spring. Are we completely insane for even considering having two puppies at once?

Reasons for:
1. Our puppy will have a sibling to play with - this will hopefully keep him from trying to play with our cats who want nothing to do with him. He loves visits with his cousin and other doggies. They will also grow up together.
2. We want two dogs but don't want puppies under 2 when we have babies. We are a few years out from having kids so the time would either be now or much later down the line.
3. I can't imagine getting completely through puppy stage to then start completely over again with another.

Reasons against:
1. Puppies are crazy - can we really deal with two at a time?
2. Will bringing a new puppy in derail the training we have already done with this one? On the other hand, having one trained might make it easier to train another since they will have someone to follow.
3. It's generally harder and/or more expensive to find care for them if we go away.
4. Space - double the crates, dog beds, etc.

What do you think?

Re: Are we insane?

No you aren't insane. By that time, your puppy will be a year. Instead of getting a puppy maybe you can go through a rescue group and get another one that is a year old. Good Luck!

Re: Are we insane?

I think if you are thinking about all of these things, then you are smart, and if you are smart, getting another one will be a great idea now.

I had a similar mindset to you...we had our dog who was one year old, and wanted another so we got another for companionship for him. And b/c we didn't have kids and would not have had kids for a while after the second dog.

So we did that and I have to say, it was the best idea. They are great companions for each other, and only one year apart. The human child came later so we were ALL out of the puppy stage which was great.

I think as long as you DON"T plan to have kids soon, it's a GREAT idea.

Re: Are we insane?

I don't think you're crazy at all! I think it really says something that you guys are thinking this all out to be able to give yourselves and your dogs the time and preparation that is needed. If you know you definitely want another pup, I think planning ahead is really smart!

Are we insane?

I don't think it's insane. The benefits outweigh the problems with having two dogs of the same age (and same size). They have similar energy levels and will tire each other out for you. It would be harder to walk two very young dogs together by yourself but if there are two of you and two of them, training and walking is much more fun with a friend :o)

I think if you can find an older puppy it might be easier on you to referee, because the 7 month old is going to be rough on a younger puppy. If you can find a 5-6 month old (or older) puppy so they are about the same size/weight that would probably be a little safer for the new puppy.

Re: Are we insane?

My parents just got a collie puppy in June and I have to say he is soooooo bad. I know that if they continue with training, he'll improve, but it's hard now. It's been many years since they've had a puppy in the house and I think we had all kinda forgotten how wild and crazy they can be. I did the whole adopt a puppy and then adopt another one 2 years later and it was really hard. Our older dog was JUST starting to really calm down and behave and then our other pup kinda landed in our lap. I would not have CHOSEN to do it this way, but it is what it is. Also, my older dog now HATES my parent's new puppy. HATES him. Growls at him, refuses to be near him in any way shape or form. We've tried to introduce them in several different ways (nose to tail, on a long walk, at the dog park [neutral territory]) to no avail. We think it has to do with the fact that our dog is older and feels like he doesn't need anymore friends. I can't imagine why else he'd hate on him so much. So, that's another thing, introducing an older dog to a new puppy is harder than bringing two puppies together.

Basically, I say go for it! But be prepared!

ETA: The part about a puppy derailing the older dog's training? That's never been my experience. That was the only good part about adopting our second pup when our first was older- he kinda showed her the ropes and kept her in line. She's actually far better behaved than he is and I think that's because she had three trainers rather than two!

Message edited 9/9/2013 9:51:43 AM.

Re: Are we insane?

We got our second dog back in March beginning of April. Our second dog is 2 years old and our first dog will be 2 next week.

At first I thought we made a huge mistake but now, we couldn't be happier. Our dogs are so good for each other.

We took them to the dog park yesterday and they protect each other and look out for one another.

It was the best decision we made.

Are we insane?

Thanks everyone!!! I think we are gonna do it!