1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Hubby and I are the proud parents of a 1 year old yellow lab/mastiff mix we adopted from NSAL. He and I both work full-time jobs, but I am a teacher and get home significantly earlier than he does because of his LIRR commute into NYC. 2x a week, a dog walker comes to play and walk Bruno and 2x a week, he goes to doggie daycare so he can socialize and play with other dogs. The remaining day of the week, Bruno stays home and chills. We are tossing around the idea of getting a friend for Bruno. I am friends with someone who is the sister-in-law of a woman who runs a non-profit dog rescue here on Long Island. I follow them on Facebook and saw that yesterday one of their outreach dogs was turned over to them because the owner could no longer care for the dog (not because of behavioral issues). I fell in love from the photo and his name is coincidentally my husband's nickname so I think its a sign. For those with 2 dogs, can you tell me the advantages and disadvantages? Is it a significant change? Or is it more along the lines of "If you already have 1, having another isn't that bad". Obviously the dogs would have to meet to see how they react to each other, but we are seriously considering it! Honest opinions, please! Thanks, everyone!

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

I have 2.

I got my 2nd when my male was just about a year old. For us, it was the best decision. I dont feel as guilty when I leave the house and also they absolutely keep each other company. They are like brother and sister, sometimes they get along and sometimes my female beats up my male, lol. They do keep each other company for sure which helps with me feeling bad about leaving them.

Also they chase eachother which is great for exercise, since they are a high energy breed that needs alot of activity. Only con, yes, more work of course. 2 vet bills, 2 groomer bills, and it takes more effort to take 2 dogs for check ups, etc. Also if you walk your dog it is much harder to walk 2 dogs at once than one alone. Thats why I wont get a third, when I would love to. It would make all these things practically impossible to do at the same time. NO regrets though. We were sure and it was a great decision.


biggest negative-
We won't use a boarding facility so we have to find a family member to watch them. Much tougher with 2 dogs than with one dog. That's why I can't get a third. I could never get anyone who could handle 3. Two is hard enough!

Message edited 3/5/2014 10:48:00 PM.

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

I have 3 (2 males and 1 female). When the 1st dog was 2 YO we got a second dog. The first day is the only day they didn't like each other. Now they are inseparable.
The 3rd (female) came along when they were 8 & 6. The first day was rough. The boys did NOT like her at all LOL. But now, forget it. Can't take one out of the house without the others or they go crazy.
They love each other. She keeps them very active, running and chasing each other.

Con - 60 lbs of dog food each month
(They are all large dogs- 2 are 75 lbs and one is 85 lbs).

We do board them. They all stay together in a "run".



ETA: Pic of the 3 stooges

Image Attachment(s):

Message edited 3/6/2014 10:33:21 AM.

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

I have 2 dogs.

My first dog is a 15 pound shih tzu. Very easy going, we had for about a year until DH said he wanted a large dog. So we got an italian mastiff (cane corso).

Now that was a huge adjustment for us and my shih tzu. My shih tzu was very depressed at the beggining, his attitute changed a lot and it took him a while to kind of adjust to the change.

My mastiff requires a lot of attention and has more needs.

Both of my dogs get along very well, love each other and we couldn't be happier
Good luck.

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Posted by Cataverri

I have 2 dogs.

My first dog is a 15 pound shih tzu. Very easy going, we had for about a year until DH said he wanted a large dog. So we got an italian mastiff (cane corso).

Now that was a huge adjustment for us and my shih tzu. My shih tzu was very depressed at the beggining, his attitute changed a lot and it took him a while to kind of adjust to the change.

My mastiff requires a lot of attention and has more needs.

Both of my dogs get along very well, love each other and we couldn't be happier
Good luck.

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Posted by AKD

Posted by Cataverri

I have 2 dogs.

My first dog is a 15 pound shih tzu. Very easy going, we had for about a year until DH said he wanted a large dog. So we got an italian mastiff (cane corso).

Now that was a huge adjustment for us and my shih tzu. My shih tzu was very depressed at the beggining, his attitute changed a lot and it took him a while to kind of adjust to the change.

My mastiff requires a lot of attention and has more needs.

Both of my dogs get along very well, love each other and we couldn't be happier
Good luck.

They're my favorite duo

We've thought about getting two dogs a lot, but are holding off for now. One of the main reasons is when we travel, it would be really hard to have someone watch them. We have family or neighbors watch our dog now when we go away, and adding another one to that might be difficult. Plus, I'm being selfish and want to spoil our one dog as much as possible

1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Would the rescue allow you to foster first? Then you can see if the dog fits your lifestyle and situation etc

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Re: 1 Dog vs. 2 Dogs

Posted by Cataverri

I have 2 dogs.

My first dog is a 15 pound shih tzu. Very easy going, we had for about a year until DH said he wanted a large dog. So we got an italian mastiff (cane corso).

Now that was a huge adjustment for us and my shih tzu. My shih tzu was very depressed at the beggining, his attitute changed a lot and it took him a while to kind of adjust to the change.

My mastiff requires a lot of attention and has more needs.

Both of my dogs get along very well, love each other and we couldn't be happier
Good luck.

Message edited 3/6/2014 3:10:26 PM.