Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

DH & I want to get a second dog. We are looking into Shiba Puppies or a shiba rescue. We are a little nervous to take on a 2nd dog. Sandy is so good but I think a 2nd dog would be good for her. But I am not sure if it will be good for us.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

DH and I just adopted a puppy on Sunday....Our other dog isn't too thrilled about the puppy (she is extremely attached to DH and I)...I forgot how hyper puppies are! and we have been waking up early every morning to take the puppy out! Its like a new baby (not that i have one of those yet) but...its alot of work...she is getting into everything!, eating everything...running around like a tazmainan devil, lol.
just make sure you ready for early mornings, and taking the puppy out every 2-4 hours. more vet bills and training, ugh!
She's cute so its worth it.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

When we got Tally last year we thought about it a lot....

We knew Casey is VERY easy going so we weren't worried about tension between her and another dog- we were just concerned about how it would affect other things.

At the time, we had a doggy door so we knew that it would be an easier transition for Tally- having the freedom to come in and out. Now fence needs to be repared so doggy door is closed until further notice!

We were prepared for the following:
DH and I would have to walk them together- two dogs for one person can be a lot.

More money- vet expenses, food, etc.

What if Tally had behavior problems? We got her from a shelter so there were really no guarantees- we had to prepare ourselves for the worst- in the end, she's a doll...

More cleaning- shedding is double now!

Extra boarding expenses- we are lucky- my parents and in-laws take them if we go away- -but we ran it by them first...

HTH!! Good luck!!

ETA: we had a really easy transition- although both seemes a little down in the dumps for a month or two...then they started smiling again!

Message edited 9/1/2006 1:16:55 PM.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

forgot to add two things-

take your current doggy to meet the potential new dog and let them interact with each other- its not a guarantee that they will love each other later on but it's a good start.

allergies- if anyone in your household has ANY tendency towards pet allergies beware- I was fine with Casey but then when Tally came I was so sick! The Dr. said I could handle one dose of dog but the two together was an overload for my system- it was the worst month- I was devastated at the thought of giving her back but I couldn't breathe at night- we fixed it with a very expensive air purifier and then my system adjusted- just a thought....

Message edited 9/1/2006 2:34:11 PM.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

i heard shibas like to be the only dog. just something to think about.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

honestly...I posted this a year ago when we were looking into getting our 2nd dog.

We rescued our puggle...found him on petfinder.com. It took about 2 weeks for our 2 1/2 year old Rottweiler to get used to him, and now they are best of friends.

It's a little more food, a little more $$ at the vet, less room in the bed, and 4 more feet that pitter patter around after you. Having 2 dogs that love you with everything they have and are ecstatic to see you come home every day....

priceless. It gets rough at times when you just want to sit and relax....one always wants in our laps, but we love them both and they are both so great with the baby!

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

I have had multiple dogs for years. Currently, I have three. They have all been mixed breeds, with the exception of our first dog who was an English Springer Spaniel. I love having more than one dog and I love watching the interaction. I've seen them take on the mother role, the big sister role and my youngest, at the present time, helped my older one come out of a severe depression. Dogs are pack animals and I think it is important for them to more of their own species around. The group I have now all get along very well and each knows their place in the pack, with the two youngest showing respect for the older one. Dogs - what a great idea! God was doing his best work the day He thought of them.

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

I currently have a 15 month old goldie and my friend who lives in my basement has a 2 year old lab mix.... we let them rn around together once in a while... it is fun to watch them interact... good for them.... but when i have to dog sit it is a hassel....

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

Shibas can be weird with another dog. I say definitely get a male if you already have a female, as one of their breed traits is animosity toward the same sex. Have you taken her anyplace where she is around other dogs? How is she reacting?

And no, 2 are not much different than one IMO. A downside might be the older dog may revert to needed to be housebroken all over again.

Good luck!

Re: Is it really that much different to have 2 dogs?

Well I will give my two cents. We have an awesome 5 yr old pound pup-chow, shepard, collie mix. He was a little furball. This dog is amazing-smart great listener affectionate without being annoying. After we had had him for 2 yrs DH keeps saying lets get another dog-Caden(1st dog) is lonely. I truly felt that Caden was a bit independent and liked things the way they were and fought this idea for months. Well he caught me one day and we went to North Shore and adopted another pound puppy. He is now 3 yrs old and 110 lbs. He is a very sweet dog but the mess has increased more than twofold it seems and they are always in the way. I woudl never give up either of them but for us having two is quitew overwhelming. Another thing is you know how hard it is to get people to watch two dogs? Very expensive to board them too. I just groomed them both on Friday and it cost $125