Pet Question

[Karin]

Hi all you pet lovers out there!

I have a question for you - we have a beautiful little dog who's the most wonderful pal - friendly, well behaved, affectionate. Problem is, we don't hang out with a lot of other "dog" folks so he doesn't get to see many other four legged friends - and there's nothing he loves more than meeting other dogs on our walks, even the big ones!

We've talked about getting a second little guy - we think it would be fun for us and our little guy - but I'm wondering what you more experienced pet people think. We've never had a dog before, so it's all new to us.

Any advice, stories, wisdom about adding a second dog to the family would be much appreciated.

Thanks everyone!

Karin :)

[srussell]

Karen,

One of the most important things to remember is to treat your first dog as the "alpha" dog! Feed him first, give him treats first, pet him first, etc. This will establish the "pecking order" when the 2nd dog come home with you. Otherwise, they will fight for dominance...

You know, "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia!"

In my house, it's Shelley (my wife), Chomps (male Black Lab), Willow (female Black Lab), and finally me... I get fed last, treats last, petted last... :D

Steve

[Granny]

We got Rufistanovich to keep Candy company. At first she was jelous, but now they are great buddies, and it's really good for her, cause we are gone sometimes for many hours. So I would say.... Go for it!

Granny :)

[Jessica]

i don't know so much about dogs, but I guess it's important to make sure you'll have time for both of them, and that none will feel left out.

[Granny]

Steve, you poor baby, why don't you go to your house outside and count your blessings? You know, the little house with the bone picture over the entrance?

Granny :p :D

[MaggieMae]

Hi Karen,

We have two dogs and everything Steve mentioned is true! Your first dog needs to be the leader or alpha leader of the two dogs. Size doesn't matter! Then remember that you are the Supreme Alpha Leader of the whole dog pack!! Our two dogs are very close and keep each other company. I think you'll enjoy it.

Have you heard of "The Dog Whisperer". It's an excellent book and program on TV. It helps explain the pack mentality that all dogs have!

Good luck! :)

[Karin]

Thanks everyone for the advice - I REALLY appreciate it :) :) ! I will do some pondering, and I promise to post some layouts of my "two" sweeties - if we choose to go that route!

If there are any more thoughts out there on bringing home a second dog, I'd love to hear them- I'm an "information hound" myself !

Thanks again!

Karin :)

[caz38]

I think Steve is pretty well on the mark. We have 4 dogs and our first girl is still top dog, which is important. Our boys tried to dominate at first when they grew up but with a bit of encouragement from us they have all found their order in the family and are very content. We've always had more than one dog and I think it is good for them. They have company and a playmate while you are at work or out.Best of luck and remember 'The more the merrier.':)

[srussell]

Steve, you poor baby, why don't you go to your house outside and count your blessings? You know, the little house with the bone picture over the entrance?

Granny :p :D

Thanks Granny ... Woof Woof!

Karin,

The funny thing was when we went looking for a new dog (our dog, Tasha of 10 yrs past away from cancer), we only wanted one, but we saw these two ( who were brother & sister from the same litter), in my infinite wisdom, I said "Hey, can we do two for the price of one?" The rest is history

http://www.iireproductions.com/clients/indigorose/screenshots/WaterDogs/ss.htm

[Granny]

Woodydyyy, woofddyydyy, woooddyyyyffyyyyyyy!!!!

Steve, sorry to hear about your doggy.

Well, yes, the more the merrier. They get lonely just like we do. And you should see the way my dogs play with the cat. He is twice their size, but they all love each other. It's really wonderful.

So, Karin, really, go for it, after the first set of furniture is gone, the yard digged up, the shoes eaten, and the fleas take over, what different does it make whether you have one or ten? :eek:

Granny :D

[Gizmo]

We have two Poms and they are just like two kids. We love them to death!

Mitsy is 3 years old, and Faren is 2 years old.

[Kazr]

I agree there is happiness in numbers,they do get lonely by themselves & can
be destructive,my Jack Russell & Kitty love each other & when they
play together it's a wonderful sight, it's like they were meant to be together, they are the best of buddies :)
Good luck in finding a playmate :)

[OnieRN]

We have this big fat cat named Buster and he is extremely terriorial. Have tried to puppy site for my brothers little dog and that cat at a fit! He hissed and swatted that poor little dog across the room. He sits outside on the roof and dares any other cat to even come near our house. We have thought about getting a little dog or cat but I'm sure it wouldn't stand a chance. My boyfriend has a little dog that is only 5 lbs and I'm afraid for him to bring it over.

Any suggestions or do you think Buster will get over it? :confused:

:) nie

[Granny]

Buster needs a shrink. He has some serious control issues. Sounds like my Candy. Will he get over it? Hmmmmmm, send me $50, and I will look it up in my kitty medical book. It was written by Dra. Shiringa Matazanos. Great doctor. Got her practising license in Barsto, CA. That's not the end of the world, but you can see it from there.

Anyhow, add another $25, I just gave you more info than you needed. Say hi to Buster. A cat after my own heart!! :eek:

Granny :p

[OnieRN]

I gave Buster your message and he just layed there! Oh that darn cat!

:) nie

[Granny]

I rest my case!!!! :eek:

Granny :D

[Adam]

I don't have a dog yet but I do keep fish. These picts aren't the best because I took them with my phone.

Adam

[Marion]

I used to have a aquarium just like that!

Marion

[sdth]

Hi Karen!
I agree that two is better than one, however, when you first introduce the new pet get the help of someone NOT living in the home to physically bring the new pet in. Then ignore the new pet when the first one is around, this lets the first pet know that you are not replacing it. The new new pet will not remember for long that it was ignored at first so don't worry about that. It also helps to establish the first pet as the alpha.

Good luck!!

I've had multiples (pets) almost all of my 50 years and it really does work. They are happier for having a friend around!

Stephanie:D

[Karin]

WOW! I'm so amazed by everyone's responses - this is awesome! I appreciate the insights and the specific "what-to-do" advice. We are definitely moving closer to getting the second dog, and I have you all to thank for helping us!

We are going to visit the litter that we are choosing from one more time next week, and by then we will know! Hopefully some time next week I'll post a thread about doggie names!

You guys are great!

Karin :)