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NFT: One Dog or Two?

GP : 4/21/2014 1:45 pm
Wife is pushing for a second dog, a 2-year-old French bulldog she can get for a small adoption fee through a client at her work (vet's office). We have a 70 pound boxer and we absolutely adore him. Two shit-bag cats too. Three pets already is more than my ideal home, but I knew when I married her she was an animal lover and there would likely be a day with a 4th (second dog) joining the herd.

I'm just not sure it's the right time for us. We want to have kids at some point (next year?) and we're settled into our home that we bought last summer; part of me is thinking that a second dog could complicate that 'settled' feeling and plans to add another life into what would become a quickly-crowded home.

Twice the brown spots on the lawn, twice the food bowls and dog beds on the floors, twice the hair floating around (although not too bad with either breed), twice the amount of food/treats to buy, twice the vet care costs (although reduced [see wife's work place above]), twice the obligation for friends or family when we're out of town, twice the burden up at the summer camp when we spend a day up there... What if this dog upsets our current guy? What if he nips at our niece and nephew (and eventually our kids)? What if he doesn't take to training as well as our current dog did, and I just end up hating the little asshole?

Both her sister and her mother have two dogs, as well as my good buddy ... and neither of them "measure up" to the first dog. Not that the love just isn't the same, but they're all legitimately 'problem-dogs'. Maybe that's why I'm jaded to the idea, I just don't want to mess with a good thing.

Am I just being a whiny bitch and theorizing the absolute worst-case scenario? Does a second dog change things as much as I'm picturing? I feel bad saying no to my wife over and over again because she is already in love with this dog (currently recovering from a neuter, sleeping on her lap), but I think I have to put my foot down on this one. Thoughts or experiences to share?
What I would do before introducing a second dog into the  
kickerpa16 : 4/21/2014 1:47 pm : link
home is to take both to a neutral site, and see if they can get along.

We did that with ours, and there were no issues.

Now, I think having 2 dogs is fantastic; they keep each other entertained when we aren't here, and have become pretty damn good friends. There are some downsides (costs, potential dominance, food, etc.) that we haven't run into, but they could be considerable.

We got lucky that both of ours are good mannered. They eat from the same bowl, play with same toys (tug of war together), and sleep next to each other in the bed.

Again, I can't stress enough to do an initial meeting.
We added a 20 pound  
Randy in CT : 4/21/2014 1:48 pm : link
cattle dog mix to our household to entertain our 85 pound pit and they do entertain the heck out of each other though pup does bug the old man quite a bit. I think it is good for him though as he is 8 now and a bit arthritic and she keeps him on the go.

Good luck.
two dogs aren't any harder to manage than one dog  
Blue Baller : 4/21/2014 1:48 pm : link
And will likely be a good companion for your first dog.
Particularly a low energy dog like a bulldog

kicker, I think we added 2nd dogs around the same time  
Randy in CT : 4/21/2014 1:50 pm : link
(IIRC?) .

What we did was bring the pup home, brought old dog outside (common area away from our house) and then slowly introduced them to each other. Eventually we got them inside and we acted as mediators and it took some time. Within a week the new pup was laying on the older dog.
Randy  
kickerpa16 : 4/21/2014 1:53 pm : link
I think so too.

That's not a bad idea. We don't have a yard, which is why I suggested another site, though your way is probably easier!
if it's the right situation, sure  
Greg from LI : 4/21/2014 1:54 pm : link
We'd wanted to get a second dog for a while, but until we found the right one (read: one that our first dog would accept) we waited. I do like having two because it's not much more work than having one and the two of them keep each other company.
Randy  
Blue Baller : 4/21/2014 1:55 pm : link
you asked a while back about the Glucosamine I was giving my dog.

After about a month / month and a half on the human version (switching from the dog specific version mostly for cost reasons) he really seems to be responding. He is much quicker to get up and doesn't seem to be in as much pain after strenuous outings. Could be just that the dosage in the pet version wasn't heavy enough.

I break 2 of the capsules onto his food twice a day.



Link - ( New Window )
We made the decision to get a 2nd dog about 4 years ago  
kmed : 4/21/2014 1:57 pm : link
and I am so glad we did. You are right...more dog hair, more dog beds, less grass, more poop, but it's all worth it to me. My little guy(65 lb rhodesian ridgeback mix) absolutely loves my big guy(95 lb german shepard/rotty mix) and follows his around everywhere. I barely had to train my little guy as my big guy is so damn good and the little guy just followed him everywhere.

Do you have a fenced in backyard?
...  
GP : 4/21/2014 1:58 pm : link
the wife has said he seems very "chill" and would be a good fit, but I can't trust a damn thing she says today ;)

Our guy is turning 5 in July and has had his share of health issues. Nothing too serious, but nagging issues that flare-up ... he did just have a mast cell removed and is now cancer-free, but I wouldn't be surprised to see more occurrences of that pop up in the coming years (fingers crossed).

He's a lazy boxer by boxer standards and has shown to get somewhat annoyed from more energetic dogs in recent years, so that could be an issue. Also, he scarfs his food down quick... he's never shown any aggression with us near the food bowl when he's eating (I still test him every now and then), but has given the cats a couple death-stares if they get too close. I don't think he'd do anything, but not sure..
..  
GP : 4/21/2014 2:00 pm : link
In comment 11630676 kmed said:
Quote:


Do you have a fenced in backyard?


Fully fenced. Not huge, but big enough.
hah  
Greg from LI : 4/21/2014 2:04 pm : link
My dogs combined aren't as big as your "little guy".

Definitely do a meeting first. Our first attempt at a second dog was a basset hound that a co-worker had to give up because he was moving in with his girlfriend who had a dog allergy. Our dog HATED the basset hound and the two of them barked at each other constantly for three days until we had to give him back.

We then tried introducing our mutt three more times before we found a dachshund puppy that she got along with.
RE: ..  
kmed : 4/21/2014 2:04 pm : link
In comment 11630691 GP said:
Quote:
In comment 11630676 kmed said:


Quote:




Do you have a fenced in backyard?



Fully fenced. Not huge, but big enough.


That will make your life easier. The young guy will exercise the older guy too, so that's a plus. Also, when you have kids, dogs will often get jealous and act out. This will help keep the older dog "busy".
RE: Randy  
Randy in CT : 4/21/2014 2:05 pm : link
In comment 11630670 Blue Baller said:
Quote:
you asked a while back about the Glucosamine I was giving my dog.

After about a month / month and a half on the human version (switching from the dog specific version mostly for cost reasons) he really seems to be responding. He is much quicker to get up and doesn't seem to be in as much pain after strenuous outings. Could be just that the dosage in the pet version wasn't heavy enough.

I break 2 of the capsules onto his food twice a day.

Link - ( New Window )
Thank you, BB! We just got confirmation that he has arthritis in both legs. This will be helpful info--Thanks!
Whatever you do  
ballanda : 4/21/2014 2:06 pm : link
just be considerate of your neighbors. I sleep with earplugs every night because of a lazy neighbor with 2 dogs.

</public service announcement>
I got 2 from the breeder from the same litter  
Headhunter : 4/21/2014 2:22 pm : link
my only regret is I didn't get a 3rd
RE: Whatever you do  
GP : 4/21/2014 2:33 pm : link
In comment 11630711 ballanda said:
Quote:
just be considerate of your neighbors. I sleep with earplugs every night because of a lazy neighbor with 2 dogs.

</public service announcement>


I think the fact I started a thread with this many ridiculous questions proves that I'm considerate of all potential factors in the situation ;)

My guy currently barks a bit at the neighbors when they're out in the backyard next to us, but usually quiets down after a few "Hellos" .. we're working on keeping him hush whenever he sees them, but proving to be a bit of a challenge. As far as nightime goes, he sleeps through the night, every night. Deeper sleep than I could ever dream of.
we have 2  
mattlawson : 4/21/2014 2:56 pm : link
they have each other, but it becomes a lot when you ask people to help out if you travel and want them taken care of by someone you trust. people love our dogs, but 1 is definitely easier than 2.
Frenchies are not a high-energy breed  
schnitzie : 4/21/2014 3:03 pm : link
The brachycephalic facial structure prevents them from oxygenating well, so they are not going to tax a middle-aged boxer the way a Lab, Golden Retriever, or (God forbid), a smart, motivated Border Collie would.

Frenchies were bred to be companion dogs, and they serve in that role very well. They look like mutant bunnies that chased a parked car. They are affectionate, hilarious little clowns.

Here is a video of a Frenchie clowning with a humongasaurus Caucasian Ovcharka dog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28E6JJHnMxQ

As you'll see the Frenchie is gentle, submissive and yet determined to play with the giant dog...but still manages to do so in a really LAZY way!!!

Frenchies rock, and my prediction is that YOU will be the one to get most attached to the little booger. They are very sweet little dogs; don't shed much, and he's sleeping on your wife's lap!

Since you already said you're likely to get a second dog anyway, grab the Frenchie while you can -- it's your opportunity to get as little dog as possible for a 2nd dog...and to make your wife happy, which is also a very good thing.

You're gonna love that little booger. Betchya five bucks.

I have 3 so I am biased  
Johnny5 : 4/21/2014 4:35 pm : link
Though my Samoyed is now 15, and he is getting close to the end.

2 dogs is perfect in my view as far as cost, companionship (for each other), etc. But if I had the space and could afford it I'd have 10, or 20... lol
Hate to rain on this parade  
Cayuta : 4/21/2014 4:58 pm : link
but getting a second dog is one of the biggest regrets of my life.

I got Ollie, a 60 lb pit bull mix during my last semester in college. Ollie was the best dog I've ever had the privilege of being around. Friendly to pretty much all people, loved to play with other dogs, loyal, fun, etc., etc. He was by my side for most of my 20's while I found my way in life. I loved that dog.

Met my future wife, moved in with each other, proposed, settled down. Decided it was time to get another dog. We're both dog people and wanted a second dog, partly to carry on Ollie's legacy in a way. We thought we'd get a puppy, Ollie would train it to be just as cool as him, and everybody would live happily ever after.

So we got Roscoe, a purebred pitbull at 6 weeks old. Cutest puppy ever. Ollie accepted him of course and things were great until Roscoe got bigger. I saw signs of it while Roscoe was still smaller than Ollie. They'd be playing and Roscoe would get serious. It wasn't a big deal when Roscoe was little, but he quickly grew into 80 lbs of solid muscle. Roscoe was a very cool dog. Loved all people and was smart and fun. But he was extremely dog aggressive.

Roscoe dominated Ollie. Not only was he bigger, but he had a killer instinct that Ollie completely lacked. Random things would set Roscoe off and he'd get after Ollie in way that was pure evil. I'd jump in the middle of it to save my Ollie and ended up shedding a lot of my own blood.

We tried to rehome Roscoe a couple of times. It was extremely frustrating. Nobody wants a pitbull with dog aggression issues. Shelters wouldn't take him because he already had a home. So we tried to deal with it. Changed our behavior. Walked them religiously. They would be fine dor months and then something would set Roscoe off and he'd attack Ollie. Almost ripped his ear off one time. Almost tore his eye out another. I should have put Roscoe down as soon as it became apparent that he was so dangerous. He wouldn't ever go after a human, but if you got in between him and the dog he was after, he'd go through you.

Anyways we ended up keeping them constantly separated. One in the basement and one upstairs at all times. Well by this time Ollie was 11 years old and Roscoe was 5. Ollie ended up getting bone cancer. I had to put him down. My poor boy Ollie had to spend half of his life in the basement for the last couple years of his life, when he should have been able to grow old with the family and not in fear of Roscoe. This kills me. It's my biggest regret in life that I put Ollie through that.

So I guess I'm just offering a word of warning that it can go wrong. We had the best of intentions and considered ourselves dog people. Long post because I'm waiting to go in the doctor. My turn now. Good luck.
Have 3 rescues  
ronzo : 4/21/2014 5:09 pm : link
All different breed and they get together great
.  
Del Shofner : 4/21/2014 5:13 pm : link
Mrs S likes having two, and they do entertain each other. One is 16 y.o. and the other is 5.

Cayuta . . . wow, that is a sad story about your two dogs not  
The Duke : 4/21/2014 5:34 pm : link
getting along and certainly provides the other perspective. We have had two Golden Retrievers for many years and thoroughly enjoy having both dogs and all have gotten along extremely well. But, having said that, the Vet bills do double up and as well as the messes to be cleaned up in the yard and the dog hair/dirt in the house. We understand and accept this as watching the two dogs interact is so much fun and never gets old to us. We are fortunate in that my son and his family are always available to take our dogs whenever we are away and we do the same for them. The two dogs do enjoy each others company and are entertaining to watch, but don't really expect one to "train" the other. They also establish their own "picking order" as well and once this is sorted out and they understand their place in the family "pack" everything usually goes pretty smoothly thereafter. Hope this helps a little. Good luck with your decision.
I also hear it is best to mix sexes  
Blue Baller : 4/21/2014 5:36 pm : link
get a girl if you have a boy and vice versa.

less likely to have aggression issues


i have a question  
RicFlair : 4/21/2014 6:02 pm : link
regarding mixing breeds, and ages.



i see its good to mix sexes, but what about breeds.


down the road ill definitely be getting my girlfriend a shih tzu, i want a german shepherd someday, should we get them both at the same time as puppies, or one first?
I have never heard anything  
Blue Baller : 4/21/2014 6:31 pm : link
about specific breeds clashing with other breeds but I'm no expert


wanting kids  
bc4life : 4/21/2014 7:12 pm : link
and a second dog? that's a lot. we have one and might get a second with our next house, need more room.

Have a 10 month old boxer - I cannot imagine having two of him when he was 4 months. great dog, but a handful.
Del  
bc4life : 4/21/2014 7:13 pm : link
How'd you post that picture, from the web?
.  
Del Shofner : 4/21/2014 8:37 pm : link
I have a Photobucket account. It's free. I put photos there if I want to post them on the web, and just copy and paste the image address.
I read this title  
Sneakers O'toole : 4/21/2014 11:20 pm : link
and thought that this thread was going to be about hot dogs. I am also mildly disappointed that it is not about hot dogs. That is all.
RE: I read this title  
TheBigBlueOne : 4/22/2014 12:34 am : link
In comment 11631485 Sneakers O'toole said:
Quote:
and thought that this thread was going to be about hot dogs. I am also mildly disappointed that it is not about hot dogs. That is all.


Happy?
Yes!  
Sneakers O'toole : 4/22/2014 12:36 am : link
.
Cayuta -- I'm so sorry for what you and Ollie had to go through  
schnitzie : 4/22/2014 1:03 am : link
The mistake you made was not in getting a second dog but picking a breed, the pit bull, that has been specifically bred to be dog aggressive. Your poor Ollie was the classic "bait dog" for dog fighters...because his genetics failed to pass on the dog aggressive characteristic.

It's also not a good idea to pair a young, energetic dog with a senior dog. You want to match your dogs by relative energy levels, so that the younger dog won't terrorize the older one.

You might have been able to adopt another pit if he was closer in age to Ollie and definitely older than 2, the age of sexual maturity, when dog aggressive tendencies show up in pitties. By getting a puppy, you were essentially undertaking a crap shoot as to whether Roscoe would turn dog aggressive. An older pit would've been a known quantity.

I commend you for not having Roscoe euthanized. I lived for 6 years with pets who had to be separated because one have become aggressive to another. It is very stressful. It is so upsetting when one of your animals attacks another one. I had a foster try to kill one of my cats, and then that cat turned on one of his companions, to the point that I had to keep them permanently separated. It broke my heart and I felt so incredibly guilty about it.

FWIW, at his age, Ollie was probably spending most of his time in the basement sleeping. You made the best of an impossible situation. With the huge proportion of pitties being euthanized in shelters, you did right by Roscoe.
Ric Flair: Breeds matter and so does age and gender  
schnitzie : 4/22/2014 1:20 am : link
In general, it's best not to get two female dogs, but it depends on the dog.

Pits are bred to be dog aggressive, and that tendency manifests when the dog reaches the age of sexual maturity, at around 2. There is no way to know if a pit puppy will ultimately become dog-aggressive, but there is a good chance it will.

The best indicator is to get an adult dog (over 2) that has lived in a home, so that he or she is a known quantity. That is why adopting from a rescue is so helpful -- dogs that spent more than two weeks in a foster home will be easier to read. The foster parent(s) will be able to give you more info about the dog's personality.

You can mix a shih tzu with a German Shepherd dog, but you need a GSD who has already shown he can live peacefully with a small dog. A good friend of mine always has a rotating senior GSD, and because she is a cat rescuer, the GSD has to come from a foster home, so it can be tested on cats. She has adopted 4 senior GSDs (one at a time) who get along with cats.

Another good thing about adopting from a rescue is that if a given GSD does not work out, you can always return the dog to the rescue. For life.


Schnitzie, thanks for the kind words.  
Cayuta : 4/22/2014 6:05 am : link
I completely agree that the mistake was in getting a pit pup, especially a male. There's a number of reasons, none of them good looking back on it, why we got Roscoe.

This was right after the whole Vick story broke. The details I heard about Vick's operation really affected me so I was bound and determined to rescue another pitbull. Ollie was a true ambassador for the breed and I wanted another. We were watching a lot of Dog Whisperer at the time and believed most of his bullshit. I thought that with the proper training and home life, what could go wrong? My youthful optimism and confidence (arrogance) clouded my judgement and I made the wrong decision.

Worst part is Ollie was very high energy and jolly so I think almost any puppy except Roscoe would have been perfect for him.
thank you sir.  
RicFlair : 4/22/2014 8:57 am : link
.
RE: I read this title  
GP : 4/22/2014 9:38 am : link
In comment 11631485 Sneakers O'toole said:
Quote:
and thought that this thread was going to be about hot dogs. I am also mildly disappointed that it is not about hot dogs. That is all.


If that were the topic, then the title would've been 'Two Dogs or Three?'


Thanks to all those that have replied and shared. Definitely a tough call to make - I decided to agree to a meet and greet with the little guy (knowing full well that would have been an almost guaranteed addition to the family)... but then my wife talked a bit more to the adoption agency and they noted he was nippy with children. So he's out as an option for us. Hopefully he finds a quiet home with an older couple because from all other standpoints he was a great little guy. Win win for me - I get the points with the wife for not just steadfastly putting my foot down and we keep our situation as is for now.
It's funny, my two younger dogs are female  
Johnny5 : 4/22/2014 9:59 am : link
And they can't get enough of each other. One is 7 or 8 year old Lab/mutt mix that we rescued, and the other is a year and a half old Aussie shepherd. Well, OK the older one does get testy with food.... but other than that it's amazing how much these two dogs love each other.

My Lab mix is a pretty sweet dog, and also very sensitive. We had a 8 year old rabbit that we got around the same time as her, it actually (ironically enough) died this Easter Sunday. She has been moping around the house ever since. She is taking it harder than my kids (and my kids were pretty broken up about it).
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