Should I get a second dog?

Thinking about it.

[HughMungus]

So a few weeks ago I got a 2 month-old puppy. Now I'm thinking it's kind of unfair for the puppy to be raised alone (the cat doesn't count). So I'm thinking about getting a second dog. On one hand I think, "In for a penny..." On the other I think, "Three pets?!"

[EarWig]

Dear dog lover
"The Cat doesn`t count!"

Tut Tut or should I say whoooof whoooof - cat lovers unite - lets put this cat hater in his place!
;)

EW
Pussy lover:)

[Hawkgirl]

I vote for 2 dogs.

First of all, the workload involved in going from one dog to two isn't that great a leap.

Second, dogs are pack animals and do well when they have a family (including you) - another dog will be a great source of comfort and friendship for your first dog.

Third, in my personal experience, my first dog was WAY happier once he had a buddy.

[TheDoctor]

Let's consider the cat here. Adult cats are quite happy adopting a puppy (and BTW adult dogs are quite happy adopting a kitten). But two puppuies? I'm not so sure it could cope.

HughMingus, you're not the only one in the household that should be considered.

[duckhunter]

We have two dogs and I don't know what they would do without each other. They are best friends.

[Macguru]

HughMungus,

Do you have childrens?

[mivox]

I'd go to the animal shelter and find a calm, housebroken adult dog who's used to cats. That way, the cat won't be so overwhelmed, neither will you (training two puppies at once is no small feat), and the older dog will actually help by 1.) setting a good example for the puppy, and 2.) giving the puppy something other than the cat to pay attention to.

[Troppo]

Make sure to harmonize the breeds and genders if you go with the 2 dog scenario. We've got a Yorkshire Terrier and a Boxer, both female and they detest each other ;-(

[HelenDev]

If you want a second dog then go for it.

In my experience however dogs seem to be quite happy in a family without other dogs as long as they get plenty of attention.

[encyclo]

Have you considered a baby instead of another dog? There are upsides and downsides. One, you need a wife/girlfriend to build one, and they take a while to toilet-train them. They tend to be about equal to a dog when it comes to leaving paw marks over the walls and furniture, and you tend to need more equipment than just a collar and leash (although you wonder whether those items wouldn't be useful sometimes).

However, the dribbling and drooling is just a phase rather than a way of life, and eventually, once you regress back to your dribbling and drooling stage again later in life, then have to come and look after you.

[HughMungus]

Have you considered a baby instead of another dog?

Hahah. I can't wait to get married and start having kids...

Anyway, thanks for all the advice. I decided on one dog, one cat for now. They seem to be playing more together and getting along better.

[brdwlsh]

i agree with every word that Hawkgirl wrote.

we got a second dog as a buddy for our first guy, it really helped with some behavior problems. watch out though, we now have four!

whatever you do, don't buy the pup from a pet store. many of their suppliers run sub-par operations--elevating your chances of buying a dog from a bad gene pool.

also, the pet store dogs are probably more expensive than a dog from a reputable breeder. there is probably a waiting list though.

another option would be to rescue a dog from a shelter.

[HughMungus]

Thanks brd. I'm going to stick with one dog/one cat for now. THe cat has just started attacking the dog which means he likes her now. Also, i can take her to the dog park for interaction with other dogs. Maybe another dog someday when I get a yard.