Should we get a (specific) second dog?
November 21, 2011 6:36 AM Subscribe
Should we get a (specific) second dog?
I have been pushing to adopt a second dog for a few years and for me it's admittedly a completely emotional want--when my husband asks me to put in to words why I want a second dog, it's not something I can do easily.
We have a 6 year old female boxer who is basically on auto-pilot. She is well mannered and low-maintenance. We get lots of exercise together, as well as lots of couch potato time. She fits perfectly in to our life right now -- a great traveler and a solid companion. She is our first dog, and we have never had two dogs before, save some week-long pet sitting for family every now and then.
The dog I'm currently pining for is a 1 year old male boxer who was surrendered by a family who could no longer care for him because of financial changes.
My husband has essentially left the decision to me. He is perfectly happy with the status quo, but is willing to take on the responsibilities of adopting this second dog.
The Certainties:
Our Dog - Gets along stupendously with other dogs, especially other boxers. Is rock solid in terms of training and temperament, has done some "volunteering" in terms of testing other rescue dogs for sociability, etc.
Adoptable Dog - He's the perfect candidate for our family right now - young enough to influence socially, but old enough that he is neutered and house trained. He grew up around kids, so we know he will do OK with our nieces and nephews. Surrendered not for behavioral or health problems, but rather for a change in family situation.
The Timing - is awesome. Between the winter holiday time off and a general break in activity, we will have time to get him settled before our work schedules get unpredictable in the spring.
The Concerns:
The Space - We live in a pretty small cape cod. We can shift some things around to make space, but what we have indoors is still fairly limited.
The Cost - We are very comfortable, but still need to consider the cost of doubling pet care.
Travel - we love to take our dog everywhere (vacations, family gatherings, outside dining at restaurants, occasionally to work--yes, we are those people) and are concerned that we would now have to leave the dogs at home. I'm hesitant to be that Crazy Dog Couple that goes everywhere with multiple dogs. While we have not done much travel in the last few years because of a house remodel and a career change, we are hoping to dedicate one or two long weekends in 2012.
So, I'm truly torn. Emotionally, I want him. I've thought of nicknames for him, I've daydreamed about walking my two dogs all over town and having the opportunity to train him as thoroughly as we did our first dog. Logically, I realize this will be work and adjustment for me, my husband, and our current dog. I am terrible at grappling with my pure emotional wants and am much better when I can confidently make a decision based in logic.
Your thoughts, wise Mefi?
I have been pushing to adopt a second dog for a few years and for me it's admittedly a completely emotional want--when my husband asks me to put in to words why I want a second dog, it's not something I can do easily.
We have a 6 year old female boxer who is basically on auto-pilot. She is well mannered and low-maintenance. We get lots of exercise together, as well as lots of couch potato time. She fits perfectly in to our life right now -- a great traveler and a solid companion. She is our first dog, and we have never had two dogs before, save some week-long pet sitting for family every now and then.
The dog I'm currently pining for is a 1 year old male boxer who was surrendered by a family who could no longer care for him because of financial changes.
My husband has essentially left the decision to me. He is perfectly happy with the status quo, but is willing to take on the responsibilities of adopting this second dog.
The Certainties:
Our Dog - Gets along stupendously with other dogs, especially other boxers. Is rock solid in terms of training and temperament, has done some "volunteering" in terms of testing other rescue dogs for sociability, etc.
Adoptable Dog - He's the perfect candidate for our family right now - young enough to influence socially, but old enough that he is neutered and house trained. He grew up around kids, so we know he will do OK with our nieces and nephews. Surrendered not for behavioral or health problems, but rather for a change in family situation.
The Timing - is awesome. Between the winter holiday time off and a general break in activity, we will have time to get him settled before our work schedules get unpredictable in the spring.
The Concerns:
The Space - We live in a pretty small cape cod. We can shift some things around to make space, but what we have indoors is still fairly limited.
The Cost - We are very comfortable, but still need to consider the cost of doubling pet care.
Travel - we love to take our dog everywhere (vacations, family gatherings, outside dining at restaurants, occasionally to work--yes, we are those people) and are concerned that we would now have to leave the dogs at home. I'm hesitant to be that Crazy Dog Couple that goes everywhere with multiple dogs. While we have not done much travel in the last few years because of a house remodel and a career change, we are hoping to dedicate one or two long weekends in 2012.
So, I'm truly torn. Emotionally, I want him. I've thought of nicknames for him, I've daydreamed about walking my two dogs all over town and having the opportunity to train him as thoroughly as we did our first dog. Logically, I realize this will be work and adjustment for me, my husband, and our current dog. I am terrible at grappling with my pure emotional wants and am much better when I can confidently make a decision based in logic.
Your thoughts, wise Mefi?
Yes, get the second dog. It seems your heart is already set on it and you just want someone to give you the go ahead.
Go ahead.
posted by royalsong at 6:58 AM on November 21, 2011
Go ahead.
posted by royalsong at 6:58 AM on November 21, 2011
Make sure you realize how different your first dog will likely act with a second dog in the house, especially if they become buds. There are multiple threads about this on the green. Basically, one dog is man's best friend; two dogs are dogs-- that is, they act much more "doggy". Your first dog will likely hang around you less.
Possible downside: she may become more protective/jealous with another dog in the house full time. (This happened with our dog, and it ended up not working out with the second.) If she sleeps with you or sits with you on the couch, she might want to protect that territory. Since two big dogs are big, things like that might have to become no-dog zones.
Other than that, yeah, go for it.
posted by supercres at 7:00 AM on November 21, 2011
Possible downside: she may become more protective/jealous with another dog in the house full time. (This happened with our dog, and it ended up not working out with the second.) If she sleeps with you or sits with you on the couch, she might want to protect that territory. Since two big dogs are big, things like that might have to become no-dog zones.
Other than that, yeah, go for it.
posted by supercres at 7:00 AM on November 21, 2011
First, make sure you know a reliable and likable pet sitter or kennel, just in case you want to have some dogless travel. Second, get the dog.
I have three dogs that I actually own (versus fosters or dogs that are staying with me for some reason.) I did get a great deal on my Christmas cabin, but typically the per pet fee is another $10 to $50 a night depending on where you stay. Additionally, many places have a do-not-leave-you-dog-in-the-room rule which can make dinner difficult. And if you leave the dogs in a kennel or with a pet sitter, that's an extra 20 or more percent. Just keep that in mind.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 7:01 AM on November 21, 2011
I have three dogs that I actually own (versus fosters or dogs that are staying with me for some reason.) I did get a great deal on my Christmas cabin, but typically the per pet fee is another $10 to $50 a night depending on where you stay. Additionally, many places have a do-not-leave-you-dog-in-the-room rule which can make dinner difficult. And if you leave the dogs in a kennel or with a pet sitter, that's an extra 20 or more percent. Just keep that in mind.
posted by Lesser Shrew at 7:01 AM on November 21, 2011
Well.. just because spearmint doubles your flavor does not mean that two dogs will be twice the fun. I vote no. I tried that and it became just more work and the first dog resents the other in its space.
posted by JayRwv at 7:05 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by JayRwv at 7:05 AM on November 21, 2011
I put much less thought into our second dog than you did and my boys get along fine. We kennel them together when we travel and they keep each other company.
I will never have just one dog again. Get the dog!
posted by ladygypsy at 7:08 AM on November 21, 2011
I will never have just one dog again. Get the dog!
posted by ladygypsy at 7:08 AM on November 21, 2011
Bring him home!! You'll figure out the rest of it - the "con" list sounds like you can figure it out as you go along.
I hate leaving my dog home alone (she comes to work and everywhere else with me), but when I can leave her with my parents' dog I don't mind leaving her alone all day - they entertain each other.
Start now looking for a good pet sitter (family, friend) for those long weekends in case you want the option of traveling alone - I don't think you'd absolutely have to leave them both home, but you might want to. You should have someone anyway, just in case.
posted by mrs. taters at 7:21 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
I hate leaving my dog home alone (she comes to work and everywhere else with me), but when I can leave her with my parents' dog I don't mind leaving her alone all day - they entertain each other.
Start now looking for a good pet sitter (family, friend) for those long weekends in case you want the option of traveling alone - I don't think you'd absolutely have to leave them both home, but you might want to. You should have someone anyway, just in case.
posted by mrs. taters at 7:21 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Get the dog. 2 dogs are like 1.5x the work of one (if that much), and more than double the fun.
posted by saveyoursanity at 7:32 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by saveyoursanity at 7:32 AM on November 21, 2011
On your concern about leaving them alone -- when they are alone our two boys seem totally happy snoozing together most of the day with a visit from the dog walker to get them out in the middle of the day. They also love their very reliable pet sitter and we've been comfortable leaving them when we travel, tho it is expensive. So seconding the advice above to find a good pet sitter now. The relationship between the two and differences between their personalities is constantly interesting to us. And the younger one keeps the older one interested and going a bit. YMMV of course. I am biased b/c I love my two boys and love having them together, but I'd say go for it.
posted by Cocodrillo at 7:33 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by Cocodrillo at 7:33 AM on November 21, 2011
I found that having two dogs is not that different from having two dogs, but ymmv. In terms of your concerns:
The Space
As long as both pups are walked sufficiently indoor space becomes a place for naps, while outdoors is for fun/exercise/games.
The Cost
Other than dog food/toys, the only additionaly cost that may be significant is vet care - so make sure your new pup has had his share of check ups and is up to date on all the shots.
Travel
If you have family/friends around, long weekends alone are not a problem with one or two dogs. But there are also other options like dog sitting, doggy day care, or even taking both pups along - there are tons of places b&b, hotels where dogs are very welcome.
posted by mooselini at 7:35 AM on November 21, 2011
The Space
As long as both pups are walked sufficiently indoor space becomes a place for naps, while outdoors is for fun/exercise/games.
The Cost
Other than dog food/toys, the only additionaly cost that may be significant is vet care - so make sure your new pup has had his share of check ups and is up to date on all the shots.
Travel
If you have family/friends around, long weekends alone are not a problem with one or two dogs. But there are also other options like dog sitting, doggy day care, or even taking both pups along - there are tons of places b&b, hotels where dogs are very welcome.
posted by mooselini at 7:35 AM on November 21, 2011
Response by poster: To follow up on some things, we have a pretty solid network of family for pet sitting, a sister, cousin, and parents who are wonderful and less than 3 miles away and all regularly step in when needed for our current pup. I just don't know if asking them to watch two dogs is more taxing?
My biggest grapple right now is with the notion that "it ain't broke, so don't fix it" and that I would be disrupting our (easy, happy) lives for an unknown quantity.
Thanks for your input, keep it coming!
posted by rinosaur at 7:45 AM on November 21, 2011
My biggest grapple right now is with the notion that "it ain't broke, so don't fix it" and that I would be disrupting our (easy, happy) lives for an unknown quantity.
Thanks for your input, keep it coming!
posted by rinosaur at 7:45 AM on November 21, 2011
I have found that having a younger dog can help the older dog stay healthy. Having a "puppy" who wants to play can help keep the "old lady" more active and help keep off extra weight that middle aged dogs can so easily gain. Healthy weight is so important for older dogs.
Another thing to keep in mind is that once you cross that two dog line you might never go back. When older dog dies (many, many years from now) younger dog might get very depressed and need another companion. You'll have to get another dog to keep him happy and the whole thing starts all over. Personally I'm fine with that, other people might not be.
posted by TooFewShoes at 7:52 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Another thing to keep in mind is that once you cross that two dog line you might never go back. When older dog dies (many, many years from now) younger dog might get very depressed and need another companion. You'll have to get another dog to keep him happy and the whole thing starts all over. Personally I'm fine with that, other people might not be.
posted by TooFewShoes at 7:52 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
rinosaur, you could have used the same logic to keep you from getting the dog you have, and think of what you would have missed out on.
Change your motto to "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:07 AM on November 21, 2011
Change your motto to "nothing ventured, nothing gained."
posted by treehorn+bunny at 8:07 AM on November 21, 2011
Your pros are way, way greater than your (prospective) cons. Knick-knack paddywhack, give this dog a home!
posted by Ufez Jones at 8:15 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by Ufez Jones at 8:15 AM on November 21, 2011
We have two dogs and we do take them everywhere. I don't think that makes us a Crazy Dog Couple. What is a Crazy Dog Couple, anyway? People who enjoy the company of their dogs? What's crazy about that? If there is someone in your life (maybe just an inner voice?) who you think would criticize you for taking your dogs around with you, you should point out to them that, of all the things you could criticize in this world, excessive regard for another living creature should be pretty much the last thing on the list.
Anyway, he's a rescue dog, right? I think he is saying "Take a chance on me. If it doesn't work out, then you can rehome me, and I won't mind very much, because to me it will have been no different from spending time in a different foster home, which is what might happen anyway if you don't take me. So take me!"
posted by HotToddy at 8:18 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Anyway, he's a rescue dog, right? I think he is saying "Take a chance on me. If it doesn't work out, then you can rehome me, and I won't mind very much, because to me it will have been no different from spending time in a different foster home, which is what might happen anyway if you don't take me. So take me!"
posted by HotToddy at 8:18 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
The only con I see is travel. But to make it a 'pro', now you don't have to worry about leaving your dog in the car, seeing if they are allowed, etc. You can take them on some trips, which would be super doggy trips, but now you can take a couple of trips without any worry as well.
posted by Vaike at 8:48 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by Vaike at 8:48 AM on November 21, 2011
You're in a good place to get another dog, so do it. Two dogs are not twice the work of a dog.
posted by crankylex at 8:50 AM on November 21, 2011
posted by crankylex at 8:50 AM on November 21, 2011
Unfortunately I will need to see puppydog pictures, perhaps even featuring silly hats, before I can make a fully considered answer.
(seriously, get the second dog.)
posted by elizardbits at 9:55 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
(seriously, get the second dog.)
posted by elizardbits at 9:55 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
Are you able to take the first dog over to meet the second dog to see how they get along? That might help make the decision easier.
But if they do, I say get the dog. Some things sound like they are just meant to be. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 10:25 AM on November 21, 2011
But if they do, I say get the dog. Some things sound like they are just meant to be. : )
posted by SisterHavana at 10:25 AM on November 21, 2011
My biggest grapple right now is with the notion that "it ain't broke, so don't fix it" and that I would be disrupting our (easy, happy) lives for an unknown quantity.
That sounds really boring, get the dog.
Also, I think people are either crazy dog people or they aren't regardless of how many dogs they have. My husband's brother and sister-in-law definitely qualified just the same back when they had one dog as they do now with six (all living perfectly happy, suitable lives inside a small three bedroom house no less). So it's kind of too late for that, might as well enjoy having another dog!
posted by shelleycat at 11:14 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
That sounds really boring, get the dog.
Also, I think people are either crazy dog people or they aren't regardless of how many dogs they have. My husband's brother and sister-in-law definitely qualified just the same back when they had one dog as they do now with six (all living perfectly happy, suitable lives inside a small three bedroom house no less). So it's kind of too late for that, might as well enjoy having another dog!
posted by shelleycat at 11:14 AM on November 21, 2011 [1 favorite]
There's very little that is more fun than watching two dogs play together, especially if Young Dog is trying to get Older Dog off the couch. You will learn way more about doggie communication than you ever thought possible.
Get this guy before someone else does!
posted by SuperSquirrel at 1:28 PM on November 21, 2011
Get this guy before someone else does!
posted by SuperSquirrel at 1:28 PM on November 21, 2011
Yay! I vote for new dog!
Two dogs definitely wasn't an issue for us. (Three is wonderful, if you look up my previous askme, but three is WAY more work than two! Two is about a perfect number.)
If you decide to get him, here are some steps for introducing dogs to one another. There is a recommended way to do and not do this.
One caveat: if you intend to walk the dog alone (without your spouse), walking two can be an issue. You may have to put some work into training the new dog to walk, which is not that easy when you have two on leash.
One of the ONLY reasons, after much experience, for not getting the additional dog is if the new dog is leash reactive on walks, towards people, other dogs, or vehicles. Leash reactivity is a pain in the ass to train out of, and some dogs never really get unreactive, if you catch my drift. Not SO bad with one dog, but with two it can be very stressful.
It is definitely not fun to be on your daily walk, trying to manage your one dog while the other dog is also getting riled up because of the first one.
So if the new dog is well socialized around people and other dogs, I say go for it.
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:18 PM on November 23, 2011
Two dogs definitely wasn't an issue for us. (Three is wonderful, if you look up my previous askme, but three is WAY more work than two! Two is about a perfect number.)
If you decide to get him, here are some steps for introducing dogs to one another. There is a recommended way to do and not do this.
One caveat: if you intend to walk the dog alone (without your spouse), walking two can be an issue. You may have to put some work into training the new dog to walk, which is not that easy when you have two on leash.
One of the ONLY reasons, after much experience, for not getting the additional dog is if the new dog is leash reactive on walks, towards people, other dogs, or vehicles. Leash reactivity is a pain in the ass to train out of, and some dogs never really get unreactive, if you catch my drift. Not SO bad with one dog, but with two it can be very stressful.
It is definitely not fun to be on your daily walk, trying to manage your one dog while the other dog is also getting riled up because of the first one.
So if the new dog is well socialized around people and other dogs, I say go for it.
posted by The ____ of Justice at 2:18 PM on November 23, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks for your support, Mefites! We brought George home on Saturday and everyone is doing splendidly. Score another one for the good guys!
posted by rinosaur at 8:07 AM on November 28, 2011 [5 favorites]
posted by rinosaur at 8:07 AM on November 28, 2011 [5 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Blisterlips at 6:47 AM on November 21, 2011 [9 favorites]