Getting a second dog

trilogy82 · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 10:57 am Post subject:

Jess's mum and dad have been mated again and the new litter is due any day now, im still in turmoil as what to do, do i get Jess a little friend or not, this is such a hard decision, i really dont know what to do, my husband say's, why dont we go and see the litter when there born, but i know i wouldn't be able to see them and not come away without putting down a deposit on one of them, Confused

oh, i just dont know......

MumOfDash · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2008 11:15 am Post subject:

We're in the same boat too, making the decision as to when is the right time to get a second. I'd get one tomorrow, but OH is a bit more cautious about the idea. He's partly worried that a second one could be very different. Dash is such a good boy, again easy to train, not a chewer, slept well. etc

My sister has a lovely Golden Retriever called Inca who was an angel as a pup and when she got a second, Frodie, she had such a shock. Frodie is everything Inca wasn't - chews, demands attention, had bother settling at night, scavenges off surfaces. He's been much harder work. She does however think that having Inca has been a real help and probably made Frodie less of a handful than he could have been.

I guess, as long as you expect them to be very different, you can't go too wrong, if they turn out to be good too then it'd be a bonus!

kevwat83 · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 4:54 pm Post subject:

I'm the oposite way round to you triogly82! ive got a 8 months old choc lab who loves her bed! infact if you left her there all day she wouldnt complain, but dont get me wrong she has her wild half hour every day where she is almost climbing the walls!
I'd love to have a companion for her becuase i think she gets a little bored sometimes, despite the numerous walks (if you can drag her out of bed) and all the toys she has, however my working hours are slightly different now, when we got Maya I only worked 2 day a week, now its up to 4 or 5 and usually away from home, so I dont want to go through the puppy thing all over again as it wont be fair and i wont have the time a pup needs! so..... i have just had an idea, why dont i rescue an older lab, about 12-18months would be idea! id have another choc lab no probs but ideally a golden one this time would be smashing!
I dont think Maya is any different to any other lab, lots of people that ive met out and about dog walking all say "oh i bet she's nuts" and she isnt! i think its a myth, or an old wives tale!

let us all know how u get on

claireliz · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject:

I would say go for it providing you have thought it through properly and realise two dogs are much harder than one at first. Laughing

To me the pleasure outweighs the hard work.

BushYakker · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 5:49 pm Post subject:

Problem for me was when I got a second dog, I wanted a third. Razz

Feebarn · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:04 pm Post subject:

ok... I'm on the sharp end of 2nd dog having had the second pup less than a week!!! I would like to just say.... it is a lot more work having two.... espescially if everything is cosy comfy with the first dog!!! The change to my daily routine is a huge culture shock. Far far bigger than when we brought Huds home. Its Hudsons schedule that is whacked up and we have to advocate for the two of them separately. That is harder than you would think. I'm very very tired... this puppy is a lot harder work than Hudson was. The fun though is still worth it... and I imagine... in the long run... it will all be worth it!!!!! Smile

MOSEY · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 6:48 pm Post subject:

Fiona - I think it will calm down for you very soon. I had a total system shock when Lola arrived and there are still days where I am tearing my hair out trying to juggle things, but they have now immersed themselves in a little routine of play and sleep together. Also, I have now cut Lola's feeds down to three and that is less hassle than the four for so many reasons, especially toiletting.

What I am finding hard is getting time to walk Honey PROPERLY as I don't like leaving puppy in on her own, which is silly, cos I did it with Honey, but she is so accustomed to big sis it feels cruel. I really mkiss my big long country walks with Honey and feel she is getting 'trotted' rather than properly walked for now. Lola had her last jab yesterday and I think things'll settle down now that we will soon be able to do gentle walks together. Then, they'll be able to enjoy that time together.

How many weeks old is little Pasco now? I have found the last three weeks have flown in and they have honestly settled much much better in that small space of time, but the first week or so was a bit mental.

JakeyBoy · Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 7:22 pm Post subject:

Hi,

Jakeyboys mum here and I hope I can help.

When we were first looking for a family dog, we investigated into rescue dogs, and breeds etc.

We have children and two cats already so we had to find a breed that would get on with all of these, this is why we ended up getting a lovely lab as they are good with kids and other animals.

We have stayed in touch with the breeder, who has Jakes Daddy and we are getting another lab from them who was born on 10th June 08, called Louie, and hes black.

Yellow, black or chocolate, there is no difference other than the sex of the dog and what you feed them, as the breeder told us they are like children feed them food full of rubbish and colours, preservatives and additives etc and you will have a hyper dog (whatever the breed).

Our breeder has ten labs live at home, 5 boys and 5 bitches and they are all intact and all get on famously.

I think I would be more concered if you got a different breed to go with your Lab as you then may have a problem with the new dog and not your gorgeous labrador.

Jake is now 2 and a half years old and is a very good boy in the home, any minor problems we did have we were advise to sort out before having a new pup, otherwise the new pup could and more often than not copy your adult lab and then you have bigger probs.

We are really looking forward to having the two boys, we know it will be hard work at first and are prepared, but in the end we just love labradors.

Hope this helps and good luck Laughing

Jx

vick1 · Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 4:38 pm Post subject:

wow there is a lot to consider but i think if getting a second dog is a thought that keeps coming back to you then really in ur heart thats wot u want to do! (thats my excuse for a lot of things heeeheee including 3 cats!!! haha)
I'm going to let Lulu have a litter when she's about 2 and i already know i'm gonna keep one Very Happy