Getting a second dog

_sheila_ · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 1:44 pm Post subject:

what a decision we have to make, i gotta say i would jump at the chance of a second dog if i wasnt working full time, however zak is looked after between 3 of us oh son and myself, so i have to consider if they will take a second dog on, think oh will eventually agree with me (i have means and ways of persuading him) Laughing

and he works for himself and is home everyday at lunchtimes, our son however is at college doing an HND and although his timetable allows him to be home a fair amount at the moment, that could change in the future as his course finnishes and he hopefully embarks on a career, so we cant rely on him to help out with two dogs and rightly so, if we do decide to get another dog we have to be certain that we can devote as much time and attention as is needed to give both a good life, so theres my dilemma, what do i do

fledgling and zak

jo10 · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 2:04 pm Post subject:

My Fudge is a darling, he has a fantastic nature and he also enjoys napping as a favorite passtime.
He was a sweetheart to Angel when she was a little'un, he let her do alsorts to him, even hitching a lift on his dinkle buy the teeth.
He is nothing like Angel (the yellow one), she is a 24/7 livewire, ball chaser, swimmer etc. He is more the wise one of the two, he knows how to steal socks without getting caught, he solves problems eg he gets the crate door open, can get the lid off the gravy bone tub and has his "beg" off to a tee. He has real character and loads of expression in his face, he's just a joy to have.

When we went to see Angel, she was the little one playing on her own in the corner, not joining in the puppy rough and tumble, she came over and dozed off in OH's arms. Her parents were both really laid back dogs. Her breeder said she was "the quiet one".
That was until she got her paws under the table, I'll just say prepare your self for no. 2 as it may be another psycho pup like Angel.
She is a dream now but those first 6/7 months or so were a real eyeopener. It was very hard work (very enjoyable but hard) she had to had loads of training on a regular basis and needs much more excercise than Fudge ever did.

I hope I've not put you off pup no. 2, I was just trying to explain that chocs are not always nuts and the second pup can be a lot of hard work. Wink

I've cried on Mary's shoulder more than once with Angel. Rolling Eyes

trilogy82 · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 3:51 pm Post subject:

Thank you very much for your input, i do appreciate any advice given, im still uncertain as to what to do, i do realise it will mean more hard work and there is no guarentee that another dog will be as chilled out and as calm as Jess, i am still weighing up the pro's and con's of it all.
Jess And Alison

Margaret · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject:

Tara,has been an absolute joy ,people told us chocolate labs are boisterous,she is so sensitive and sweet natured,she doesnt like confrontation with other dogs,but loves everyone.I would say if you want a chocolate go for it.Love Tara and Margaret. Rolling Eyes

_Vicky_ · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 4:45 pm Post subject:

It is I think a bigger decision than getting the first dog as you have the exisitng dog to consider to. We are getting a dalmatian so I am very excited to see if they are a million times more hyper than a lab Very Happy

We wanted Ruby to be 2 as I beleive that she wouldnt have coped as well under that age. Also I needed her to have been spayed as we are getting a male. We should have been bringing puppy home last weekend (ish) but the mating didnt work Sad

so we are now waiting for season from the dam again.

I think its such a personal decision and with every breed you dont know what your dog will end up like I mean labs are supposed to be - chilled, quiet, undemanding (or so it told us when we decided on a lab) BUT NOONE TOLD RUBY THAT Wink

I think go with your gut reaction and you will do fine

trilogy82 · Posted: Mon Nov 26, 2007 5:18 pm Post subject:

We'll i've got between now and the summer to decide so i'll have to give it some long hard thought, I would love a chocolate and OH is coming round to the idea with some gentle persuading, But as my husband works away all week and is only home on the weekends, all the hard work will fall on me, Which is fine, but i know at times it can be hard work with one, especially when they are young (worse than children at times)
Oh... so many things to take into consideration.......

claireliz · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 5:13 am Post subject:

I had heard that about choc labs too but.......Mocha is a such a laid back girl. I hope Madison is too when she arrives next week Laughing

I have picked our new pup for temperment and both mum and dad are laid back dogs. That doesnt guarantee me a calm pup at all but hopefully the chances are greater than just picking one randomly.

LauraJane · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 8:02 am Post subject:

When we got Jack it was hard having 2 dogs as Jansen had to learn how to play with him without hurting him, Jack is a mini schuzer so was the size of Jansens head when we got him Very Happy

They get on brilliantly now & are never apart - when they sit watching me cooking, jack sits in between jansens legs... its soooo cute.

As for a choccie, the one at our training is the most laid back lab i have ever met Very Happy

_Lorna_ · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 1:07 pm Post subject:

George (yellow) was 9 months old when Alfie (chocolate) came home, they have been best friends from the start, as for choccies being hyper, if Alfie was any more laid back he would be in a coma!!

Lorna

funkymonkey · Posted: Tue Nov 27, 2007 2:55 pm Post subject:

My choc lad Alfie has been a Gem so far (8.5 months)
He has his mad bum tucks like any other lab,, but i would say if anything he is quite chilled compared to the ave lab.

Keep them mentally stimulated as much of the time as you can and the battle is pretty much won.

make sure they get just as much attention as the newbie, no matter how hard it is in the same way you would if it were a baby or anything else.
and you will be fine.