How do you know if adding a second dog is right?

[G22]

We just knew. Dog #1 was adopted from a family who had 2 other dogs. So when we got him, he had major separation anxiety being an only dog. We knew we eventually wanted another dog, so about 7 months after getting Dog #1 we adopted #2.

They may take to each other right away or it may take a few weeks/months. Dog#1 and #2 were BFFs the moment we brought #2 home. When we added Dog #3, he and Dog #2 got in a few hardcore fights that freaked me out. Like 99% of the time they were cool with each other, and 1% they got in a scuffle. We just worked through it, learned what set them off and led to the fights and after a couple months they stopped. We've had all 3 dogs for 3 years now and they are best buddies.

As long as your up for the task of 2 dogs, it can be really rewarding!

[redheadbaker]

We brought a dog home to foster and knew in about three days that we were going to keep him. Our female is usually a HUGE bitch to other dogs but she didn't try to eat the foster dog at their first meeting. By day 3, they were playing together.

Maybe after a few days, if you're still uncomfortable with permanently adding this dog to your family, contact shelters and ask for a courtesy listing on Petfinder? Or formally surrender him to them but offer to foster him until he is adopted?

[purrbox]

For a long time I wanted to get a second dog. Then, one day I found the cutest little stray terrier mix puppy on the side of the road. She was malnourished, not spayed, not microchip, and didn't have a collar, so we brought her home. She truly was a sweet dog and our lab mix didn't seem to mind having her around, but something just didn't feel right for me.

I immediately realized that a second dog wasn't for us. I loved just having our lab mix and having the flexibility that comes along with having just one dog (it's cheaper to board one dog rather than two, cheaper vet bills, and the biggie for me: easier to take along just one dog on vacations). Now, we're having a baby and I'm definitely glad we only have one dog!

It all worked out in the end because my mom fell in love with the dog when she laid eyes on her, so the puppy now lives an extremely spoiled life with my mom.

If you don't feel a connection with this dog, don't feel bad about placing her with a reputable shelter or finding her a good home with someone you know. The dog will adjust fine. You may find that you prefer to only have one dog or just that this particular dog isn't the right fit for your family. Good luck!

[dexteroni]

It took Dexter weeks to even make eye contact with or coexist in the same room as Quincy, and a few months to sit on the sofa at the same time as him. By 6 months they were best friends who never left each other's sight. What I'm saying is it may take longer than a few days or even a few weeks, but chances are it will work out. I think it usually does with friendly, well socialized dogs.

And if it doesn't, or if you really just don't want a second dog, then ditto purrbox, there's absolutely nothing wrong with placing him with a good rescue.

[moosh]

Apr 18, 2014 0:04:17 GMT -5 dexteroni said:

It took Dexter weeks to even make eye contact with or coexist in the same room as Quincy, and a few months to sit on the sofa at the same time as him. By 6 months they were best friends who never left each other's sight. What I'm saying is it may take longer than a few days or even a few weeks, but chances are it will work out. I think it usually does with friendly, well socialized dogs.

And if it doesn't, or if you really just don't want a second dog, then ditto purrbox, there's absolutely nothing wrong with placing him with a good rescue.

I would agree with this. My dogs tolerated each other while my younger pup was tiny and it took a while before they had established a routine and bond with each other. Heck even now they still have little spats over dominance at times. Don't be discouraged yet.