A second dog... am I nuts?

I kind of stumbled upon a 7 month old lab pup. She has incredible pedigree and very athletic but her owners are a bit older and can't handle her puppy enthusiasm. When they watched my 5 month old lab mutt and her play, she mentioned about possibly getting rid of her. She needs training, but watching how smart these dogs are I think I can train both with success.

I hoped my sister would take her, but they are a firm no. My family went and visited with the dog alone, and then watched the 2 dogs together. I don't think there is a question as towards if the dogs approve, they are great together, no aggression at all. Mine is male, the other female.

The dog was good with the kids, and mine are just under 5 and just over 1, so they are young. Aside from the occasional knocking over (happens with the current pup) it was great.

We are 2 working parents, so the new dog would be crated just like my current one. Our neighbor is a dog foster-er (?) and she takes my dog out daily for an hour or two to play with the others in her fenced in yard. Very gracious of her, so the young pup gets a good amount of daily exercise. When old enough, I might run him too if I can convince my lazy self to start up again.

We have spoken of a trial period, and the owners are all in favor of that. My wife is rather reluctant and thinks we are taking on too much at once. I kind of agree, but I know we would train her and the 2 dogs would be buds for life. I personally hate the puppy stage, but after year 1, I am glad I trained my dog and went through that pain because a good dog is very rewarding.

What do the 2+ dog owners think out there? 2 puppies + 2 little kids + 2 working parents = ??

 

I have no opinion, but I respect you for taking this so seriously. Too many people want a cute puppy and don't think about the ramifications.

 

I added two brothers to my pack two months ago. I have five now, 4, 3, 2, and two at 4 months. Adding two at once was a good decision for me, makes the transition for the pup much easier. My kids aren't little, so things may be a bit different for you. Most dogs are highly social pack orientated animals and I think they benefit from having pack members of their own species.

 

What a great Pic. !

 

Craig, I think it's a good idea. I'm not sure how your single dog is at home but when I had only one boxer he was hell on 4 feet (at 1 yr old). When we brought an older (6 mos) boxer female (rescue) into the picture the male calmed right down and was more easily trainable. I think it worked for the best that the second dog was added to the house. They are rarely separated and do most everything together.

 

@DaveGunter - great looking crew

@My IS heats my home - he is ok at home, plenty of energy and no amount of ball / frisbee throwing or walking tires him out like another dog can

I think it will all work out, but I'm eager. Plus, I've always wanted a dog who could catch a frisbee...

 

Sounds like you'll do all you can to make it work. It is a big commitment, especially with a young family. That being said, it is also just the ticket for the young uns to learn about caring for and enjoying animals in general. Dogs are highly pack orientated and they meld well with your family as part of that pack. Go for it and best of luck. I'm the wrong guy to ask as I firmly believe that dogs in general are twice as intelligent as a goodly part of the population who walk among us.

 

Holy cow Dave. Do you buy kibble by the semi-truck load?

 

I've got a Golden that's about 18 months now, and the wife and I are talking about getting a second dog. She wants something that'll make her feel safer when she runs, since a Golden is more likely to lick someone to death than bite them. I also like the idea of my Golden having a playmate. He's locked in the basement all day while we are at work, and by the evening he’s a ball of energy, energy that I don't always have. He stayed at my parents last month while the wife and I were on our honeymoon, and when he got home he slept for 3 days straight because he spent the entire time outside playing with their dog. It was amazing to sit and watch TV in the evening and not have him drop a ball or frisbee or stuffed animal in my lab every 30 seconds.

So I think you should get a second dog. I also think you should figure out a way so they aren't in a crate during the day. My basement is divided between 2 storage rooms, the laundry room, and then a large open area for the dog and cats to roam during the day.

 

She wants something that'll make her feel safer when she runs

 

How about 11?

We have 8 + 2 fosters. We had 3 but re-homed one of them a couple months ago. Combined, they go through about 100lbs a month.

This is our 8 taken last year.



And here are the 3 fosters back in February when they were pups. The black and white one is in Virginia now

 

We always have two dogs. Has been that way since we married 44 year (45 in oct) . Raised 4 kids during that time. Now three of those four kids each have two dogs. No stay at home spouses. Wife and I are retired so we added three cats. I actually think it is easier with two dogs. You have less guilt when you have to leave them at home. Labs mature a little slower. They tend to chew a lot so keep plenty of thing around for them and pick up anything you really cherish. My chocolate was two and the black one and a half when they gave up chewing my things. Anything that comes in the yard, I know about it. They don't bite, but but do have big barks. I don't crate them now, but did when they wanted to chew everything.

 

We have three dogs - I know - it takes 10 of our little guys to make a real dog or so our SIL says. But the younger one keeps the older two from getting old and they are great company for each other if we have to leave them at home alone. Ours have a fenced yard and dog doors to let them go as they please. Great exercise for them to run out and down to the bottom of the property to bark at a deer. They also act as a great doorbell for Campinspecter as his hearing is not so good.

Ours aren't that great with small kids but they really like people and sometimes I think they think they are people.

 

I agree but be absolutely sure you can handle what you bite off.
This is a 15 to 20 year commitment, on all family members, and everyone's sanity is important too

 

Happy wife, happy life. Puppies are cute but your wife is cuter.

 

If I could I would give a home to many many many animals because there are so many thousands unwanted, but I have to be realistic in my own situation

 

Question is, What is realistic? We had four kids, yet our four kids, now married, opted to have two. I have to stop at what I have, but if a stray came into the yard, I would make sure it was well taken care of. Our problem is that we are of an age where these pets could outlive us. I don't want to make a burden for someone else. My kids have assured me my family pets will be well looked out for.