Multiple Dog Question...

[K9karen]

*Ahem*
I shamefully admit I am SO jealous of all you multi dog owners...

And, Oh Lord, now that Kay and Amy added to their family with 2 most adorable cuties, I'm getting so itchy for another dog. Seriously.

Here's my ?...Call me needy, I don't know. But I've always been afraid that having more than 1 dog (for me) would cut down on the attention I give Logan. I have enough love, but since she's been the one and only I'm afraid she'd get upset. We've had dog visitors and have (Lord knows) had our share of a few days of dog sitting. Logan's a little put off at first, maybe a little gutteral growl at first, but then totally fine, and not too intersted. She will, in the company of other dogs, constantly come over to me, keep an eye on me and follow me everywhere.

How do you know that your dogs will get along with a newcomber??? What happens if they don't? I would never ever be able to return it. I may not get another dog right away, I'll enjoy all yours, but I really really really want to stop by the SPCA (where I got Logan) this week to give them so towels and extra treats I have. I know if I walk into the kennel portion, it'll be a no brainer. So..how do you all handle the multis? Your photos are awesome of them playing.sleeping together.

[cloverfdx]

Oh Karen that is wonderful that you are thinking of giving another needy dog a new home {{Hugs}}. We have never had any problems bringing new dogs in just the usual minor growl or snap in the first few days - week and then everyone is fine.

Also taking Logan along with you if possible to meet any possible new comers would be great and letting them meet on a neutral ground, letting them have a play and a sniff around together . And try not to fuss over the new dog too much, so Logan does not feel like she has to fight for your love.

Good luck vibes on the way for you and Miss Logan... there will be the perfect dog out there for you both somewhere .

[Sevaede]

My parents have three dogs, right now, heh.

Sometimes they want attention at the same time or want it when another doesn't. It works itself out. They have their understandings, routines, etc.

I say go for it. Have fun "just looking".

[BC_MoM]

Mickey just had to suck it up. Finally, now, almost a year later - he's mostly back to his old self.

I just made sure I spent a lot of alone time with Mick in the beginning, and now I make sure I spend at LEAST an hour a day (sometimes at different times, not all at once) alone with each of them to play, train and cuddle.

[Kfamr]

Oh Karen, that is wonderful you are thinking of adding!

Having more than one certainly can be very hard at times, especially when they all seem to get something "wrong" with them at the same time.

My dogs have never had many problems accepting a new dog into the home. With the foster dogs we've had, friends we've had over, etc. they are pretty used to it. I can usually tell from a dog's personality wether or not my three will like it. Puppies are a given - they all have no care in the world about puppies.

Most shelters would allow you to bring K-Lo along to introduce to a possible newcomer.


That said, my three are always a little bothered by newcomers, but they get over it quickly and learn to love eachother.

[borzoimom]

I am very happy for you and your decission to add another dog into your home and heart.
The one I expected to change a little was Hottie. Except for earlier in his life, he basically was an only dog for quite awhile- as in several years. I was prepared- told myself the new comer would not know if I was adding more attention to the "the boss dog" ( Hottie) but HOttie would know if I started giving him less attention. To my shock, not only Hottie get along fine with Femka- but I also saw a change in Hottie that was for the good. He started to play more, seemed to enjoy more walking in a "pack" out in the yard, and quickly became buddies- while maintaining being such as sweet with us.
Hotties medical condition, he needs to exercise more, but without stress. To see them play, he is obviously under no stress. I even feel that having the other dogs has helped him quite a bit be more active- build stronger muscles, and less of a " throw rug" in the house except for daily long walks.
When Zubin came, I expected a little jeolously from Femka. Not only did that not happen but Femka turned into a puppy with Zubin. And when Galina came, Zubin had gotten bigger by then, and with Galina being shy- Zubins antics pulled her out of her shadow as a wall flower to a silly brazen hussy, and wonderful show dog.
Take it for what its worth- but I can see like ages, like in breed, play alike. Hottie plays more with Femka, and Zubin and Galina play with each other. I can see Femka wants to play more, but Major will fix that one. He is much smaller than the two pups, and being a neutered male, no challenage to any of the others as well.

[poodleempire]

Having 2 or more 'dig dogs' to share your heart and home is a rollercoaster of emotions and can bring such joy into your life.
Here we have had 2 for a good many years and when one of our babies has gone to brighter pastures we as a family always liked to give our surviving 'poog' the option of only child or part of a double act
I wont say that things have always gone to plan,and that i havent seen some 'sreamin fights ',but our rule of thumb is we all go to see our potential new addtion and if our exsisting 'poog' doesnt want to rip the new comers head off,we are doin okay
I love the feeling that they have got each other to bat off,and play with and also on the times they are left they have each other to chill with.
I wish you much success in your addition if you choose to accept the challenge,and remember whatever you put in you will get back threefold

[GreyhoundGirl]

Ah, good. I'm not the only jealous one.

[ramanth]

Isn't it addicting? It took us 5 years to finally add a second one.

Kia is very clingy and there were times when I wondered if she'd feel unloved, but watching her play at the Dog Park and with my sister's dogs, it was easy to see that she craved that pack mentality.

When she's home, she'd mope around, barely plays with toys. We observed her reaction around other dogs. We learned she's pushy with females but adores males and does not care for small puppies. So we knew to look for a young male dog that would get her off her butt.

Chipper fit the bill.

My dad teases us by telling Kia she's been replaced and that she might as well retire with him at their home, but it's obvious that they enjoy each others company.

Good luck in your search!

[Rachel]

I've had two sets of *two* at different times. Both situations have been completely different. My first two were mother and daughter and they got along famously. Each day they would spend time playing together. My current two just don't play but they are good buds, although Hannah says she doesn't care if Tucker stays or goes. Tucker would be lost without Hannah. Neither seems to suffer from lack of attention.

Bailey and Tizzie seemed to have similar needs as far as going out and doing their business. Hannah and Tucker are truly like having TWO dogs, each with their own schedules in that respect. Hannah like to sleep late, Tucker gets up early. Lesson learned, don't expect it to be just a little bit more work, it can be a lot more work.

When Tucker first came to live with us, we had a few down and dirty, fight to the death type fights, over a chewy bone. Fortunately I was there to pull them apart, although my heart was in my throat. Minutes later it was like it never happened. I never had to keep them separated.

Beware, once you have two, it's hard to go back to one. Since my dogs have been the same size *mejiums* - I often wonder what it would be like to have dogs of considerably different sizes.

[TFTpwnsYou]

I don't think you would have any trouble getting another dog. As long as you either get a puppy, or an older dog who is friendly twards other dogs. You never have to worry about attention. You can always give enough to both, and truthfully I think dogs are happier when they have a dog buddy. I hope you get your wish of a second dog though. It's always more fun.

[K9karen]

Kim- you hit the nail on the head...she gets a bit annoyed with puppies jumping on her (they later give up) and it's amazing how the canine system works! I get frazzled, but once Klo lets them know who's boss, all is cool. She likes "the Boys" a lot. Hmmm. I'm getting an early start today with errands..in a moment of weakness, I just may stop in the SPCA. Or John may muzzle and strong arm me and forbid me right now..with me being ill (not to worry..back related of course), the holidays etc...

Oh, it's gonna happen, believe me. Jealousy has reared it's ugly head.

Yep, was thinking of taking the Princess with me when I decide!

[jackmilliesmom]

Well Jack was a lone dog for over a year and the only mixing done was with John's parents dog Snowie another Jack Russell (that was limited though) but he found our little rescue himself and her name is millie hence the sign in name. Jack found Millie in November last year when we went out for a walk and he heard her muffled little moan and made me walk across the road to the hedge opposite (we live in the country) and he found a black refuse sack with 4 pups in it and three were dead and only one survived. I was anxious because I felt if we kept her he would get jealous but get this we called an animal rescue centre and they could not come for a couple of days so we kept her until then and when they came to take her Jack went for them and the guy said that Jack was not going to let her go. now we get less attention from them and they pay more attention to one another.


They still come up for cuddles and kisses (only when they want though and usually at the same time) but other than that I am just the food and drink provider so I am not getting enough attention from them............

so your dog may surprise you and give you less attention and more attention to his new mate/friend - check it out bring him to a rescue centre and see or a breeder and see how he reacts

[gemini9961]

When we added Maggie we already had Sadie and they took to each pretty well. They have their moments but they will share a bed with each other too. When we added Grant it was a whole different deal, it took Sadie a little bit to adjust to him but then again he was bigger than her. Eventually, all 3 got along and Grant knows his sisters are top dogs and he takes a back seat to them in the pack order. I have caught all 3 on the dog bed before but was unable to get the camera soon enough. I think, with time, if you add a new dog Logan will adjust and she just <gasp> might like having a little brother or sister around.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

I'm a goner at shelters, too. The first time we visited the Denver Dumb Friends Leage, we came home with a cat.

Adding a second dog does create more work, but it's worth it for sure. It's so fun to see your dogs interact and play together, plus you have another companion to love. Just make sure you read up on pack heirarchy and understand the dynamics that will take place.

Good luck at the SPCA.