Multiple Dog Question...

[sumbirdy]

Different dogs react to another member added in different ways. I have 16 dogs and some of them are fine with other dogs and the others have to have a little work (I have to give them extra attention for the first week to assure them that, no, they are not being replaced.) But eventually it all works out.

[ramanth]

I wish you all the luck!

Our original plan was to take Kia with us to meet any prospective dog, but we decided to risk it with Chipper.

[lizbud]

I really never thought of getting a second dog with Buddy. It was me
and him against the world. But with Smokey, after a little while, I felt
another dog would be welcome here. Found Maggie & the brought her home.
It's like Maggie is Smokey's other half.They got along from the first day.

[dukedogsmom]

Oh! Just now saw this. I can't wait for you to do this! Please do it before I get there. I would love to get some good pics of all of you. I'll make sure Klo doesn't fall short of loving

[BitsyNaceyDog]

I'm so excited that you are considering adopting another dog!

I personally don't think I'll ever be without at least 2 dogs. I love the way my dogs interact with each other and they have each other when my husband and I aren't home.

We've never had any trouble adding another dog to our family. My dogs all accept other dogs beautifully. We always introduce them to a new addition or a visitor in the yard. We'll put the new dog/visitor in the yard and then take our dogs out one at a time to meet their new friend. After a few good sniffs they are fine with each other.

When my sister got her dachshund, Molly, she brought Molly over to meet my dogs. We put Molly in my back yard and let Bitsy out to meet her first. Once they were fine with each other I brought out Charlie, with Bisty still in the yard. We continued to do this until all 6 of my dogs had met and become friends with Molly. It only took maybe a half an hour to introduce all of them to her and then they were all running and playing together.

Having a good strict schedule is important in this house. We set a timer and take the dogs outside every 2 hours. We also have a dry erase board chart on the refrigerator where we mark down when each dog goes potty.

They also each have their own crate where they eat. I couldn't imagine feeding the 6 of them without their crates. They sleep in their crates at night too.

As far as exercise goes, they don't each get walked everyday. Even if they don't get walked they get some other form of exercise. They love to fetch balls or other toys and that can be great exercise for them. They also like to chase each other around the yard. I think they are more active because they have each other to play with.

[captain]

Karen!!!
I was just writing your Christmas Card, and was thinking that you may be the only PT'er with ONE dog .............. and now look what I find you are thinking about!!!!

I have two dogs, and would have more (but hubbie says NO). I love my boy Captain so much, and was concerned when I got Ruby - whether I would love her enough - but let me tell you, she is a totally different dog to him, she DEMANDS love and will shove her head anywhere there is a hand free
BUT, it is on her terms. If she doesn't want you to LOVE her, she walks away. Poor Captain, he just sits and lets me love him

Oh Boy, Oh Boy - I can't wait to see if you actually do it

[shais_mom]

Karen!!!
I was just writing your Christmas Card, and was thinking that you may be the only PT'er with ONE dog .............. and now look what I find you are thinking about!!!!



Oh Boy, Oh Boy - I can't wait to see if you actually do it

Not true
There's ME!
And I have no intention of getting another one anytime soon - if I add anything to my house my mom says its going to explode!
I'm glad you are researching this Karen - I have no doubt whatever you decide to do will be the best decision for all of you. You know Logan and you know her needs and wants and how she will respond.
I always thought Keegan and Kia were similiar - both verrrry much momma's girls how could they not be? But in the times I have been around Kia she has flourished and is much more laid back around other dogs and calmer. I'm sure it helps that Kim is able to socialize her with her sister's dogs on a regular basis. My Keegan on the other hand, I can't see her getting a long with another dog at all. She is too jealous. She tolerates the bigger dogs and that of PetTalker's dogs b/c she has been around them repeatedly. But new dogs she definately shows who is boss and isn't quiet about it. I had a lady at the dog park w/ a Golden and Keegan was being noisy and bouncing around - I attributed it to her trying to play the lady was flippin out - is your dog friendly - I said yes she's playing - so I don't let her get that way with other dog especially Goldens (honest- I don't know what it is but she acts that way around other Goldens - Anna's Roxey does the same thing with huskies). I had her at the park recently and she was acting like that and the other couple encouraged her with their Golden. They LOVED it - I was wringing my hands and as nervous as...... but they got along fine.
I just keep an eye on Keegan around other dogs - big or small. She doesn't mind little dogs, she loves my neighbors shih tzu, Zoey. I always say "easy" or "gentle" around small dogs. Big dogs I watch her mainly b/c of her hips and she gets touchy with other dogs around her hips. And if dogs are wrestling like at the PT meetings and various siblings get to wrestling - like Roxey and Huney or Cinder and Smoke or Sadie and Spot or Cincy she gets a bit overly excited and tries to referee. I keep her at my side and try to keep her quiet. I just try to keep both of us out of the melee so she doesn't get her hips hurt and I don't get slammed from behind (bad knees).
I don't know if it is a Golden thing or what but Diana - 5 dog mom's Dazzi likes to referee also. She has their dogs chosen as her puppies and she doesn't like it if her brood gets out of line. She has went after Keegan in the previous years we started getting together. The one time she scratched Keegan's nose (she was fine) but the next time we got together another dog came after Keegan - Dazzi shot right in and defended her. Dazzi doesn't join us much at the dog park which stinks b/c she is a sweetie. The last time I had Keegan at Carl and Diana's house - Dazzi ignored Keegan and there were no problems.
If you get a dog that is easy going like it seems Kim and Andy got of Chipper -things should be ok. You know your heart, (and I know you won't be able to resist! ) and you know K-LO - sooooo I'll be looking forward to seeing your new addition!
That said - Keegan gets along famously with her kitty sister's! Kloe prefers her to Kylie or ME! And when I talked with the Pet Psychic she didn't even mention Keegan and she said it must be b/c they live in harmony and peace.

[jesse_3]

If my Jesse can accept another dog into our house, pretty much any other dog can!
Jesse can be very dog aggressive over little things, so when Jemi' came into the picture, I was very nervous. Jemi' is an in-your-face type of dog with anyone/anything. Jesse likes her space. Well, for the first month or two we had problems. Jemi' has helped Jesse with her aggression problem though! Jesse learned how to tolerate bothersome things, and that new dogs are not bad! So there is good that came out of our situation.

I think that eventually Logan will like your new dog/puppy! She just won't realize it at first. That is often what happens. Sammy isn't that way though, she loves all dogs and people, so maybe Logan will be more like her!

Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck, and I cannot wait to see pics for a new arrival PT can't have enough dogs!!!!!!

[K9karen]

Whew! I'm so relieved I'm not the only single dog owner!

It was basically because, when I got Cody in 1991, my folks just retired cause dad developed Parkinsons. And, as I always say, I was the WORST dog trainer in the world (still am, but I think the Princess is so grateful for adoption, she's really as good as gold)

Didn't go to the SPCA today. Maybe, MAYBE when Val gets here. MAYBE. At least she won't have a boring time here

I would take Logan, of course. But that may not be a good indication. She's petrified when I take her to the SPCA to visit the employees. It's the only place and instance when she pees on their floor the second she walks in the door, even after going outside. She may be scared to react. But, I think a smaller male would be awesome for her.

I contacted Nancy, the pet psychic. She'll call me in about 2-3 weeks. I may ask her how the Princess will do, just for fun.

Thanks for all the great advise!

Love..

The single dog owner.....