Are two dogs better than one?

cythren

Please weigh in, I'd like your input. I am considering adopting a second dog.

In your experience: How do expenses compare? How do your multiple dogs get along with each other and other dogs? How is it better or worse to have two or more?

Thanks!

billtron

I'm not sure about dogs, but 2 cats are definitely better than one. They keep each other company. There was a bit of an adjustment period, but each time I've done it (added another cat to make 2) it's worked out quite well

rose

In my experience, two dogs are usually better than one. Our first dog was a rescued stray who was totally needy, neurotic and destructive. We got a second dog (also a rescue but a much happier dog) and the first dog settled down a lot. They are very attached to each other. The older dog is an "alpha" kind of dog and is aggressive to most other dogs, but luckily our younger dog is a very submissive kind of dog who loves everyone, so that worked out.

All the dogs I've known have lived happily with other dogs, except for two female Jack Russell terriers that my parents had -- they loathed each other and would get into vicious fights that sometimes led to bloodshed. But I don't think that's normal -- they were crazy dogs.

Expenses, unfortunately, are double.

cythren

Well, my dog is super social, and although he seems to like people more than other dogs, I think he would be happy with a canine friend around during the day. Being alone isn't really natural for a dog.

He's been the solo dog in the house for three years now. I take him with me all over the city, in a carrier bag on the subway. He loves it! That's one thing that probably won't work anymore once I have two dogs. Two would be too difficult to bring together on the train, but it would be kind of sad to only take one along, and leave the other at home alone.

With two, though, they could play together at the park and even indoors. That would probably make up for not being able to travel with me as much.

bohuma

Dogs are pack animals by nature and are stressed when separated from the pack. So having a packmate there constantly will lower your dog's stress levels and relieve boredom by having someone to play with. A less stressed dog is going to be happier. Both dogs need to learn that you are the pack leader, if you want old dog to be higher in the pack heirarchy than new dog, you need to favor old dog by letting him/her feed first etc. You need to be careful though, new dog will want to be promoted and may challenge old dog to swap places in the heirarchy.

armchair_warrior

cities aren't for dogs, not enough room.

MOD

5 years ago, a thread was born... ;-)

tateinbk

AW: It depends on the dog. Besides, a lot of the times the life of a city dog can be a lot cushier than the average country dog.

My little dog does just fine in the city. He does LOVE when we go somewhere he can really run free. But at least here he's not being eaten by coyotes or being quilled by a porcupine, or even sprayed by a skunk. Plus, the risk here for ticks is much lower and with that a lower chance of the dog contracting Lymes disease.

As long as he has us, his people, and he's getting regular walks, he's doing just fine. Besides, have you watched a dog all day? Most of them don't really move that much. When you spend all day asleep on the couch it doesn't really matter how big the room is that the couch is in.

caseopele

I think the dogs being killed every day in our local shelters would be happy as hell to live in a city. They would be happy as hell to just live.