One dog vs. two?

life@GrosCap · 02-29-2008

Okay, here's a question for all the dog owners on this forum. For the past fifteen years we have been a one dog family, always a yellow lab with the requisite high energy and need for daily exercise, etc. I thoroughly enjoy having my companion, especially the daily brisk walks and romps in the woods surrounding our home.

Now the hard part: this week we were asked to consider adopting another yellow lab, about three years old - six months older than our dog. Both are females, both spayed. This dog has had basic obedience and is house, cat and kid trained. The current owner's circumstances are dire financially, and there is no time for the dog with their work schedules, so behaviour problems related to pent up energy have appeared.

My question, for those of you who have more than one dog - is it the same or better in the house with two? Especially two lively dogs such as labs? The two have met and get along well, but #2 has not yet spent the night.
I am really on the fence on this one. The increased costs of having two dogs doesn't bother me, and I'm already out there an hour a day training and walking with one, so no difference there. But do they tend to entertain each other more, and is home life easier, the same, or harder with two?

As with all subjects, I highly value all of your opinions in this forum.
Thanks in advance for your response - I need to make a decision soon!

Loree · 02-29-2008

Much better with two
They entertain each other and keep each other company
We have been a 2 lab family for 3 years and will try to always have 2
I lost my little chocolate 3 weeks ago, so we are down to one, but the remaining yellow male is crushed....so sad...won't eat..
You will be much happier with two, so will your existing dog.

life@GrosCap · 02-29-2008

Thanks, and I'm sorry for your loss...I have been there, and I know how hard it can be.

Ranger · 02-29-2008

We had two German Shepherds for a while and they were great (one has passed). At the time we did not travel, but now we have started (no kids at home anymore)

traveling and that becomes a possible situation. My dog (Ranger) right now will not allow anyone but immediate family!

Just a consideration as to dog sitter.
We tried to get him friendly with my daughters boyfriend before we left for Colorado, when I let him go he tried to take the guy apart!!

Doggiemom · 02-29-2008

2 (or more

) better than 1 !

Dogs are pack animals, the bigger the pack, the better IMHO! Like you said, they get along, are close in age so you may not have issues with them vying for female alpha status (as I do!

) Do it!!!!!

LEAP · 02-29-2008

We've always had either 2 dogs, or 1 dog and 1 cat. The companionship they give each other is wonderful! You have to be prepared for 2 animals, though. Traveling is probably our biggest issue. Right now, it's easy to get grandparents to take the 1 dog and neighbors keep an eye on the cat. Two dogs can be a bit more difficult, but definitely not a deal breaker. Just something more to think about.

maas1114 · 02-29-2008

We have two lab mixes, the oldest is now 9, male, Woody.
We rescued our female when Woody was 4. Jessie.
At first Woody was a little jealous of the attention the Jessie was receiving, plus she was a puppy.
But that only lasted for a short time. They are inseperable. They don't leave each others side. If one comes in the house w/o the other, they sit at the door and literally wait for the other to come in. They lay next to each other, they clean each other. They eat at the same time.
They keep each other company during the day.
I can't imagine not having two dogs. (It is more costly, ie food, vets, grooming)
But if that isn't a factor- definately do it!

Angie

playawannabe · 02-29-2008

I wil echo what other have said. Having been a 1, 2 and now a 3 dog family, two is better than one. Dog sitting is about the only disadvantage I can think of.....your dogs will be so happy to have a companion with four legs!!

**sctx** · 02-29-2008

having 2 reduces the likelihood of neurotic behavior...... but I wouldn't have my two in the house because it just isn't big enough

cpfstich · 02-29-2008

We have two 8 week old puppies, so I'd say two!

u2girlie · 02-29-2008

If you have the space, two or more definitely. Makes me feel a lot less guilty when I have to leave them because I know they have each other. Plus, it really isn't any more work having 2 and they're so fun to watch together! (one of mine weighs 130 pounds, the other 30 pounds...so it is an interesting mix!)

Sol · 02-29-2008

We have four dogesses. If possible, people should own two dogs. If your lab and the possible adoptee get along, go for it. As Doggiemom indicated, dogs are pack oriented, so it would be ideal if dog friendly households have more than one dog.

Sol · 02-29-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by u2girlie

If you have the space, two or more definitely. Makes me feel a lot less guilty when I have to leave them because I know they have each other. Plus, it really isn't any more work having 2 and they're so fun to watch together! (one of mine weighs 130 pounds, the other 30 pounds...so it is an interesting mix!)

Two of our girls weigh 97 pounds, another 13 and the littlest one of the bunch tips the scales at eight pounds. When they come out of our camper it is like a clown car.

**SunKneeMarie** · 02-29-2008

Assuming they get along, more than one dog is always better--they do keep each other company... our two newer dogs are best of friends and sleep in the same crate... the original dog was a bit bullied by one of the new dogs when the new dog outgrew him and they are both males and SOMEONE had to achieve dominance apparently... now the pecking order has been established and they all get along fine... but even now it's a good thing we have the 3rd dog (the only female) as they both love to play with her but not so much each other...

the original dog, overall, does seem less skittish and neurotic since we brought the new dogs in... but there definitely was an adjustment period....

Sol · 02-29-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by SunKneeMarie

Assuming they get along, more than one dog is always better--they do keep each other company... our two newer dogs are best of friends and sleep in the same crate... the original dog was a bit bullied by one of the new dogs when the new dog outgrew him and they are both males and SOMEONE had to achieve dominance apparently... now the pecking order has been established and they all get along fine... but even now it's a good thing we have the 3rd dog (the only female) as they both love to play with her but not so much each other...

the original dog, overall, does seem less skittish and neurotic since we brought the new dogs in... but there definitely was an adjustment period....

You have three doxies, right? My neighbor adopted a six year old doxie girl. She has the most interesting markings. She is gray and black speckled like an Australian shepard, and has blue eyes and a white throat.
Great avatar of Miss Riley G.!! Wonderful smile...made my day!

02-29-2008	#1 (permalink)
life@GrosCap way into it Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gros Cap (Sault, Ontario) Posts: 154	One dog vs. two? Okay, here's a question for all the dog owners on this forum. For the past fifteen years we have been a one dog family, always a yellow lab with the requisite high energy and need for daily exercise, etc. I thoroughly enjoy having my companion, especially the daily brisk walks and romps in the woods surrounding our home. Now the hard part: this week we were asked to consider adopting another yellow lab, about three years old - six months older than our dog. Both are females, both spayed. This dog has had basic obedience and is house, cat and kid trained. The current owner's circumstances are dire financially, and there is no time for the dog with their work schedules, so behaviour problems related to pent up energy have appeared. My question, for those of you who have more than one dog - is it the same or better in the house with two? Especially two lively dogs such as labs? The two have met and get along well, but #2 has not yet spent the night. I am really on the fence on this one. The increased costs of having two dogs doesn't bother me, and I'm already out there an hour a day training and walking with one, so no difference there. But do they tend to entertain each other more, and is home life easier, the same, or harder with two? As with all subjects, I highly value all of your opinions in this forum. Thanks in advance for your response - I need to make a decision soon!

02-29-2008	#5 (permalink)
Doggiemom añejo Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Humble, Texas Posts: 6,071	2 (or more) better than 1 ! Dogs are pack animals, the bigger the pack, the better IMHO! Like you said, they get along, are close in age so you may not have issues with them vying for female alpha status (as I do!) Do it!!!!!

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02-29-2008	#2 (permalink)
Loree añejo Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: north of Pittsburgh Posts: 9,477	Much better with two They entertain each other and keep each other company We have been a 2 lab family for 3 years and will try to always have 2 I lost my little chocolate 3 weeks ago, so we are down to one, but the remaining yellow male is crushed....so sad...won't eat.. You will be much happier with two, so will your existing dog.

02-29-2008	#3 (permalink)
life@GrosCap way into it Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Gros Cap (Sault, Ontario) Posts: 154	Thanks, and I'm sorry for your loss...I have been there, and I know how hard it can be.

02-29-2008	#4 (permalink)
Ranger añejo Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: 40 miles south east of Boston Posts: 1,671	We had two German Shepherds for a while and they were great (one has passed). At the time we did not travel, but now we have started (no kids at home anymore) traveling and that becomes a possible situation. My dog (Ranger) right now will not allow anyone but immediate family! Just a consideration as to dog sitter. We tried to get him friendly with my daughters boyfriend before we left for Colorado, when I let him go he tried to take the guy apart!!

02-29-2008	#6 (permalink)
LEAP way into it Join Date: May 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 132	We've always had either 2 dogs, or 1 dog and 1 cat. The companionship they give each other is wonderful! You have to be prepared for 2 animals, though. Traveling is probably our biggest issue. Right now, it's easy to get grandparents to take the 1 dog and neighbors keep an eye on the cat. Two dogs can be a bit more difficult, but definitely not a deal breaker. Just something more to think about.

02-29-2008	#7 (permalink)
maas1114 life=playa Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Maryland USA Posts: 549	We have two lab mixes, the oldest is now 9, male, Woody. We rescued our female when Woody was 4. Jessie. At first Woody was a little jealous of the attention the Jessie was receiving, plus she was a puppy. But that only lasted for a short time. They are inseperable. They don't leave each others side. If one comes in the house w/o the other, they sit at the door and literally wait for the other to come in. They lay next to each other, they clean each other. They eat at the same time. They keep each other company during the day. I can't imagine not having two dogs. (It is more costly, ie food, vets, grooming) But if that isn't a factor- definately do it! Angie

02-29-2008	#8 (permalink)
playawannabe reposado Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Edmonton AB Posts: 1,413	I wil echo what other have said. Having been a 1, 2 and now a 3 dog family, two is better than one. Dog sitting is about the only disadvantage I can think of.....your dogs will be so happy to have a companion with four legs!!

02-29-2008	#9 (permalink)
sctx political anarchist Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Body in San Marcos Tx....Tankah in my mind Posts: 27,783	having 2 reduces the likelihood of neurotic behavior...... but I wouldn't have my two in the house because it just isn't big enough

02-29-2008	#10 (permalink)
cpfstich el poli Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 10,847	We have two 8 week old puppies, so I'd say two!

02-29-2008	#11 (permalink)
u2girlie Life=Playa (almost) Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Connecticut for now but someday Mexico Posts: 767	If you have the space, two or more definitely. Makes me feel a lot less guilty when I have to leave them because I know they have each other. Plus, it really isn't any more work having 2 and they're so fun to watch together! (one of mine weighs 130 pounds, the other 30 pounds...so it is an interesting mix!)

02-29-2008	#12 (permalink)
Sol Chupacabras Whisperer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: The Gem State Posts: 10,444	We have four dogesses. If possible, people should own two dogs. If your lab and the possible adoptee get along, go for it. As Doggiemom indicated, dogs are pack oriented, so it would be ideal if dog friendly households have more than one dog.

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02-29-2008	#14 (permalink)
SunKneeMarie character encapsulator Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Texas Posts: 26,801	Assuming they get along, more than one dog is always better--they do keep each other company... our two newer dogs are best of friends and sleep in the same crate... the original dog was a bit bullied by one of the new dogs when the new dog outgrew him and they are both males and SOMEONE had to achieve dominance apparently... now the pecking order has been established and they all get along fine... but even now it's a good thing we have the 3rd dog (the only female) as they both love to play with her but not so much each other... the original dog, overall, does seem less skittish and neurotic since we brought the new dogs in... but there definitely was an adjustment period....