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Sorry, double post.

Pets do NOT need pets!

 
so i really shouldn't get my dog a hamster in one of those hamster balls? i know he would just love it to death.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
sorry, i am way OT, and uncalled for. but its a running joke in my home. i do not support cruelty to pocket pets of any kind, i love them dearly.

If you're not sure... I don't think it's a good idea! Oftentimes you're not sure for a good reason. Wait till you're absolutely sure that you want a second dog, not for Gingerbread, but for yourself and your S.O!

I would look for a slightly older dog with a similar play style to Gingerbread, and try fostering. If the whole family falls in love, you can adopt the dog. If not, you've helped him along to his forever home, and you'll have a better idea of what you want.

Of course, try to get into a well-developed foster program. Picking random dogs off of the street as foster dogs doesn't always work out so great (they might end up not-so-placeable, and hate your dog with a passion..... but you'll love them anyways, and deal with it[]).

Though I am not necessarirly a "one dog" kinda person, my hubby is.  His reasons are a dog is more loyal to you when there is only one. Though I love dogs and wouldn't mind getting another one, he is right.  I've grown up with dogs, sometimes one, sometimes 2 or 3.  The dog was always more loyal, trainable, and generally your best friend when it was the only dog.  2 or more dogs distract each other, and also don't need you quite a much. (How selfish is that??? lol)  But you do have a stronger bond with one dog.  But I don't think (for myself) that I would "love one more than the other".  I would just have much less time to devote to each dog. 
 
I really don't think it would cut into your snuggle time though   as when I have had more than one dog they are really jealous to be the one getting attention.  BUT, whenever Sasha is around m-i-l's dog she just goes all nutts and won't stop playing until the other dog practically passes out lol!  We will have to tie her in order for their out of shape baby to get some rest  

I have, and enjoy having, two dogs (I also enjoyed having three until my Basset passed on at an elderly age) But there are many people who do enjoy having one. There is nothing wrong with either choice,and dogs can certainly be happy either way.
 
I will say that both my dogs are very bonded to me and their interaction with each other doesn't detract from their desire to be with me.  Granted, they don't so much play together..although my yorkie does play with the cats often[]

I always thought I wanted another dog.  Whenever I go to the shelter I just imagine what it would take to get a particular dog acclimated to our lifestyle and Willow.

But, the other day my husband brought home a really nice kitten that he found.  We had him here for a few hours.  And, just in that time alone I knew. . .I could not bring another dog in here. 

The cat was super friendly and demanded just as much attention as a dog would of.  And, I felt extremely guilty having to separate Willow from him.  I felt bad that for most of the morning she was in my room. . .away from me. . .she's normally by my side.  And, I "missed" her.  I actually apologized to her. 

Yes, I felt really bad for this poor cat.  But, I've already made a commitment to Willow.  And, I've also already established a routine with her. . .she's used to being with me. . .having access to all the apartment. . .all the attention. . .etc.  And, yes, we've developed a bond that would be extremely hard for any other animal to compete with.  And, it wouldn't be fair for them to have to try. 

I think you're in a similar situation.  But, that doesn't mean the time will never be right but it might not be right now. 

Adding a second dog will certainly change the dynamics in your household.
 
If you are used to the one on one attention from your dog all the time, it might not be the best idea.
 
 
Good luck.

Or you end up with 4 dogs that don't play with each other at all and so you have to provide all the exercise and stimulation for them. [8|]  They are all cuddle bugs and want attention as much as the other.  If you stop to pet one the others seem to have "pet radar" and come running to get pets as well.  So you find yourself moving your hands around from one dog to another to satisfy everyone.  lol..

And I second the poster who said don't get another dog for your dog.  Get another dog because you want another dog.

ORIGINAL: denise_m

Whether someone is a 'one dog person' or not, I think much consideration has to be given to adding another dog to your pack. Just like deciding on your 1st dog, you have to weigh all the pros and cons. As stated mega times on this board - "a dog is a long term committment", whether it is #1, #2 or #6.
In more general terms, I think some people are more suited to a single dog. They develop a very unique bond with their dog and it can be very difficult to transfer the same emotional bond to the 'new' guy. Add any unexpected issues or necessary lifestyle changes into the mix and you can regret your decision. I think before any dog is added into a family, the forever committment must be made before the dog is aquired. It's not a matter of 'I'll see how it works out', it's a matter of 'I am ready to make it work'.

Good post. [sm=wink2.gif]

Sorry if you were affended but quite honestly I meant what I said.

A couple of months ago you gave up a dog and now in a couple of months you would like to "try" it again? 

Instead of worring if your dog is going to sit on your lap and cuddle with you try to re-visit the reasons you brought back the other dog.  What has changed in a couple of months that now your ready, willing and able to make a commitment to another dog. 

Sorry but that's how I feel about your inquiry.  What ever your reasons were with the exception of sick, viscous/aggressive or a major life event that prohibited you in any way - then nothing can have changed enough in a "couple of months" that would lead me to beleive your ready to "commit" to a second dog.

And quite frankly, your concerns of your resident dogs attention being pulled from you is just plain immature.  I believe you haven't yet thought through the reasons you returned that last dog a couple of months ago.  If the reasons you returned your other dog are the same as the concerns you listed above, no - don't get another dog!

Many times I have thougth of getting another dog, because I want a playmate for Romeo.  But he goes to daycare at least 2-3 a week, and I am the best playmate he has got.  Even when we go to the dog park, after socializing with his kind for a bit, he comes looking for me and wants me to play with him and pretty much ignores all the other dogs, unless they come over and say hello, but then he goes back to playing with me, or goes into the woods to ""hunt.""  
 
Romeo is happy and content with his lifestyle, and having his mother heart all to himself. []

Lori, I think we are in similar situations. Thank you so much for your input! Thank you for the other great input also. It's all great food for thought!

Now, luvmyswissy you're calling me immature because I want to still be able to cuddle with my dog and am concerned that two dogs would only bond with each other!? Gosh, what kind of person am I, being concerned about something like that? [:-]

As far as how much could have changed in a few months. As I said, I'm considering maybe getting a puppy in a few more months. I've been doing a lot of thinking and will continue to ponder whether it's the right thing to do. The major change is that the puppy I got before did not have a temperament at all compatible with my family or our lifestyle. I'm not going to go into all the details because frankly I don't owe you any sort of explanation.

I'm not sure if you were even trying to help with your post or just venting your judgements, but it really is not the best way to go about trying to help someone if that was your intention.

ORIGINAL: luvmyswissy

Sorry if you were affended but quite honestly I meant what I said.

A couple of months ago you gave up a dog and now in a couple of months you would like to "try" it again? 

Instead of worring if your dog is going to sit on your lap and cuddle with you try to re-visit the reasons you brought back the other dog.  What has changed in a couple of months that now your ready, willing and able to make a commitment to another dog. 

Sorry but that's how I feel about your inquiry.  What ever your reasons were with the exception of sick, viscous/aggressive or a major life event that prohibited you in any way - then nothing can have changed enough in a "couple of months" that would lead me to beleive your ready to "commit" to a second dog.

And quite frankly, your concerns of your resident dogs attention being pulled from you is just plain immature.  I believe you haven't yet thought through the reasons you returned that last dog a couple of months ago.  If the reasons you returned your other dog are the same as the concerns you listed above, no - don't get another dog!

In retrospect, I should never have adopted Red.  Holly my heartdog was too old at 7.5 to accept another dog and too selfish and dominateing.  I got Red because I didn't want that awful Rainbow Day to come and the house would be dog-less and I would be despondent.
 
Holly was forced to share my affections with Red.  She didn't want that.  I would push Red away to pet Holly.  But I was committed to Red now and so he stayed. 
 
1.5 years later, Holly did die at 9.5, which we never expected.  Red and I fell into severe depression, him more than I.  Red did exactly what I adopted him for, make me go on living. Seriously, I might be dead or very sick if Red was not here.   And now, I cannot die, because Red needs me so (I am the only person he has bonded to).  Its been 5 months and we adopted a 7 year old bulldog and a puppy.  I am able to give Red 100% of my love now, whereas it was only 70% when Holly was alive.    Red and I are thriving together in love,,,God do I love him so much it scares me.  He is my heart dog now.  I do love the puppy too and it all seems right and balanced now, even tho I miss Holly terribly.  Zeus the 7 year old lives with MIL in the basement so he gets 100% from her and extra love from DH and me.   The puppy sleeps with me so she gets the bonding at nite with DH and me and plays and loves Red during the day.  A very healthy place for all of us.
 
Since you mentioned you want all the snuggles, I would not get another dog if I were you. That is the reverse of what happened to me,,my dogs both wanted me to pet them and not the other one.  I was content to pet and love both.
And since it failed with Cinnabun, I would not try again.  And YES, it is more work with 2.  BUT you do get used to it,,,walking 2, feeding , vet bills etc.  Sharing the love is the hardest part.

Thank you Hollysmom for such a wonderful post! I'm really glad that you have Red and that he helped you wtih Holly's passing.

This is such a difficult decision to make... I feel like every situation is different and sharing my affection with two dogs would be the best possible outcome. [] I'm a stay at home "dog mom" so I have nothing but time. My main concern was that they would just bond to each other, but from what I've read on this post, it seems what usually happens is that in multiple dog households they're all vying for the attention.

I kind of think that after awhile the extra work, vet bills, food, etc. will just become "normal".

Anyway, I do have a lot more thinking and of course praying to do. [] I appreciate everyone's input and I'm considering all of it!