Getting a second dog...

[katherineyyyy]

This is gonna sound so silly, but if anyone will understand my dilemma it’s you folks. I have been wanting to get a second dog for awhile and have applied at a couple rescues and have been like seriously looking. I already have a dog that is a 3yo chihuahua/shiba inu/lots of other things mix who is very bonded to me and is my little prince, and I honestly feel really guilty thinking about getting another!!! Will he think I don’t love him anymore??

We used to have a roommate who had a dog that my dog was BFF’s with, and they played and hung out together all the time, so I know he would be fine having a dog in his space, but at the same time the roommate’s dog wasn’t my dog. My boyfriend claims the new dog will be his dog, but I’m the one who does all the walking and feeding and training so… it’ll be mine. I want another just because it’s a good time in our lives to expand our family, and I do want something that’s a little more athletic and outdoorsy than my lazy little prince pup that I have now. But I still feel bad even looking online at shelter dogs!!!

How do you get over the guilt??? Do dogs experience jealousy of their moms or will we become a pack??

[Where_sMyWhite]

@katherineyyyy

How do you get over the guilt??? Do dogs experience jealousy of their moms or will we become a pack??

I have experienced numerous heart dogs in my life. I’ve never felt ‘guilt’ over getting a second dog. Dogs are a pack animal (no matter how much we might want to make them be ‘little people’ ). They may not like each other but that usually has little to nothing to do with the relationship with a human in their pack… they just don’t get along.

I love my two boys. Whoever gets on my empty lap owns it until the other moves. They love to play and wrestle with each other. My current heart boy still loves me even thought I might take his ‘brother’ to a dog class and leave him alone. I always make sure to try to love on both of them.

[Weezer]

I’ve always had two dogs and find that occasionally one seems to get pushy for individual attention but they mostly seem to be happy having a doggy companion. I recommend that you have your dog meet any candidates to make sure their personalities match. I once did about three “interviews” before I found a good match for my super alpha female. I also find that one or two little scuffles is normal while they sort out hierarchy so be prepared to sort those out with neutrality. Break it up if you have to, but don’t scold anybody. Good luck!

[S1969]

@Where'sMyWhite

I have experienced numerous heart dogs in my life. I’ve never felt ‘guilt’ over getting a second dog. Dogs are a pack animal (no matter how much we might want to make them be ‘little people’ ). They may not like each other but that usually has little to nothing to do with the relationship with a human in their pack… they just don’t get along.

Agreed. No guilt necessary. I always felt better about not leaving them home alone when I was not there. Although most times crated, they were at least crated together.

[Where_sMyWhite]

@S1969

Agreed. No guilt necessary. I always felt better about not leaving them home alone when I was not there. Although most times crated, they were at least crated together.

Funny, I think mine are happier not being crated together. I have one of those smaller recliner couches with the armrest between the two ‘seats’. They’re much happier napping one per seat than being stuffed in a crate together. I suppose a larger crate but I don’t have an easy place to put it. Fortunately neither are big barkers so I don’t worry that they go outside and bark the entire time I’m gone. Usually they only bark if there is something to bark at.

Two does does take ‘management’ in making sure they get along, how to handle if they don’t, how to feed them (one eats in a crate because he’s a slower eater while the other is a hoover), how they want to sleep, everything.

I’ve always liked that they had a ‘buddy’. :yes:

If you want to get on the slightly weird side… I am positive my last Bouvier ‘found’ my first Border Terrier for me about a year after she left me. I needed, for a period of time, to be dogless and through the misfortunes of old age, lost my last two Bouvier in the months leading up to my surgery. I still miss all my Bouvs. But, I know my first BT is in my home because of my last girl finding him for me. Sounds corny but I still believe she pointed me to the breeder that was looking to place him. I love him with all my heart. :love-struck:

[S1969]

Oh, no they are not in the same crate! Just side by side crates. So they are crated, but not alone. Crating together can work for a lot of dogs but if you aren’t 150% sure they will always get along it’s a bad idea. Mine are unneutered males - I would never crate or kennel them together. Possible cage match!

[Where_sMyWhite]

A true cage match. :lol:

I will crate my boys in the same crate in special circumstances. I have only one crate in my van and if they are both going, it’s in that crate as they’re not running around loose in the car. If I’m really desperate to keep them out of some place and my numerous baby gates or the door on the dog door won’t cut it, then I’ll crate them in the same crate but try to avoid it.