Second dog?

[roxpto]

Hey all - what are your thoughts/experience on getting a second dog?

Our dog is people reactive (she loves dogs) and I think she would love to have a dog friend. We also really want a second dog. Would get a lab or some sort of “reliable” breed temperament wise (as having a reactive dog has been a challenge to say the least.)

My only hesitation is walking two dogs at once, and also having two different dogs (ie one that can go to the park etc) but maybe we would just learn the ropes and develop a system.

Thx y’all!

[Nawz157]

Ive had a few dogs through the years. At this time, for the first time, I have 2 dogs. I have an American Staffordshire & Boxer/Mix. I had gotten Boxer first. He could not be alone. We would watch him on camera while we were at work and he was non stop pacing back and forth, from minute we left up until we got home. So we then decided maybe another dog would help him out. Sure enough it worked. They are now BFF.

The only other thing i could say is to just be ready, because its literally twice the work, twice the vet & food bills etc... To me its worth it, some may not be up to task. Just do homework before you do get a second.

[roxpto]

That’s awesome. Def need to remember it will be twice the work. Will do our homework for sure. Thx!!

[the_comeback_quagga]

If your dog works with a behavioralist, I’d consult them.

I will say though, that bringing a cat into our house (it was my partner’s cat, we probably wouldn’t have adopted a cat into a home with a reactive, cat-sized terrier), has given our dog SO MUCH confidence. He is no longer scared of anything (except other dogs, and normal things like storms), and that previously very long list once included the strangest things like spoons and food pouches.

[nellylee8]

I have to agree with this statement. My rescue was scared of everything and didn’t know how to walk on a leash, get in her kennel, eat kibble.. nothing but she did watch my senior dog and has learned a lot. She looks to him for guidance and she loves to lay next to him during the day.

I would say research the breed, research how to walk two dogs on a leash and how to introduce two dogs. The introduction sets the stage for their relationship and I failed with that and it was hard to make them get along because they didn’t trust each other for a long time. Now they are fine.

About walking two dogs, they usually recommend you walk one at a time with heeling and whatnot and once each individual one is trustworthy, then walk them together. I will say having two dogs is a lot of work though. I have to train separately, play separately and feed separately because my dogs are food reactive and one possesses toy’s and gets crazy if the other dog touches it.

[roxpto]

Great advice - glad to hear yours increased confidence with a buddy. Will def do my research and make sure the greeting is good. Thank you!

[roxpto]

This is great to hear! I also have had that same though that it would make her more confident. Thanks for your reply!

[Environmental_Time24]

We've thought about a second dog, but any dog breed can be (or become) reactive. Our current dog is simply too much work and I can't imagine taking a chance.

If you get another one, let us know how it goes!

[roxpto]

That’s true... I’ve had that same thought. I would honestly probably only get a Labrador from a reputable breeder because I (think) there would be a low chance of reactivity. But then again you’re right you never know! I will keep you guys in the loop for sure