Hi,

I'm looking to get peoples opinions and experiences here.  I have a 21 month old Dober girl who loves other dogs.  I walk other dogs and have other dogs in my home (only one at a time)  I have had Ciara from a puppy and had always planned to get another at some point but wanted to wait until Ciara was adult, or as adult as Dobes get :-)  so had thought around 2 onwards. 

Ciara is a lovely dog (bias I know) she enjoys the company of other dogs and is generally well behaved, great recall and general basic obedience. She gets on well with all the dogs I look after, although can be a bit possesive over me at times, such as if we are cuddling on the sofa and another dog tries to get in on the action she will tell them off; she also doesn't like other dogs jumping on me, other than that she generally takes it all in her stride.  We have a very close bond.  Doing what I do, she comes every where with me, can be left at home for a couple of hours without a prob but generally where I go she does.

I have really taken to a rescue doggy, she's 10 months old, and not had a great start in life.  Is great with other dogs but wary of strangers and new situations, it sounds like she's missed out on socialisation from what I can work out - they won't discuss individual dogs over the phone so info is limited.  She sounds like she just needs time and patience and to be given some confidence.

I've thought about cost which is an issue but I will manage; and whether it makes things harder having two young dogs with the job I do, I also have two cats and it would mean a certain amount of stress for them.  However my main worry is how it would effect the relationship Ciara and I have; I know there will enevitably be jealousy and hurdles to get over and I know each dog is different; I just wandered what others experiences were when going from one to multiple dogs or when adding another dog to the family, how it changed dynamics and relationships?

Sorry for the long essay  I know you can't predict exactly how something like this will work out but I just want to be as sure as I can be that it's the right thing for all concerned before going to see this girl - coz I think once I meet her there'll be no going back!  I have posted this on another site aswell, just incase anyone sees it twice, just looking for as many peoples experiences as possible.

Thanks,

Karen and poor unsuspecting Ciara

Initially my father-in-law and I had one dog but since having two (dog and a bitch each) it has given the ones we already had a new energy for life. I love watching them play together when they don't think I'm watching. As you've had other dogs about the jealousy thing shouldn't be too bad - just keep making a fuss of the one that came first and they will sort out their pack order for themselves and generally be happy with that (just make sure you're pack leader tho). I'm happier if I have to leave them for a few hours now to go shopping etc as I know they have each other, and dogs understand each other better than we can ever hope to! As I write this our four are pottering around the garden playing tag with each other - very funny to watch.

In my experience I would definately recommend it, however I'm sure other people will have had other experiences. I should point out that as ours are retired Greyhounds they were always kennelled as pairs and so were used to living with another dog, albeit not in a home environment where they had toys etc to share.

I too would recommend it.  I have four dobes and it is great they have human and canines family.

just to tell you when we got our dogs(together) one of our cats couldn't care less,but the other one took 3 months to come out of hiding.I was worried sick over her,but she just turned around one day and carried on as if everything had always been ok,if dogs asleep on the floor and they are in her way, she just climbs over them,so took some time,but eventually they get past it.

Thanks very much for replies. :-)

Karen

I've been pondering the second dog dilemma for ages but having got Lord Niptonshire from mad pup to surprisingly mature 18 month old, I've decided to let my head rule instead of my heart and concentrate on enjoying this relatively sane time for a while longer! 

But I can see just why you are tempted and my only comment would be to ask whether taking on a rescue dog would be the best idea given that Ciara is certainly going to be possessive about sharing you. You may, of course, know the history of the 10 month old but if she turns out to be particularly needy as a result of earlier unhappy experiences, will Ciara tolerate this?

Hi,

I think certainly at some point there will be jealousy issues, however Ciara's a young fairly well adjusted dog and she is used to sharing her home with other dogs.  Obvioussly the relationship between me and the other dogs she is used to will be a different one than with this girl, but I don't suppose to start with Ciara will see it as any different to us having a normal doggie guest.  I think handled in the right way and taken slowly it is doable.  I will have to work hard at making sure she knows she has nothing to worry about and plan if I go ahead to take it all very slowly.  Having said that, I can't know for sure, I don't know what this dog is like in that respect - I think I may have to take time gaining her trust rather than her being all over me straight away, but info is limited, I don't think she's been badly treated in the sense of physically but not been looked after properly in terms of socialisation.  I think the only way I'm going to be able to answer some of the questions I've been asking myself is to meet her!  Thanks for your input.

Karen

ive been having a puppy to stay and walk twice a week and although hes a great little chap its sooooooooooo exhausting, my dog loves him but seems relieved when he is gone and we can all relax. i know at the moment im not ready for that 24 hours a day, but if you feel you are then go ahead and meet the other dog,but bear in mind that without a very strong heart meeting probably means getting!
good luck ,et us know what happens!

I know, I would find it hard to walk away once I've met her unless her and Ciara aren't likely to get on, it wouldn't even be a question then as she comes first at the mo.  That's why I'm trying to think through all the logistics and pros and cons before I meet her.  I will keep you posted :-)

Karen