When Is The Right Time To Get A Second Puppy?

[joeandchelsea 0]

Hello everyone,

My fiance and I are currently attempting to decide whether or not it is a good time for us to get a second dog. Our first is still a puppy, only 5 months old. She listens to most basic commands and is 90% potty trained. We've always wanted two dogs but don't really know if there is a "right" time.

Any input anyone would be able to provide would be very helpful. We currently have a female poodle mix and want to add an AID to our family. We just want to make sure we're not creating a bigger problem than a blessing.

Thanks,

Chelsea

[linda 19]

hi well as Kim says its better to wait until the one dog is full grown I got my second when my one was 2 yrs it helps with training . since aids are pack animals they need to respect the first dog beside the first helps with teaching the yougin

 

 

 

 

Hello everyone,

My fiance and I are currently attempting to decide whether or not it is a good time for us to get a second dog. Our first is still a puppy, only 5 months old. She listens to most basic commands and is 90% potty trained. We've always wanted two dogs but don't really know if there is a "right" time.

Any input anyone would be able to provide would be very helpful. We currently have a female poodle mix and want to add an AID to our family. We just want to make sure we're not creating a bigger problem than a blessing.

Thanks,

Chelsea

[liz 9]

hi well as Kim says its better to wait until the one dog is full grown I got my second when my one was 2 yrs it helps with training . since aids are pack animals they need to respect the first dog beside the first helps with teaching the yougin

 

 

I agree it may be bettter to wait a little, have you thought about having a male, this could help with dominence problems between the same sex?

[judyk 43]

I agree it may be bettter to wait a little, have you thought about having a male, this could help with dominence problems between the same sex?

After having six of these little 'critters', you should really wait until the dog is full grown. Also I agree with considering adopting one of the opposite sex.

 

Judy K in Michigan

[Allison 2,369]

I'm going to disagree with the rest of the group. We have many owners with two young dogs, who have done well. We have owners that got siblings, that Kim recommended against, who did terrifically. They have a ranch, and the dogs have jobs, and they work seamlessly together.

 

I got a lot of advice, before I got my second, and it was all good. It helped me to be aware when problems were developing, and to nip them before they became ingrained. But you have to be honest with yourself about your lifestyle, your abilities, and your time.

 

If you are thinking of a second dog, because you are having trouble with the first, then this is not a good idea.

 

Even getting a new pup with our 9 year old, is taking adjustments. There is no easy way to expand the household by one whole being. There will always be adjustments, and trials. The dynamic is changed.

 

But we are having fun--even with all the quirky adjustments--walking is not the same, feeding is not the same, playing is not the same.

 

It is fun, though, for all of us.

 

The balance of Male and Female is always easier. With that, I do agree. Also, your first is so young, they might feel like siblings and wrestle and play together well.

[Allison 2,369]

Here is an example:

 

When we go to bed, we read for a while, and the dogs lay with us. Coyo is always growling, and not wanting the puppy to touch him, and the puppy always loves to torture him. But I have noticed, that when I am busy, working, or what have you, and they are resting on the bed together, they will be centimeters apart, with no problems. Not one.

 

So I have to realize, that the difference is us. We set the dynamic, and we are responsible.

[Todd 1]

Adding an AID to your family would be a blessing! They are special dogs and your other pup would love the company. I think raising two dogs is easier than one. However, I do believe it's easier to teach a younger puppy the WAY when you have an trtained dog to show the puppy the WAY!

All of us can tell you that you don't just want an AID and get one. You have to talk to Kim and get on the LIST and then wait your turn! By the time you get an AID your other pup will be trained and ready to mentor the little dog. But get on the list now it could be several months. It's worth the wait!

[Karen 41]

However, I do believe it's easier to teach a younger puppy the WAY when you have an trtained dog to show the puppy the WAY!

All of us can tell you that you don't just want an AID and get one. You have to talk to Kim and get on the LIST and then wait your turn!

I do agree that if you already have a seasoned, well-trained dog, your job with a new pup is much easier.

 

Not ALL of us have the same experience of the long wait. Sometimes there just happen to be a lot of pups and a short list and you get lucky, as I did. My experience was almost abrupt.