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Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal?
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Willrace4food
Jul 28, 08 11:37
Post #1 of 21 (300 views)
Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal?
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I am trying to restore the "status quo" in my household which is falling apart. After losing two dogs in the last couple weeks, I am contemplating two. I am also debating puppies versus older dogs. In the meantime I am taking my girls to see a litter of labs tonight to ease their suffering.
Has anyone here had pups and kept more than one, or adopted a pair? I am wondering if it is twice as difficult, or twice as rewarding, or both?
Edited to stay on topic:dogs only
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Johnny99
Jul 28, 08 12:00
Post #2 of 21 (286 views)
Re: Raising 2 puppies at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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I have raised both single dogs and most recently two at a time. I don't know that two is really that much harder than one other than a little more clean-up. Our two are litter mates and I think it eases the separation from the mother. When our kids are in school the dogs are alone much of the day so I think it really helps keep them happy. My theory being that if they are playing with each other, they aren't shredding the couch. Until they shred the couch together.
LovePugs
Jul 28, 08 12:14
Post #3 of 21 (274 views)
Re: Raising 2 puppies at once...suicidal? [Johnny99]
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I'm raising a 3 year old Pug, 12 year old Min Pin (I guess she's pretty much raised), and almost 1 year old Pug sisters. They were the last 2 in the litter and I couldn't bring myself to take just one. I'd have to say raising the sisters has been a lot of work, but 100% worth it when I see them playing together. Talk about chaos in the house, but I love it!! I would always choose 2 over one so they will have someone to play with.
I'm so sorry about all your unfortunate situations, but it sounds like you're going to give at least one doggie a great new home!
Monk
Jul 28, 08 12:15
Post #4 of 21 (271 views)
Re: Raising 2 puppies at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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If you are in agreement with the proposition that having an older dog around to show the pup how to behave, you will see the folly in having two clueless puppies reinforcing each other's negative behavior.
Pup Number One:
I think I'll pee in the house.
Pup Number Two:
GREAT IDEA! Better yet, let's take shit while were at it!
Or you can be patient for a few weeks until the divorce, and then get pup. But will you be home enough to let it out during the day?
Things will get better for you.
cerveloguy
Jul 28, 08 12:41
Post #5 of 21 (258 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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The big advantage is that two pups will entertain each other. In this regard it actually seems like less work at times.
"OK, I'll admit I screwed up the facts"
mmrocker13
Jul 28, 08 12:44
Post #6 of 21 (254 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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If you're seriously considering adopting two, PLEASE consider adopting a pair of adult, bonded dogs. Dogs like that are so hard to place. It's hard enough to get people to consider adults over puppies anyway...and then to try and place a package deal...
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geekysteve
Jul 28, 08 12:47
Post #7 of 21 (250 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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Wife and I have 4 dogs, 4 cats, a bird, and we do rescue work for the local Great Dane Rescue (along with a few shelters). We *looooove* animals - they're truly joyous creatures, and it's extremely rewarding to harbor, help, and place them. That said, I'd never, ever, under any circumstances, ever have another puppy in the house. Unless you're home 24/7, it's just not fair to them, and you're likely to end up with something getting damaged (usually your favorite <insert object/item/keepsake/etc here>).
I used to work from home, and keeping puppies comfortable and trouble-free was a challenge. Now that we both work outside of the house, it's impossible. I love older dogs - anything 3+ years old, and we'll take it for as long as necessary. We've also recommended older dogs to our friends, and they've all thanked us immensely. Visit any animal shelter or rescue group, and you'll usually be able to find a great dog that is more than happy and willing to make you happy. The first few nights are usually a little rough, but I'll gladly take a week's worth of adjustment issues over a year's worth of puppy headaches. :-)
(they are cute, though!)
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"Children are for people who believe in the future; that's why I had a vasectomy."
mmrocker13
Jul 28, 08 12:51
Post #8 of 21 (244 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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SOmething like these two guys:
http://www.homewardboundrescue.com/...lneeds.html#chauncey
Absolutely breaks my heart. I actually met the two of them when we were looking to adopt--but we could only get one dog, and they couldn't be separated. They ARE shy, true, but good boys. Such lovers. There are so many sets of dogs like this out there... I wish more peeps would consider adults when they look to adopt.
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David in FL
Jul 28, 08 12:56
Post #9 of 21 (240 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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Shouldn't be any problem at all......
......unless of course you have furniture. ;)
"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in a grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."
Theodore Roosevelt
Jodi
Jul 28, 08 16:36
Post #10 of 21 (199 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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Go with 2. They can keep each other company.
:-)
Jodi
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Smil'n Hawaiian
Jul 28, 08 16:52
Post #11 of 21 (192 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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Sorry to hear about all the issues you have had to endure lately. Wish you the best.
My opinion would be to get one pup/younger dog (by adoption), if you see yourself having time to dedicate towards developing a bond with him/her. It may provide more flexibility to travel (hike or camp or visit family, etc) with your dog and do other things two dogs might limit.
I've thought of getting another dog to keep my buddy Riley company, but he gets tons of attention from me, goes to the beach and/or dog park and gets plenty of interaction with other dogs.
Chris
Chris
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"Life's journey is not to arrive at the grave safely in a well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, totally worn out, shouting, holy crap, what a ride!!" - author unknown
QRgirl
Jul 28, 08 17:12
Post #12 of 21 (182 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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I seem to be the only one who has interpreted your post that you are going to get two dogs, then separate them into two different households next month? Am I wrong?
I have no opinion as to if that is a good idea or not. I like mmrockers suggestion though.
Monk
Jul 28, 08 19:22
Post #13 of 21 (158 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [QRgirl]
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I seem to be the only one who has interpreted your post that you are going to get two dogs, then separate them into two different households next month? Am I wrong?
I have no opinion as to if that is a good idea or not. I like mmrockers suggestion though.
I have questions, too. Were you going to separate Noah and Tamar in August? Have you confirmed that there was not an environmental cause of their near concurrent passings? Have you reconciled/clarified your emotions (probably impossible) over the death of your beloved pets and the death of your marriage and the "family dream"? I'm guessing you won't have full time custody of your children. Will anyone be be around to take care of a pup? When you are not working, will you be running, biking swimming? Is this about making wherever you wind up living "as good" as your ex-wife's, because you have a dog for you chbildren there too? Is it about you not wanting to come home to an empty house, and be able to have unconditional love?
Its a sad thing, but there is nothing wrong with working through these things and then seeing where you are on it all. Its a hard time for you and your family. Getting puppies will not make it better, it will complicate it.
OK, the Unsolicited Advice Department is closed for the night.
jenhs
Jul 28, 08 20:49
Post #14 of 21 (139 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Monk]
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Monk asks some hard but good questions. Be sure it is really the right time to adopt and it isn't a purely emotion reaction to your loss. It sounds like your life is in flux and that is never a good time to bring a new pet into your home. Wait a couple months until the new routine develops then see what fits.
That said, I like having a pair. They keep each other company when I'm not home and when we travel I feel much better knowing they are in the kennel together. My Golden was totally lost after our Syd died unexpectedly in '05. We were devistated and didn't have it in us to even look for another dog. I was content to just have Fitz but he clearly was lonely and looking for leadership. He is very passive and didn't seem to know what to do with himself. So, we adopted Katy - a 10 year old Cattle Dog. Well, Fitz has definately found a boss and he is much happier.
Please also look at adult dogs. Several people have mentioned it in two different threads going today but I will re-emphasize it. All three of the dogs we've had in our lives were adopted as adults. I love puppies, who doesn't? But, there are thousands of adult dogs out there that need you and would love to be a friend to your kids. Puppies will always find a home but adult dogs may not. Adult dogs generally don't need potty training and that alone should be a big selling point!
We will adopt adult dogs for the rest of our lives. A puppy might find its way into our lives but that puppy will share our home with an adult rescue, or two :-)
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Jenhs
AmyCO
Jul 28, 08 21:22
Post #15 of 21 (133 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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I believe that when it comes to dogs, two is always better than one -- they are social pack animals that seem to do better with others, especially if they have to be left alone for any period of time during the day. Look at Maxfund.org -- they have pairs available all the time. If it were me, I'd go for young adults (2-4 years old). When my old dog died last year, my 3-year-old dachsund went beserk and started chewing everything in sight if we left him alone for any amount of time. My plan was to adopt a grown dog but we ended up with a puppy. I love that guy, but boy was he a pain in the butt to train.
Of course, I'm assuming that you didn't already purchase/adopt dogs from the litter you looked at tonight. I've learned never to visit dogs unless I want to actually take one home.
Edit: On Maxfund, check out Kane & Sheeba or Rob & Anne -- both look like good prospects (especially Kane & Sheeba who are supposedly house trained and good with kids:).
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jenhs
Jul 28, 08 21:29
Post #16 of 21 (130 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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Duh, I keep forgetting to advertise this great site:
www.petfinder.com
This is where I found both my Golden Retriever and my Cattle Dog. All rescue animals from around the country.
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Jenhs
Mr. Tibbs
Jul 28, 08 21:39
Post #17 of 21 (129 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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I have ALWAYS had more success with two dogs. If you get them at about the same age at close to the same time you will benefit. Two dogs allows both of them to socialize with out you having to be around all the time. Also It encourages them to learn during training because the pack instinct kicks in and they will want to learn as much as the other one.
Do it too it and get two. You'll love it. May I recommend the Rat Terrier?
dreaming~big
Jul 29, 08 4:59
Post #18 of 21 (111 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [mmrocker13]
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x3 on the older dogs. we adopted all four of ours as adults. they're charming and grateful. at least consider it?
too.tall
Jul 29, 08 8:30
Post #19 of 21 (92 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [jenhs]
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Please also look at adult dogs. Several people have mentioned it in two different threads going today but I will re-emphasize it. All three of the dogs we've had in our lives were adopted as adults. I love puppies, who doesn't? But, there are thousands of adult dogs out there that need you and would love to be a friend to your kids. Puppies will always find a home but adult dogs may not. Adult dogs generally don't need potty training and that alone should be a big selling point!
We will adopt adult dogs for the rest of our lives. A puppy might find its way into our lives but that puppy will share our home with an adult rescue, or two :-)
Well said. My family will always have two dogs and they will be rescues.
trimom217
Jul 29, 08 8:31
Post #20 of 21 (92 views)
Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [Willrace4food]
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I have an 11 month old Aussie and my daughter has a 7 month old Aussie. Same breeder, different litters (obviously), same sire.
Let's just say that they like to rearrange the furniture when they are together.
So I guess it would depend on the activity level of the breed you are considering as well as their age.
cuds
Jul 29, 08 8:32
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Re: Adopting 2 puppies/dogs at once...suicidal? [trimom217]
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Let's just say that they like to rearrange the furniture when they are together.
haha... I think that's great :)
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