Should we get another dog? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Marioana · 06-17-2013, 07:36 AM

So, we have Chewie for almost a year (he is 14 month old), and I think sometimes he is bored. There are days when I am too busy to play with him, and I see him following me around and trying to find a moment when he can get me his toy to play. So I was thinking of getting him a companion, but I am not sure it's the best solution.

First: If we go to the dog park he will go and sniff the other dogs, but he is not really interested in playing, he doesn't run around with them or play at all. We have some friends who have dogs, and he wasn't not really interested in them when we went to their house. The only time I saw him playing was when one of our friends came to our house with her yorkie. They ran one after another the whole afternoon and Chewie seemed like he couldn't get enough.

Second :Chewie is not 100% house broken

. We made the mistake of training him on the pads, and he still has accidents in the house. So I am not sure how a new puppy will affect that. I was thinking of hiring a dog walked to come and get the new puppy out when we are at work, so maybe Chewie can be housebroken at the same time. Or he can get worse because of the new puppy.

Third: My boyfriend would really like a German Shepherd, but we live in a town home without a yard and not a lot of time to spend with a dog. So I don't think we can get one right now. He is afraid that if we get the second yorkie, we will not get another dog when we will have the possibility.

I appreciate any advice you can give me.

ChibiLuv · 06-17-2013, 08:08 AM

My job is to help figure out if they are ready for a dog and if so what kind. First I must warn you- DO NOT get another dog for your dog.
This is mistake #1 people do all the time and end up having to return the dog. You should get another dog for you and your family, because you are ready and feel able to care for another dog. Your dog loves being with you and I assure you is perfectly happy.
Another point is to wait until your current dog is trained and housebroken, it is harder to train two dogs, especially if one is a puppy and making lots of mistakes it may cause your current dog to get more confused about where to go potty.
Third, I would not get a big dog if you don't have the space or energy for one. Big dogs need lots of exercise and room to run around. You could maybe get a medium sized dog as a compromise but really think about the time and extra walks they will need. You can always get more dogs in the future, don't rush it. When the time is right it will be best for the dogs and the people.

Verbena · 06-17-2013, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChibiLuv

My job is to help figure out if they are ready for a dog and if so what kind. First I must warn you- DO NOT get another dog for your dog.
This is mistake #1 people do all the time and end up having to return the dog. You should get another dog for you and your family, because you are ready and feel able to care for another dog. Your dog loves being with you and I assure you is perfectly happy.
Another point is to wait until your current dog is trained and housebroken, it is harder to train two dogs, especially if one is a puppy and making lots of mistakes it may cause your current dog to get more confused about where to go potty.
Third, I would not get a big dog if you don't have the space or energy for one. Big dogs need lots of exercise and room to run around. You could maybe get a medium sized dog as a compromise but really think about the time and extra walks they will need. You can always get more dogs in the future, don't rush it. When the time is right it will be best for the dogs and the people.

Nicely said. I agree do not bring home another pup when you are still potty training. It is hard to train one. It is even harder to train two.

tokipoki · 06-17-2013, 08:41 AM

We recently added Teddy (10 months) to our household with our current yorkie Toki (1 year 9 months). I had always wanted to add a second dog since Toki was a little pup but it would have had me pulling my hair out trying to housebreak 2 dogs at the same time.

Definitely don't get another dog just to keep your current dog occupied. Let me just tell you from firsthand experience that you will have TWO dogs bringing you toys and begging you to play with them...so if you are too busy on some days to play with Chewie, imagine having another pup also trying to get your attention. Toki and Teddy play together a lot but they both still need a lot of individual time. They have pretty different personalities as well and I know that when we go on walks, Teddy needs a lot more extra walking time than Toki does (she doesn't have the stamina that he does). It's definitely more time consuming and takes more energy to keep up with 2 dogs (at least for me). While it is more work (and money), I will say that bringing home Teddy was one of the most rewarding experiences for us and has truly enriched all of our lives...it makes me so happy every day to see my pups interacting together and thriving.

If your pup seems kinda bored and you don't necessarily know that you should get a second dog, why not try a doggie day care (that would also give you a chance to run your errands while he gets to have the option to play with other dogs) or doing different activities like swimming, hiking, visiting new trails etc. to keep your pup interested and stimulated.

Good luck!

MauiGirl · 06-17-2013, 08:45 AM

ChibiLuv, you said it so well. Don't get a dog for the dog.

Two dogs take more time and attention, not less. Twice as much brushing, bathing, grooming, walking, playing, feeding, and a big consideration is extra veterinarian expenses. It is harder to take 2 with you than one, or to find care for them when you go away.

They can also bring you twice as much joy if you are with them enough to appreciate it. I love having multiples, and 4 works fine for me. But, I'm home all day with them, and they keep me company.

Melany · 06-17-2013, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChibiLuv

My job is to help figure out if they are ready for a dog and if so what kind. First I must warn you- DO NOT get another dog for your dog.
This is mistake #1 people do all the time and end up having to return the dog. You should get another dog for you and your family, because you are ready and feel able to care for another dog. Your dog loves being with you and I assure you is perfectly happy.
Another point is to wait until your current dog is trained and housebroken, it is harder to train two dogs, especially if one is a puppy and making lots of mistakes it may cause your current dog to get more confused about where to go potty.
Third, I would not get a big dog if you don't have the space or energy for one. Big dogs need lots of exercise and room to run around. You could maybe get a medium sized dog as a compromise but really think about the time and extra walks they will need. You can always get more dogs in the future, don't rush it. When the time is right it will be best for the dogs and the people.

brilliant post

TxVicki · 06-17-2013, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChibiLuv

My job is to help figure out if they are ready for a dog and if so what kind. First I must warn you- DO NOT get another dog for your dog.
This is mistake #1 people do all the time and end up having to return the dog. You should get another dog for you and your family, because you are ready and feel able to care for another dog. Your dog loves being with you and I assure you is perfectly happy.
Another point is to wait until your current dog is trained and housebroken, it is harder to train two dogs, especially if one is a puppy and making lots of mistakes it may cause your current dog to get more confused about where to go potty.
Third, I would not get a big dog if you don't have the space or energy for one. Big dogs need lots of exercise and room to run around. You could maybe get a medium sized dog as a compromise but really think about the time and extra walks they will need. You can always get more dogs in the future, don't rush it. When the time is right it will be best for the dogs and the people.

Veronica very good reply. I agree with every thing you have written.

luvlee · 06-17-2013, 10:21 AM

I've done some research on this issue because I'm about to embark on the journey of adopting a second dog (a Biewer.)

It's TRUE that companionship with your dog is not the ONLY reason to adopt a second pup.

HOWEVER, there are numerous articles that discuss the rationale for bringing in a second dog - which INCLUDES companionship for your present dog. Dogs are PACK ANIMALS and expect to be part of a group. When the entire group leaves the den - for school, work, etc - that can cause tremendous SEPARATION ANXIETY, worry, stress, unhappiness and detrimentally impact the health and well being of your dog.

Again, while it should not be the ONLY reason for adopting a second pup, it's a reasonable consideration. I would suggest you research the issue yourself and reach your own conclusion.

Good luck. Tracey

ironmike86 · 06-17-2013, 10:55 AM

I want another dog to keep Moki company. But IME I got two dogs at a young age before it is alot harder like others said. Potty training especially. But this time Moki is 14mo and he is Potty trained. Maybe by the time he is two I will find one? Thats what it feels like. I can't play with 24-7 either and i think chasing around another dog will give him good exercise. But My wife stay home so they will have alot of attention. And when I get home I will play and train them. I've had multiple dogs if done right imo its not much harder. It will be more work but I think more the merrier.

Marioana · 06-17-2013, 10:56 AM

It's hard ....
Chewie does have separation anxiety, when he sees us getting dressed to leave he goes in his crate and just mops there. Or he starts howling after we leave and put him in his pen. And when we come home he always pees when he sees us. Until now my boyfriend was always home with him all day, but now he started working part time and some days Chewie is alone from 7 AM to 6 PM and I can see when I get home he doesn't know what to do with himself from joy that someone is at home.

I was looking for a trainer to come to work with us on the housebreaking, and I am not afraid of the extra work involved with a second dog.

But you have a point with vacations (where to leave both of them), as until now Chewie always stayed with friends, he was never in a kennel.

I have to think a lot and very carefully...

barneysmommmy · 06-17-2013, 03:02 PM

We added 6 year old Anna nearly a month ago. Barney was right at 5 months old. He was not completely potty trained. She was a 6 year old retired breeder. She was in a cage for most of her life. So, she was no where near potty trained. The first two weeks were terrible. Constant supervision! But it is wonderful now. They play together so well and they are 6 years apart. It is especially sweet watching Anna. She had no idea how to play at first. Now, they roll around and wrestle several times a day. It is adorable to see them chasing each other up and down the hall. Anna is a late sleeper so Barney stands outside her crate and cries of a morning until she gets up. They are forming a great bond, which helps ease my guilt when they have to be left home alone. When it comes to potty training, I have found it to be a little easier with two. When 1 goes and I cheer for him/her, the other one squats a spot too to get in on the praise. Again, it was not nearly this smooth the first two weeks. As for vacation, my dogs will be going with my family.

06-17-2013, 08:08 AM	#2
ChibiLuv and molliluv too! Donating Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Irving TX, USA Posts: 1,619	My job is to help figure out if they are ready for a dog and if so what kind. First I must warn you- DO NOT get another dog for your dog. This is mistake #1 people do all the time and end up having to return the dog. You should get another dog for you and your family, because you are ready and feel able to care for another dog. Your dog loves being with you and I assure you is perfectly happy. Another point is to wait until your current dog is trained and housebroken, it is harder to train two dogs, especially if one is a puppy and making lots of mistakes it may cause your current dog to get more confused about where to go potty. Third, I would not get a big dog if you don't have the space or energy for one. Big dogs need lots of exercise and room to run around. You could maybe get a medium sized dog as a compromise but really think about the time and extra walks they will need. You can always get more dogs in the future, don't rush it. When the time is right it will be best for the dogs and the people. __________________ Teapot Club Member

06-17-2013, 08:45 AM	#5
MauiGirl Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maui, Hawaii Posts: 7,740	ChibiLuv, you said it so well. Don't get a dog for the dog. Two dogs take more time and attention, not less. Twice as much brushing, bathing, grooming, walking, playing, feeding, and a big consideration is extra veterinarian expenses. It is harder to take 2 with you than one, or to find care for them when you go away. They can also bring you twice as much joy if you are with them enough to appreciate it. I love having multiples, and 4 works fine for me. But, I'm home all day with them, and they keep me company. __________________ SANDY, MOM TO TIKI , KAYLA , KARLEE , R.I.P. MEIKA

06-17-2013, 07:36 AM	#1
Marioana Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Naperville Posts: 76	Should we get another dog? So, we have Chewie for almost a year (he is 14 month old), and I think sometimes he is bored. There are days when I am too busy to play with him, and I see him following me around and trying to find a moment when he can get me his toy to play. So I was thinking of getting him a companion, but I am not sure it's the best solution. First: If we go to the dog park he will go and sniff the other dogs, but he is not really interested in playing, he doesn't run around with them or play at all. We have some friends who have dogs, and he wasn't not really interested in them when we went to their house. The only time I saw him playing was when one of our friends came to our house with her yorkie. They ran one after another the whole afternoon and Chewie seemed like he couldn't get enough. Second :Chewie is not 100% house broken . We made the mistake of training him on the pads, and he still has accidents in the house. So I am not sure how a new puppy will affect that. I was thinking of hiring a dog walked to come and get the new puppy out when we are at work, so maybe Chewie can be housebroken at the same time. Or he can get worse because of the new puppy. Third: My boyfriend would really like a German Shepherd, but we live in a town home without a yard and not a lot of time to spend with a dog. So I don't think we can get one right now. He is afraid that if we get the second yorkie, we will not get another dog when we will have the possibility. I appreciate any advice you can give me.

06-17-2013, 08:41 AM	#4
tokipoki Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Garner, NC Posts: 1,485	We recently added Teddy (10 months) to our household with our current yorkie Toki (1 year 9 months). I had always wanted to add a second dog since Toki was a little pup but it would have had me pulling my hair out trying to housebreak 2 dogs at the same time. Definitely don't get another dog just to keep your current dog occupied. Let me just tell you from firsthand experience that you will have TWO dogs bringing you toys and begging you to play with them...so if you are too busy on some days to play with Chewie, imagine having another pup also trying to get your attention. Toki and Teddy play together a lot but they both still need a lot of individual time. They have pretty different personalities as well and I know that when we go on walks, Teddy needs a lot more extra walking time than Toki does (she doesn't have the stamina that he does). It's definitely more time consuming and takes more energy to keep up with 2 dogs (at least for me). While it is more work (and money), I will say that bringing home Teddy was one of the most rewarding experiences for us and has truly enriched all of our lives...it makes me so happy every day to see my pups interacting together and thriving. If your pup seems kinda bored and you don't necessarily know that you should get a second dog, why not try a doggie day care (that would also give you a chance to run your errands while he gets to have the option to play with other dogs) or doing different activities like swimming, hiking, visiting new trails etc. to keep your pup interested and stimulated. Good luck!

06-17-2013, 10:21 AM	#8
luvlee YT Addict Join Date: May 2012 Location: secaucus, nj Posts: 483	I've done some research on this issue because I'm about to embark on the journey of adopting a second dog (a Biewer.) It's TRUE that companionship with your dog is not the ONLY reason to adopt a second pup. HOWEVER, there are numerous articles that discuss the rationale for bringing in a second dog - which INCLUDES companionship for your present dog. Dogs are PACK ANIMALS and expect to be part of a group. When the entire group leaves the den - for school, work, etc - that can cause tremendous SEPARATION ANXIETY, worry, stress, unhappiness and detrimentally impact the health and well being of your dog. Again, while it should not be the ONLY reason for adopting a second pup, it's a reasonable consideration. I would suggest you research the issue yourself and reach your own conclusion. Good luck. Tracey

06-17-2013, 10:55 AM	#9
ironmike86 Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: USA Posts: 1,628	I want another dog to keep Moki company. But IME I got two dogs at a young age before it is alot harder like others said. Potty training especially. But this time Moki is 14mo and he is Potty trained. Maybe by the time he is two I will find one? Thats what it feels like. I can't play with 24-7 either and i think chasing around another dog will give him good exercise. But My wife stay home so they will have alot of attention. And when I get home I will play and train them. I've had multiple dogs if done right imo its not much harder. It will be more work but I think more the merrier.

06-17-2013, 10:56 AM	#10
Marioana Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Naperville Posts: 76	It's hard .... Chewie does have separation anxiety, when he sees us getting dressed to leave he goes in his crate and just mops there. Or he starts howling after we leave and put him in his pen. And when we come home he always pees when he sees us. Until now my boyfriend was always home with him all day, but now he started working part time and some days Chewie is alone from 7 AM to 6 PM and I can see when I get home he doesn't know what to do with himself from joy that someone is at home. I was looking for a trainer to come to work with us on the housebreaking, and I am not afraid of the extra work involved with a second dog. But you have a point with vacations (where to leave both of them), as until now Chewie always stayed with friends, he was never in a kennel. I have to think a lot and very carefully...

06-17-2013, 03:02 PM	#11
barneysmommmy Donating Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Arkansas Posts: 1,310	We added 6 year old Anna nearly a month ago. Barney was right at 5 months old. He was not completely potty trained. She was a 6 year old retired breeder. She was in a cage for most of her life. So, she was no where near potty trained. The first two weeks were terrible. Constant supervision! But it is wonderful now. They play together so well and they are 6 years apart. It is especially sweet watching Anna. She had no idea how to play at first. Now, they roll around and wrestle several times a day. It is adorable to see them chasing each other up and down the hall. Anna is a late sleeper so Barney stands outside her crate and cries of a morning until she gets up. They are forming a great bond, which helps ease my guilt when they have to be left home alone. When it comes to potty training, I have found it to be a little easier with two. When 1 goes and I cheer for him/her, the other one squats a spot too to get in on the praise. Again, it was not nearly this smooth the first two weeks. As for vacation, my dogs will be going with my family.