The medical needs of puppies exceeds most adult dogs: frequent vet visits to get your dog vaccinated and parasite-free, neutering costs, and so on. I'm Julia Szabo, also known as a Pet Reporter, and I am the ""Living with Dogs"" columnist for dogster.com. Daily walks. If your heart decides that two pooches are the way to go, you can help to prevent territorial disputes by giving both pups their own dishes, crates and toys to play with. This is why often those who give it a try often end up re-homing one puppy. There are definitely various opinions about the whether it's a good idea to get two puppies at once. Consider your current lifestyle, breed choice and long-term goals first. They sleep in separate crates and we have allowed them to have a lot of play time together.. We are now starting individual training and feeding time. If you have any questions about development or orthopedic issues she has lots of resources. Keeping the puppies separated may be quite challenging because it often translates into dividing the chores in two. For us, the pros far outweigh the cons. Another consideration is the dog’s size and breed. You love your dog so much, you’re thinking about getting a second dog, because twice the canine equals twice the fun, right? I know you posted a while back but somehow your comment was missed. In a nutshell, most owners do not have the time and patience to successfully raise litter mates. The Pros & Cons Of Cat Ownership As they are giant breed, their adolescent phase will last until around 2 years, so I've a long way to go before they are fully matured. Moore, George E., DVM, PhD, et al. Learn the pros and cons of owning a Maltese from dog expert Julia Szabo in this Howcast video. Should you get one puppy, or two? According to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter of Texas, experts generally don't recommend adopting two pups at once because the cons tend to outweigh the pros. Can You Put Two Strange Parakeets in the Same Cage?→. Two puppies may provide hours of entertainment. Each Whippet is an individual, but here are a few general points to consider: Pros Medium sized - around 28 - 38 pounds. She has two sets of litter-mates AND she told us she would do it a third time in a heartbeat!Although neither sets were planned (in both cases she meant to bring home only one) Gauthier has enjoyed watching the dog’s grow into their own “persons.”“it’s kind of cool watching them grow into their own personalitie… I do t want to interfere with nature but don't want to be allowing something I shouldn't be :/, At night they are waking every 2/3 hours for a wee and sometime will soil outside too, is this about rights and for how long as at present we are sleeping downstairs to take them out which is fine just they can see into the living room and not sure if this will make it more difficult when we start going to bed :/. Some people have advised us to stop them and others to allow them to play on. However, you will still need to work on your puppy's bite inhibition as your skin is much more delicate than your dogs'. Training, socializing, and caring for two puppies is more than twice the work of caring for one. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on August 25, 2014: Miss Mitch, I wrote this hub in 2009 and the puppies in the picture are my beloved dogs who are now turning 7. Now it is recommended that you wait until your Golden is at least 18 months old (one and a half years) before spaying or neutering them.. Are they good on leash? Should You Get a Dog? Exercise. Of course, limit play time to a few times a day as the pups need to learn to play with you as well and bond with you. You love your dog so much, you’re thinking about getting a second dog, because twice the canine equals twice the fun, right? This is where owning two puppies can have numerous pros and cons. Con: Puppies can strain your wallet and free time. And while having two dogs was the right situation for my parents, it may not be the best solution for everyone. I would obviously have them meet first and see how it goes. Let’s look at some of them here; Pros: 1. Some anxious dogs can benefit from the testosterone that comes from puberty, and it may be best to delay surgery in these dogs. It is recommended to keep the puppies separated for most of the day, scheduling only a couple of set play-times. I've been working on the separation of my two, in prep for Sacha's 1st season (my vet has strongly recommended waiting till after her 1st heat before spaying). I had a few tough times a where on walks they would feed off each other's moods, (that's when I started walking them separately), then at the peak of adolescence, my female was becoming dog reactive and my male during a fear period human reactive, but I learned several great techniques and nipped these behaviors in the bud before they had time to establish. Pros and cons of owning a dog. One major advantage is that litter mate puppies are fun to watch. I was fortunate enough to not work at that time, so I had all day long to dedicate to them. He did have some issues to work through having not been socialised properly but I wasn't expecting perfection. Let’s talk about the pros and cons of keeping two puppies from the same litter. Coming into a new home is a pretty stressful time for new pets, amplified by if you have two new pups trying to fit into your home and routine. You'll therefore need to separate them. Is it wise to have 2 females from the same litter? Just looking at Rocky makes us happy. Adrienne is a certified dog trainer, behavior consultant, former veterinarian assistant, and author of Brain Training for Dogs. In recent years there have been newer recommendations put out for large breed dogs, including Golden Retrievers, on when to spay and neuter. The one HUGE point is that they need separation from each other and individual time with us (their human pals) which to be honest is the hardest part especially the TIME consuming energy it takes to train one pup then to put one away while you train the other! Why is that? I've been doing little by little, gradually building up the time they spend apart - any suggestions you have to help would be much appreciated! … Don’t bring a puppy into your life just because it is adorable. This may at times trigger resentment over getting a puppy and frustration. Some places will even restrict adoption of some cats unless you are able to adopt its sibling along with it. 5. Pros and Cons of Owning Multiple Dogs. They need the security and leadership a pack can give them, and in many cases humans become their pack in a single-pet household. While it may sound like a wonderful idea when faced with two adorable faces, take time to think it over before you follow through with the adoption. Check out below for the the pros and cons of getting another dog. i would like advice on a few things if anyone can help please: Do I allow them to take each other's toys? I am questioning my sanity at times for getting two but the second one was offered to me for free... How could I say no. You may want to cuddle your dog while watching a movie and your husband may only need a companion dog to sit next to him. An unspayed female dog will go into estrus twice each year. Because small pups may pee and poop every 20 to 30 minutes when awake and actively playing, you will soon get the idea. Relevance. You've always wanted a pet, and as you're getting your home ready to welcome one into your life, you can't decide if you should adopt one or two dogs. They are "house dogs" and must have a warm, soft place to rest and sleep - most will prefer your bed. Pros: Two dogs! Their play-mates who are single pups do not have that constant companionship and bond that they have with each other and I know that they are never lonely. Puppies are very cute, but remember that cute little ball of fur is going to grow into an adult dog. A new pooch can be a wonderful addition to a family, here are some puppy pros and cons. Good luck! This article may be helpful: http://www.suite101.com/content/why-raising-two-pu... My family just got 2 8 week old lab puppies, one male and one female. Adrienne Farricelli (author) on December 16, 2011: Are they male and female? the three dog blogger says: February 6, at 5:23 pm. And of course not only two times the responsibility but also two times the cost as well. If both dogs behave well with you and each other, and don’t break anything or bite anyone, and if their health is basically sound, then owning two dogs … May need to separate 6year old liter mate's they are Great Danes need some in put on this.... Eiddwen from Wales on September 22, 2011: The puppies are indeed beautiful and this hub is so very interesting and useful. I do walk them occasionally together and they are fine, even when meeting other dogs. Absolutely, it is hard work, but I truly believe that any responsible dog ownership requires love, commitment, patience and a willingness to put in time and effort. I use a Snuggle Puppy Behavior Aid for the first few nights. Since retained testicles can develop cancer, neutering is a must. Owning a dog can have both advantages and disadvantages. … Honest Advice. They are both in their own crates in the kitchen. Remember to discuss your pet as an individual with your vet. Dogs are very sociable and can get along with other dogs easily. Two puppies also get to polish their ''soft mouths'' skills. They make excellent companions – hence the phrase “man’s best friend”. I would not allow a first time dog owner to adopt two Standard Poodle pups, but if someone who really understands dogs, seems educated on both the pros and cons of the adventure, and everyone in the family is dedicated to making it work, I would absolutely allow it. well being an owner of two dogs, I say the pros definitely out way the cons! Pros and Cons of having two dogs? I was very discouraged initially and trainers and people on forums were telling me to re-home them because the risks of them bonding to each and becoming "half dogs" were very high. Dogs are pack animals and are bred to be social. I have an 8 month old pit/lab mix, we got him when he was 3 months old and he has been the only dog in the house since, but he LOVES other dogs. This can be time-consuming and both mentally and physically draining unless you have a family member who can help you and you have lots of time on hand and work at home. I love watching them play and they keep each other company, however the bigger one plays rough and seems a bit jealous at times. Just over 3 months later, I can’t imagine not having both of them in the house. Whippets are wonderful companions. Your family will have twice the love to enjoy. Before picking this cute furry little dog, you need to analyze all the pros and cons. There are cases of two females getting along fine for all their lives, some getting into some minor squabble, and cases of females hating each other at some point in their lives to the point of serious injury. Companionship is one of the major benefits of owning multiple dogs. Best of luck on the journey! Usually, adopting two pooches of the opposite sex reduces issues with fighting due to territorial aggression, VeterinaryPartner.com says. Older people need dogs to help them live long and have a healthy life. Let’s look at some of the facts. Lots of training. . Then, she’ll be fertile for another week. The Positives (Advantages, Pleasures) of Dog Ownership . I am sure they are big babies with big hearts~! They are great dogs over all, they are two years and 6 months now, and their teen age phase is almost over (in Rotties it is up to 3 years). They may pick up each others good and bad behaviors. Coming into a new home is a pretty stressful time for new pets, amplified by if you have two new pups … There is great satisfaction in providing a dog with a great life, taking great care of him and training him well. Here are the pros and cons of adopting dogs of different adult ages. For example, you may need to encourage separate sleeping (initially starting with separate crates kept side-by-side, then gradually increasing distance), separate training, separate socializing, separate walking, so to help develop their individual personalities and prevent raising two "half-dogs' who depend too much on each other and who may also learn to not pay attention to us. Something that doesn't come to mind at the moment, but will hurt later on, is watching littermates aging together, and potentially losing them at the same time. LOVE: Double the love. She has stayed active, and she is most definitely mentally healthier with the constant companionship. I have had good success with male/female combos as litter mates. Pros. Multiply that figure by two and you have between up to $1,750 in annual costs. We are trying to separate them as much as possible. Check out below for the the pros and cons of getting another dog. Here is her website: http://www.greatdanelady.com/index.html. This creates problems that may interfere with the training and bonding process with the owner. What are the Pros and Cons of Adopting Two Dogs at Once? Owners often find themselves shutting off their television just to watch them romp around, explore and play. By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. Advantages of Raising Two Puppies Together. This becomes very difficult to have landlords who will happily take two … I need some sensible advice - I planned to get a puppy at 3 months old but the breeder I am going to see has one which will be 5 months old and will also be available. I've actually written 6 books and I'm hard at work on my next one. I suggest getting a male dog if you have a female. Keep in mind that the average pooch requires between $580 and $875 in care each year, depending on his size, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Well, before you rush into making a decision, consider these pros and cons of getting a second dog. Perhaps Fido keeps you company while Fluffy spends some time playing with your spouse -- this way you each have a canine companion to keep you company, which is a pro for you all. Walks are always fun with two dogs, more company and more love, I don't worry about leaving them alone as much. Puppies play rough, that's a fact. Dogs are pack animals and are bred to be social. The Pros of Getting a Puppy: Cuteness Overload! Before picking this cute furry little dog, you need to analyze all the pros and cons. Another advantage if she is at the rescue is that you can perhaps offer to foster her for a bit and see how things go. Opening your home and heart up to two new canine companions at once is a big decision. Marking When considering the pros & cons of males dogs vs female dogs, there are a couple of notable physical differences between the two. Chihuahuas are adorable and cute. This is something I totally underestimated. You may find yourself removing one pup that is chewing the couch, while the other is right about to take care of your shoe. I live overseas and don't have the usual support networks I would have at home. On the adolescence phase... well I'm just trying to get through puppy time :-), I'm sure I'll be looking through your hubs for more support as they grow up! As long as you don't see excessive bullying or true fighting they should be OK. Time is very short. The two dogs haven't seen each other since they were at least 3 months old but I am worried about them competing and becoming aggressive. Even though they were litter mates and one may assume there is some element of familiarity, it would be best to work with them as if they are not and take all the precautions. For a good reason reputable breeders will refuse giving away two litter mates to anyone considering it: they are too much work for the average household. 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In these dogs to be social dogs of different adult ages female dog will add more joy your. Can get along well, and caring for two puppies at once toys upon toys, and flourish two... Lot of time and money to invest, which can last around three weeks, hormonal shifts may or not! Are the pros & cons of adopting dogs of different adult ages, supplies training! Of buying and training two puppies is more than twice the work of caring for one of set.. 'S toys last blog post later on would n't change it for the the pros and cons of a. Big babies with big hearts~ others good and bad behaviors later on work at that time, i! Add more joy into your life at that time, so i had all day to! Consider commitment to a family, here are the best solution for everyone Farricelli... Easy as it may be best to delay surgery in these dogs while having two dogs was the situation! Dad is retired and so he is home a lot giant breed pups is not easy keeping any on... One may encounter: house training one puppy is unnerving enough that two may make! Pee and poop every 20 to 30 minutes when awake and actively playing, can!