One dog vs. two dogs

L

Lexi

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So maybe my time for two dogs will come in the spring and I'm thinking how could this work.

Can you describe how much more time does it take you to exercise both dogs daily in comparison when you had just one:smile2:
 
I think it really varies with what you plan to do. Because we did dog activities, it was always more work having different classes for the dogs. Tully had individual walks until she was a year old (they had separate morning walks and combined evening walks) as it helped for training behaviours and for bonding. Plus when Tully was a puppy she couldn't keep up with Deska and he'd get grumpy so I had to split the walks until her little legs grew (or carry her in my bag - she was tiny).

Nowadays, with Deska being old I'm back to splitting up walks, otherwise Tully doesn't get enough exercise. In the morning I give them both a short walk (with the cats), then drop Deska home and take Tully for a longer walk. In the evenings Deska is in a stroller and I try to go places Tully can have a good run off lead. Otherwise Tully gets extra play time at home. Tully is a high drive sheepdog though.

So I guess their activities will probably vary when they're very old, or very young, but the in between years most of your activities will be as a pack.
 
About three years ago, I upgraded from one sheltie to two... Ever since, I've said I will NEVER go back to having one.

First, the exercise requirement isn't increased at all... Walking two is just as easy as one, and they actually love playing together so both dogs get far more exercise and play then with just one.

It's true that grooming time has doubled, but baths only happen once or twice a month anyway, so a couple of hours extra bathing is totally worth it.

And lastly, I can't overstate the joy that our dogs have received from having more than one furry member of their pack. As pack animals, they REALLY are social, and my shelties have just loved having someone else to play with... When we lost one of our dogs last summer, the other was SOOOOOO sad, he only lasted a couple of months before passing away himself--and we truly believe it was because of a broken heart. He missed his brother soooo much. I'd never seen an animal grieve like that. Knowing how much they loved one another, I personally would never want to deprive them of having that bond with a fellow canine family member.

That being said, all of the above is my opinion only, and I fully understand that not everyone can have more than one dog, so I hope it doesn't sound like I'm suggesting that it can't be done, otherwise.

Best of luck as you figure out what works best for you and yours!
DKBA
 
There's a little more care involved with two obviously, but I feel like the exercise / training aspect doesn't take that much longer. Plus with the two, they can entertain each other!
 
I'm finding that with a puppy, there is definitely more work. I can't walk the two of them together because all they want to do is PLAY!!!!!! And of course, Spirit has her agility classes, and soon Skylar will be starting puppy classes, so training time will be doubled. But the joy of seeing my girls play together is so completely worth any additional work the puppy takes.
 
I'd say age and type of dog matters as well. With age the older one might be less active and may hate being around a puppy who is excited to jump around all day. Temperament and other characteristics may go with the type of dog. Having two dogs which are, not exactly the same but sharing in some characteristics help.They learn from each other and make the activities more fun. Am sure if you just thing through, you'll know what to get.
 
Only two? :ROFLMAO: How about three?
Our girls have always helped entertain themselves. Now, teaching commands.... That's a different story. That takes a bit longer, depending on how intense the classes may be.
 
I agree... a puppy is always a bit more work in the short-term, and there's always a bit more effort with two dogs, but the numerous benefits for both the owners and the dogs FAR outweigh the additional cost, work, time, and energy. As pack animals, I've noted how much happier my dogs are when they have a fellow furry family member (well... that isn't my husband). ;)
 
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