One dog, Two Dogs, Three Dogs?

[katie blue]

Ok, this pup-rescue adventure is prompting this thread.
I've never had more than one dog at once. Last night my friend told me that "two dogs are better than one. But three dogs are worse than one or two, because things start to get political." Interesting!

What is your experience with one dog vs. two? Is two better than one? Two can keep each other company, sure, but if you travel a lot as we do, it would seem much harder to deal with. You can bring one dog to a friend's house, but not two. We were initially just trying to foster and place this little pup, but I think I may already be in love... ;-) Any thoughts or advice?

edit: sorry Kurt, meant to post this in the Lounge. I can't figure out how to move it...

 

[seagrovelover]

Ok Katie blue, I'll bite......we have three dogs. The first two we rescued from the pound when my kids were very little, the poor dogs were 24 hours away from being put down. When my kids heard that, well of course we ended up with both of them!!! They sleep in the house (laundry room) but are outside all day. When we go on vacation we have a neighbor take care of the dogs for a fee.
This past July we bought duke our baby chihuahua. Now, we did lots and lots of research on this type of dog before we decided to get him. He is our little lap dog, sleeps with us , has all of our hearts!!! The two big dogs do get along well with Duke, they can all be outside together will no problems. He will be going on vacation with us in the summer simply because he is so tiny and none of us want to leave him in a doggie hotel!!! so there you have it in a nutshell...KTSCHRIS likes to tease me and call Duke "the chosen one" the truth is I love all of my doggies, but Duke is a whole new experience for us

 

[kathydwells]

Katie, I had one for 2 years before I rescued my little Jack Russell from my rotten neighbors. I was worried at first, but to tell you the truth they love each other. They have from the beginning. I work all day, and was always sad to leave Angel at home by herself. Now she and Buddy play all day. They stay outside during the day, but sleep in the house at night. Angel right beside me, and Buddy right beside my son. I have to tell you, I am glad I have two, because they do keep each other company and are great companions to each other!!!!

I wish you well in whatever decision you make!

And wanted to add. When I have to board them, they always keep them together, which helps. Perhaps you could find a dog sitter while you travel Katie?

 

[pgurney]

I have two and I like it. They do keep each other company although they don't always get along so well. When I travel to a place they can't come with me, I like to board them so I know they are well taken care of. An experience with a friend keeping them didn't turn out too well for me once. The boarding is a little more expensive now, but they share a room so it's not too bad, just an accepted part of my travel expenses.

 

[audie]

i have thought over the years about getting another oes, but my parents are getting too old to take care of 2 dogs for us, they really had a hard time when dory was a rambunctious puppy/adolescent. i don't think i will get another after her, it will make it easier to travel, and do things like that.

 

[Rudyjohn]

Well, I'm a big believer in having 2 dogs. (Even tho I was originally a "cat" person most of my life.) We had John 1st for 5 years (rescued), then I decided he was lonely and BORED! He was just too needy so much of the time. We adopted Rudy as a pup. John hated, despised Rudy for a few days. Now they are brothers... the best friends ever. Rudy watches over John, heards him away from the fence, etc. They play hard, and sleep beside one another. Now, I know it was the best thing we ever did. My husband at first, was apalled and in shock for 2 weeks, now he loves Rudy. I would advise, however, getting a 2nd dog similar in size. Rudy has "rough-housed" John and he's just too delicate, but thinks he's as big as Rudy.

Hope this helps. (I couldn't handle 3 dogs tho.)

P.S. Yes, it is double the cost and double the work, poop pick-up, vet. bills, etc. (And there still is jealousy, who's getting more rubs and stuff!)

 

[Lois]

I highly recommend two dogs (haven't tried three YET!). They are such great company for each other. There's about a 6-7 year difference between our two rescue dogs and although the older dog, Maggie, didn't seemed too thrilled about Cassie's arrival at first, they now get along great and play wonderfully together and I think all the playing-time helps keep Maggie young.

 

[Cork On the Ocean]

The people on this board are great. Katie, have had up to 3 at once and they loved each other, were inseparable - but when you get to 3 they become a pack of dogs and way too much to handle. Two seems perfect for me because they aren't so demanding on their people and they seem to be less lonely when you can't give them attention. Right now I have a cat (gizmo) which I've had for many years and the new dog (sunshine). Gizmo, used to scream when he didn't know where I was or wanted something and though he is still rather indifferent to Sunshine, he's stopped that darn screaming and waits his turn without being so demanding and needy. guess he figures he better not push his luck :funn:

Also, I travel lots and two pets isnt any more of a problem in my case. I don't have a need for people taking care of them cause so far I've been traveling by car and take them with me. I will now need someone for Sunshine if I travel abroad but have had a couple offers. Good luck with your decision, It's a lifetime committment and thanks for caring, there's really some great animals out there waiting for new homes.

 

[katie blue]

My husband just instant messaged me. He's already head over heels. There may be no turning back from here. We can't stop looking at her pix. My oh my. I almost want to cancel my ski trip, we want her right now.

Cork, you have my utmost respect for all you've been doing. Thanks to you for jumpstarting this whole thing.

 

[Rudyjohn]

My husband just instant messaged me. He's already head over heels. There may be no turning back from here. We can't stop looking at her pix. My oh my. I almost want to cancel my ski trip, we want her right now.

Cork, you have my utmost respect for all you've been doing. Thanks to you for jumpstarting this whole thing.

Please show us her pic. What kind of dog?