Considering a second dog

[Anonymous]

We have a 90 lb German shepherd who's 7. He's a great dog, so mellow and great with the kids. But we want to get a second dog before one gets too old and we have some overlap where the two dogs can have a relationship before ours gets too old. If we adopt a 1-2 year old, how much extra work will that be? Can you tell from one meeting if the two will get along? My dog is an alpha male type, but is very tolerant of other dogs. Is it really hard to walk two dogs at once? How long do you think the adjustment will be? thanks in advance for any thoughts!

[Anonymous]

I have two. I think two is a good number. It's not twice the work, but it's twice the expense, so keep that in mind.

We looked for a long time for our second. We didn't want a puppy, and he had to fit with our first. It feels like we took our first to every shelter/rescue event in the area, and let him lead in terms of choosing. When we found our second, we knew instantly that he was the one. The adjustment wasn't difficult at all.

Keep it at two though. My mom had three for a period of time. It was a lot of work, and the pack dynamics weren't good, so she had to keep them separated. She said she would never again do three dogs at a time.

[Anonymous]

I have three, and agree that it's important to find the right fit. We visited several shelters and had a couple meet and greets before we adopted our second dog. Same for our third dog, we wanted to make sure the pack dynamics were workable.

I love to walk and I have the time to take my dogs out on many outings. It definitely takes more time to exercise more dogs – something to keep in mind if you haven't thought of it already!

[Anonymous]

We always have two German Shepherds. GSDs are a breed that does better in pairs. Get another!

[Anonymous]

Two dogs here, ages 9 and 6. They get along great and I feel like the younger dog trained more easily because he kind of followed his big sister around everywhere and modeled her behavior (luckily she's very well behaved and potty trained, etc.). They don't play together constantly but they'll cuddle sometimes. I think they enjoy having each other when my fiance and I aren't home. I usually don't walk them together myself, usually i take one and my fiance takes one. It's possible to do it but the younger dog is a lot more into sniffing everything around him and likes to run ahead, whereas the older dog just kinda pads along.

[Anonymous]

I agree with first PP. I'd say it is very little more work--to me if it feels like none at all. Walking two is not an issue at all. But it does cost twice as much--food, vet, boarding or dog walkers for trips. It is more expensive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree with first PP. I'd say it is very little more work--to me if it feels like none at all. Walking two is not an issue at all. But it does cost twice as much--food, vet, boarding or dog walkers for trips. It is more expensive.

+1 on this PP and the first PP -- the expense factor is important. The vet costs are important to consider. We have two dogs and the older one (age 8) really likes the newer arrival (age 3).

It is easy to walk two of them. They like to go out walking together, and we take them on walking trails around the area, to Shenandoah, etc.

We travel with our dogs (driving) so factor in room in your vehicle for keeping them safe and secure.