Morning all! Hope everyone is well, I'm after some advice from people more in the know than me!
We have a gorgeous 16 month old cockerpoo, merlin! We decided to get him as my hubby had been off long term sick for 6 months and merlin has been a great therapy for him! My hubby has since been diagnosed with parkinsons and has started propper treatment/management of the disease and so will be able to eventually return to work.
This poses a merlin issue, he is fine on his own the odd few hrs at the moment but I feel it would be unfair to leave him regulally on his own. We had always planned to get another dog in the future maybe when merls was 3 ish but we might bring this forward so he has company if we are out. It has been suggested that a second dog would be a good idea. Would this be your advice? Anything we should bear in mind with a second dog? Are 2 massively more work that 1? We were planning to get a bitch cockerpoo.
Any advice would be greatfully received
Thanks

My two arent left alone much so I cant comment on that side of it, as far as the amount of work goes though, once the terrible puppy stage is over its not really that much more work with two dogs, in fact with my two walking is easier as they tire each other out, I didnt plan to get Bella but Im glad I did, Henrick used to always be looking out for the next dog to play with and now hes content with Bella.

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gsds (Henrick and Bella), the cats (Syd, Lilly, Elvis and Dizzy), the gerbils (Honey, Lisa, crusty, Millhouse, Flanders, Bart and Homer), the rats (Valentine, Flower, Petal, Blossom, Koda, Cava, George), the mice (Minnie, Pop, Seudag, Caraid, Silver, Trouble, Athena, Pandora, Aphrodite, Meep, and Springtime)

I found the 1st 6months to a year 3 times the work with puppy training individula time etc.
But once that's over I've found it no different having 2 in terms of difficulty/time. But a lot of fun and they are good company for each other when we are out.

How is Merlin around other dogs and puppies? Does he accept visiting dogs into your home?
How are his doggie manners and general training?

If Merlin would be a good role model for a new puppy then I'd say go for it if you feel it;s rught for you.

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A dog Possesses Beauty without Vanity,Strength without Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, And all the Virtues of Man without his Vices.

A few people have said they would wear each other out! Lol def a plus point! Thanks :0)

I would have to agree. At one point I had 6 dogs and they were very settled and knew their routines and were no more work (maybe less, since they had each other) than just one.

I would say though, that unless you want pups you may consider getting one or both neutered, if you haven't already.

Merlin is an angel! Really laid back at home, v well trained, has the occasional mad moment but don't they all! He has done the kc good citizen gold and is v dog friendly! has been fine with other dogs in the house and is generally a quite submissive type!
I do agility with him and am part of a dog display team, quite excited at the prospect of a little sister for him but need to carefully think it through!
Thanks for you posts
S

We had merlin 'done' at 6 months and any bitch would be spayed too! Def don't want a whole litter of the gorgeous little scamps! I'd never be able to give them up! Lol

When we moved to 2 we didn't find it much more work that one, that said we got an older rescue as our second dog. I wasn't sure from your post whether you were looking for a pup or an older one...
Our first 'pair' of dogs didn't really play together much in the conventional sense at home but they were company for each other and would mooch together and have the odd mad chasing minute on walks. When we lost the older one Toby who was left behind would look at us on his walks as if to say 'well what do I do cos my mate isn't here?!' and we didn't leave it long before getting him a new playmate...

My 3 are all similar ages (2 and 3) and they get on great. They love playing together, cuddling and rarely have handbag moments. I think a second dog isnt any more effort then one, although the puppy stage is more awkward and time consuming with more then one dog.
Even though they are really good company for each other I still treat them as if I had just one though. So try not to leave them for more then a couple of hours and make arrangements if its for longer.

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dogs-Adam, Hannah, Heidi.
cats-Banjo, Bess, Eric, Tootsie, Blossom, Gracie.
Syrian Hamster-Inigo Montoya.
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Corn Snake- Kiora.
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We had merlin 'done' at 6 months and any bitch would be spayed too! Def don't want a whole litter of the gorgeous little scamps! I'd never be able to give them up! Lol