2!!!

Got our second dog about a month ago, our Vizsla is 2 and the new addition is about 6 months old. I was really concerned that it would be a nightmare but am so pleased we have done it! They have their moments but it's early days and there is a lot more good than bad. Can't imagine ever having just one again!

I have nine dogs (2 boys, 7 girls) ranging in age from 7 months to 14 years, and don't have any trouble with any of them.

All walk off lead with the exception of one mini dachshund who likes going down rabbit holes too much, they all have good recall. They play nicely together and at teatime they all know their spot in the kitchen and all eat together. They don't fight over food or toys, the only problem we had was over pigs ears so they don't have them now.

Maybe I've been lucky but I would never have just one dog, the enjoyment they get from each other and my enjoyment of having 'my pack' is too great to ever have an only dog.

Two dogs or more.

Dogs are social creatures who love company and unless you can be with your dog 24/7 he will benefit hugely for having a friend. It's so good for their mental health to live together in groups. It's lots of fun to watch them interact and play with each other. More dogs = more doggy hugs and kisses.

The only downside is you'll need a bigger sofa/bed

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Follow Shannow on twitter she wants more Anipals https://twitter.com/#!/ShannowDog

I am already trying to convince my hubby to let me get another dog! So, 2 or more I say!

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Mia - Border Collie
Woody - St Bernard
Duke - Cat

Spoke with the OH and he said 'we'll see' after nagging for an hour on the walk, listing benefits, he said 'I was joking, we can get a friend for him in Jan' ... !!!! Yaaaaay!! Looking into medium breeds, thinking probably collie though as I've only ever had collies, will need something with high energy for the walks we go on and will be doing agility & flyball eventually!

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Owned by:
Dogs - Charka (Collie x Lab), Kira (Collie x German Shepherd), Kaizer (Collie x German Shepherd), Indiana (Border Collie)
Cats - Max & Meisie
Rabbits - Koda & Cain (Dwarf Lops)
Horse - Jake (Welsh Section D)



* * Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened - Anatole France * *

www.meganameliaphotography.co.uk

I'm going to be the odd one out here. I've been having regular thoughts of getting another now that Heidi is 2. But keep putting it on the back burner.

Whilst it would be great to have a little mate for her (and she loves puppies), it concerns me that we would be sharing the attention that she gets now. She would interact more with her mate and we would dip out (selfish I know). Most importantly, I've had 2 dogs before when the children were growing up and feel I missed more than I enjoyed. So for me it's one to one until I can convince myself differently

She is never left alone. The parrot is always chittering away, saying things to her in my voice, barking as well.
We have 2 cats, one loves her and the other tolerates her. If Tigger is around they are always together. So she has plenty of companions.

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"Life is mostly froth and bubble, Two things stand like stone,
Kindness in another’s trouble, Courage in your own”

We also have 2 cats, 1 loves him and the other also tolerates him but it's not the same as him playing with another dog

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Owned by:
Dogs - Charka (Collie x Lab), Kira (Collie x German Shepherd), Kaizer (Collie x German Shepherd), Indiana (Border Collie)
Cats - Max & Meisie
Rabbits - Koda & Cain (Dwarf Lops)
Horse - Jake (Welsh Section D)



* * Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened - Anatole France * *

www.meganameliaphotography.co.uk

2 dogs for sure although getting the right mix of personality is important. i got syd purely cause i wanted a springer, him and jake never paid any attention to one another at their only introduction so i just though - great they`ll be fine nu-uh! syd is a major grumpy old man (even though he`s not even 2) and jake is a hugely playful pup, they`re like chalk and cheese and jake has constant battle wounds from trying to play with syd and syd going for him cause he doesn`t like playing. i guess if i had been given a chance to introduce them more than once for more than a few mins then i`d have seen they weren`t compatible but i let my head rule as usual.

i`d defo say having 2 otherwise was no different to having one - other than double the cuddles and double the fun! if going to a rescue though i`d recommend one that will allow you to meet and introduce them as many times as need be to be sure. the only other down side i can think is that the existing dog may get jealous, jake doesn`t like syd having any attention so he`ll barge him out of the way - even if i have him and oh had syd he`ll make a point to run back and forth so we both have to fuss him

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owned by:

jake - chocolate labrador
sydney - liver/white english springer
twix - dlh cat
lacey - dsh cat

never forgetting my baby banjo running free at the bridge, RIP baby xx

Ive currently got 3 previously had up to 4. The main thing is that you get ones who have compatible personalities and get on well. I would say though having opposite sexes was an easier transition and relatively problem free, where as 2 same sexes were harder and things can still cause squabbles occasionally although they get on most of the time. It also depends on the breed though or breed mix if you get a cross some are known more for same sex aggression then others so that would also be another factor.

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