This would be daft right?

[MastiffMillie]

While puppy hunting, we called a few numbers before we found Millie. We contacted one breeder of DDB who were not quite ready to go at the time but decided against because of the price but also as I was unsure of another DDB as I was worried about constantly comparing to our late girl. So we got Millie. However, I have had a text from that breeder (they obviously kept my details) asking if I'm still interested as they have a boy pup who was returned by the people who took him (not medical apparently but not sure why). He is just shy of 4 months - 2/3 weeks younger than Millie.

They are asking for less than half original cost.

My first reaction was no. Insurance, food, paying for visits while I'm at work goes up with 2. Costs to board her at my dog sitters home when we holiday without dogs (only once a year if that!!)

But then I began to wonder. I'd always fancied 2 when our DDB was alive but never took the plunge.

So I googled '2 puppies' and the advice is head spinning. Separate training, daily. Separate walks, daily. They may not get along. Or maybe they will too much and not respect the humans of the household. And it goes on.....

So the sensible me needs to text back and say thank you very much but no; i got my pup and she's lovely (apart from the diarrhoea!!)

But the dog lover in me wants to say yes please!



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[PippatheMastiff]

It's a personal preference. I'd have 10 if I could afford it. But I work at a Vet, do my own training, and have a lot of time. I think dogs and cats do well with another. As long as you're head of the pack, they will respect you. I don't think you'll have to do separate training or walking. If you feel compelled, go for it!!


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[Elana P]

While puppy hunting, we called a few numbers before we found Millie. We contacted one breeder of DDB who were not quite ready to go at the time but decided against because of the price but also as I was unsure of another DDB as I was worried about constantly comparing to our late girl. So we got Millie. However, I have had a text from that breeder (they obviously kept my details) asking if I'm still interested as they have a boy pup who was returned by the people who took him (not medical apparently but not sure why). He is just shy of 4 months - 2/3 weeks younger than Millie.

They are asking for less than half original cost.

My first reaction was no. Insurance, food, paying for visits while I'm at work goes up with 2. Costs to board her at my dog sitters home when we holiday without dogs (only once a year if that!!)

But then I began to wonder. I'd always fancied 2 when our DDB was alive but never took the plunge.

So I googled '2 puppies' and the advice is head spinning. Separate training, daily. Separate walks, daily. They may not get along. Or maybe they will too much and not respect the humans of the household. And it goes on.....

So the sensible me needs to text back and say thank you very much but no; i got my pup and she's lovely (apart from the diarrhoea!!)

But the dog lover in me wants to say yes please!



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[Elana P]

Two puppies, oh honey....

I know it would be very tempting, but personally I would say no.

I have nothing against a multiple dog household (as you know, I have three) but I like to space them out by a few years.

I find dealing with one puppy at a time more than enough.

That said, that's me, not you.

If you feel up to dealing with two BIG BABIES, then by all means, go for it .

 

[Boxergirl]

Littermate syndrome is a legitimate issue and it doesn't have to be puppies from the same litter. Being the head of the pack really has little to do with it. It's more about the two dogs bonding more closely to each other than to their humans. The bond can be so strong that it inhibits their ability to bond with their humans and interact with other dogs. That's why it's so important when raising two similar age pups to make sure that you train independently and take time to do things with each dog alone.

I actually think that it's very doable. We have people on the board that have done it without a problem, but it does take commitment and work. If you've done the reading on raising two pups together and feel up to the challenge, then I'm sure you will make it work. I would strongly suggest pet insurance if that's affordable.

 

[MastiffMillie]

Thanks everyone! I'm going to make the call to say no. I work, have 2 boys aged 6 and 10 (so am on club duty every night of the week bar one) so can see that I actually don't have the time. I have read up on littermate syndrome and can completely see why the need to train separately etc would be necessary. There's not enough hours in the day!!


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[DennasMom]

Yeah, I'd avoid two puppies at once (some here have done it successfully... but I know my own limits).

I'm contemplating getting a second dog - a senior, with similar energy levels to Denna - and even THAT amount of extra work and potential for home-disruptions is making me not take the plunge...
Our house is so peaceful right now, I hate to rock the boat - but I still think Denna would enjoy some furry companionship (maybe a cat?), and there are so many senior dogs out there that deserve a warm bed to curl up on...

 

[marke]

it's been my experience what 2 pups are , is , twice as expensive ..... pups and old dogs = vet visits , middle aged dogs are pretty much vet free , when you get two pups at the same time , your gonna have two old dogs at the same time , that can be real expensive these days ......... as far as raising more than one pup at the same time , my opinion is it's no harder , honestly I believe it's easier , the last time I kept a single pup was 1992 , and I had help , so maybe i just don't remember ........... the last 3 pups I kept(2015) were like a walk in the park ................

 

[scorning]

When my senior Doberman passed away last year, my Great Dane Finn had a really hard time. Finn is 2.5 years old. So I started looking for another dog, I was thinking maybe a couple years older than him. I ended up getting a 1 year old Doberman. Adele is crazy. Her breeder was keeping her to show, she is well socialized with decent house manners but very high energy and very little obedience training. Its a lot of work, and I never intended to have two teenagers, but its also been a lot of fun. I would like to complete with both dogs in several dog sports, so finding the time and money to train both dogs has been a bit of a struggle. I am also a bit worried about having them be old at the same time, both breeds are known for some pretty awful health problems. Long story short, sometimes crazy works out, but you have to really want it.

 

[MastiffMillie]

Marke..... do you train your puppies separately and walk them separately?


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[Nik]

Diesel is still young but like scorning he was so depressed when our senior dog passed (as were we) that we ended up getting a puppy. He was already trained though still needs work.

I do training sessions w both. She learns better by seeing him get a command right.

We do walks together and also separate. We do outings together and also separate as well.

 

[MastiffMillie]

How old was diesel when you got kahula Nik?


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[marke]

Marke..... do you train your puppies separately and walk them separately?


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they are trained at home together , but I take them out (walk) individually with a suitable older already trained dog , the walks are absolutely a major portion of their training , and they learn a lot really quickly from the older dogs ........ I actually find it amusing watching them without an older dog around trying to figure it in a group , seeing one figure it out , and another getting it because they saw one figure it out .....

 

[Nik]

How old was diesel when you got kahula Nik?


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He was just under 2 years old. So the major training had been completed but he still has a lot of puppy energy and needs reinforcements all the time to his training. But, we didn't have to worry about potty training or training to walk two at a time.

Speaking to expenses yes it is a lot more expensive to have two. As far as how hard it is I think that depends entirely on the dog. Having Kahlua has seemed to calm Diesel in a lot of ways. He is a happier and calmer dog as part of a duo. Kahlua has a personality where she could easily be happy as an only dog. She loves her people. However, she was raised with Diesel and adores him.