Going from a 1 to 2 doggie house?

[Velobambina]

Two dogs are easier than one.

We have three golden retrievers---couldn't imagine just having one again.

[roadie gal]

We got our second dog when the first was about 16 months old. They're both male. We took Toby with us when we went to see Cameron at the breeder's to make sure they'd probably get along. Things have been mostly good between them. Cameron bonded to Toby right away. It's like having 2 brothers. They play, they fight, they tease each other... I think both dogs are happier in the long run for having doggy company.

[Aggie_Ama]

We got our second schnauzer when the first was three years old. The second was a retired breeder that is the litter mate of our first dog's dad. We knew our first dog liked other dogs but was also a bit of an alpha dog. The breeder told me the second one was very passive and she is! At first we got them separate bowls but found they would eat out of the same one, leaving one for when the first was empty. Now they have individual beds but often snuggle into one of the two. I can't imagine Heidi (dog 1) being any happier than she is now that she has a sister, it has been a two dog household for 4 years now. Heidi even takes care of the other one now that she has gone blind.

[sundial]

We have three golden retrievers---couldn't imagine just having one again.

Yeah, I can't imagine just having one gsd either.

[mtbdarby]

Two dogs are easier than one.

Not in my experience - they were more than twice the work! Again, I think it depands on temperament and the breeds. We started with a border collie mix who was high energy but very easy going. We added an elkhound mix 2 years later and was she a pistal! A herding dog followed by an independant dog. Both high energy and both easy going but an indepandant breed meant a LOT of time spent training.

Best of luck and Aly - I LOVE that pix! Makes me want a brown female.....

Dar

[dachshund]

We got a second dachshund after the first one was about a year old. They keep each other company during the day. I think we'll always try to have two, just so they have company while we're at work. Plus I think if you like dogs, two is better than one.

It took 3 days for the older dog, "Chili", to adjust. If I had it to do over again, I would plan to be at home during the first few days. Chili did do everything he was supposed to do to dominate the puppy. We kept them in separate rooms while we were gone during the day. It might have taken less time if we were there to supervise and train Chili. The dog breeder suggested we keep the dog toys out of the picture, as well as anything they might argue over, like treats and gumma bones.

After 3 days they were best friends. Good luck!

[aly]

I agree with mtbdarby that two dogs make much more work than one, but I alsothink it's absolutely worth it for the joy it brings us and our dogs. As long as we have big dogs, we'll have multiples. Unfortunately, the little dog may not agree, he just doesn't care about other dogs. He just wants my lap. I guess it depends a lot on the dog.

By the way, all of those adorable puppies are up for adoption! They should be posted soon on www.sheprescue.org