One Dog or Two?

[jmcgintee]

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I have been living at home this past year while reapplying to school. I got a mastiff pup in July and she will be coming with me to Ohio State this fall. There are two other dogs in the household (Lab and Dachshund) and I'm worried about her going from a 3 dog household to being the only dog. My bf and I have the opportunity to give her brother a home as the owner is moving and can't seem to handle 3 dogs along with 2 children, 2 horses, chickens, etc.

My question is: Do you think a dog is happier with another dog in the household than alone? She is very social.

I would like to point out that the decision to have two dogs is not being taken lightly. I already know it is ok with my apartment complex to have 2 big dogs and I know that my mastiff would be a wonderful apartment dog (just need to get a feel for the other guy). I DO NOT want lectures about being able to give them enough attention, etc. My bf and I know what we are capable of. I only want answers to the question above.

Thanks! 🙂

 

[NStarz]

I have been living at home this past year while reapplying to school. I got a mastiff pup in July and she will be coming with me to Ohio State this fall. There are two other dogs in the household (Lab and Dachshund) and I'm worried about her going from a 3 dog household to being the only dog. My bf and I have the opportunity to give her brother a home as the owner is moving and can't seem to handle 3 dogs along with 2 children, 2 horses, chickens, etc.

My question is: Do you think a dog is happier with another dog in the household than alone? She is very social.

I would like to point out that the decision to have two dogs is not being taken lightly. I already know it is ok with my apartment complex to have 2 big dogs and I know that my mastiff would be a wonderful apartment dog (just need to get a feel for the other guy). I DO NOT want lectures about being able to give them enough attention, etc. My bf and I know what we are capable of. I only want answers to the question above.

Thanks! 🙂

I actually think this is a wonderful idea. Two dogs will be able to keep each other company, and your one is already used to have other dogs in the house. It seems as though the brother-to-be was already in a home? So you won't have to worry about house-training, etc, except for a few brush-ups.

This is contingent, of course, on both dogs getting along. A couple of playdates or overnights would be a good way to determine this. If they do get along (hopefully they will since they're brother and sister), then I think it would be a good way to keep them entertained while you're away for long hours.

Good luck!

 

[1Vista1Grey]

I know my dog is much happier with my roomates dog in the house. When she leaves for the weekend I either get very dirty looks from my girl or Stewie from Family Guy (mommy, mommy, mommy, mum, mum, mum, ma, ma, ma... WHAT?!... hi...). If I end up living without a roomate (when I graduate) I will definitely be getting Vista a brother. In all honestly, I know that vet school doesnt leave me a lot of time to pay attention to her, but its comforting knowing that I can be studying and ignoring her, but she has someone to play with anyhow.

 

[jmcgintee]

This is contingent, of course, on both dogs getting along. A couple of playdates or overnights would be a good way to determine this.

Good luck!

That's exactly the plan 🙂 Already had one play date and they had a lot of fun. We're going to try to do an overnight in my bf's apartment to a few weeks to see if he'd be an ok apartment dog 🙂

 

[nitheninny]

My main concern after making sure they get along would be whether or not the new dog would have issues living in an apartment (if it's been in a house previously) and whether it would develop separation anxiety. Going from owner to owner can be stressful enough, let alone adding a change in environment AND having to share space with another dog. But if those don't seem to be issues, yeah, I think your dog would be happier with someone to play with.

That being said, I want to meet your mastiff!!! I love big dogs!

 

[jmcgintee]

Haha! You can definitely meet her this fall. She's actually a tiny mastiff I don't think she'll get much bigger than 120 🙂

As far as her brother, he is used to living with 2 other dogs, so I don't think that will be a problem. I am worried about the change in environment though. Definitely something to look into

 

[VeganSoprano]

I think a social dog will be very happy with a canine housemate. I also think it may be easier for you since you won't be responsible for meeting all of your dog's social needs. If they're good apartment dogs and you can afford to care for another, I say go for it!

 

[rileyroo]

i was wondering this same question, so i'm glad it was asked! 🙂

 

[jmcgintee]

Thanks everyone! I've been going back and forth with the decision. I'm going to do a few more play dates and some overnights in my bf's apartment to see how he does in that type of setting. I think if all goes well then we will make him part of our family.

My decision was also reinforced today when I was trying to study today and my pup was bored. The other two dogs are older so they don't always like to play and she was whining and giving me the "pay attention to me" eyes all day. Driving me nuts 🙂 Gotta love those puppy eyes 😍

 

[flyhi]

Dogs ARE pack animals. I had one for a year and then decided to get him a brother because i felt guilty leaving him alone since i had become his pack. I worked out of my home, so it wasn't like i was gone for huge periods of time, but he just seemed so pitiful when i left. I brought his brother home, he put up a stink for a week (i almost returned brother to the breeder i was so upset) and now.....they are bonded and love, love, love each other. they've been together for 3 years now and i would have it no other way. One time i had to run one to the vet - he was sick - and the other one was so upset when we left and they had a reunion when i came home.

If you can swing it, have enough room for 2 dogs and all that....i would highly recommend it. It will ease your mind and puppy should be happier in the long run. Just my .02, of course.

 

[Marsala]

Have to put my 2 cents in...I have 6 dogs (6 pugs!), and I believe that they are happier as a group than alone. (and they get a ton of attention on top of it- a very happy and spoiled group)