Advice on second dog

[bertie749 10]

Sorry for the long post but .... I know this question is like how long is a piece of string really and I suppose only the household would only know, but when it ok and time to get a second dog?

 

We got Alfie a 19 month old Light Roan Cocker Spaniel, in Dececember after loosing our beloved other Cocker Spaniel Snoop - both dogs are rescue dogs as we like to give dogs a second chance. Alfie is a wonderful dog, a pleasure to be around with no bad habbits with the exception of barking at other dogs whilst out walking. This can sometimes been seen as aggression and therefore give other owners a wide birth. We are taking him to socialising classes and are coming on in leaps and bounds as now after a minute or so stops barking and completed sits and listens to comands - its just all noise as he wants to play but does not know how to go about it. He does do well with dogs once met as gets on very well with my dad's and neighbours dogs.

 

We do work but have a dog sitter that come in during the day to walk and play with Alf. He is not distructive, with the exception of tennis balls, and quiet in the house during the day - as stated from our neighbours who are in during the day. I believe the house in which we live is big enough for a second dog and although no a private garden, the village which we are situated in holds more than adequate walking area. We are happy to take time off work and spend as much time is needed socialise both dogs and give them the space and time for them to get to know each other.

 

We now have the chance of a companion for Alf, a two year old quiet natured Cocker Spaniel who is being rescued. The dogs sounds perfect for us as he his good on the lead and happy around other dogs, etc. Good at being bathed and groomed and not food obsesive. I am hoping that they would be company for each other and be able to grow old disgracefully together.

 

I can remember hearing from somewhere that Cockers do well in pairs - does anyone have any experience of this. Any considered view are welcome. So as the thread started - second dog, yes or no?

[Adz 10]

I am afriad i know nothing about Cockers so cannot comment on that element of the question, sorry.

 

However it sounds like you have thought alot about whether to get a second dog and it sounds like you have everything in place for that to happen. The work you are doing with Alfie sounds really positive and like he is making great progress. Do you think with a second dog you will still be able to put as much effort into Alfie's development? if the answer is yes and you want 2 dogs for the humans and him then go for it.

 

I am thinking about a second dog to go with my rescue girl i have had her 7 months now. The only thing stopping me at the moment is me worrying about whether i can give the same input to 2 dogs as we have done so much with helping Tildy with her issues. I have had 2 dogs together in the past and once your used to it and in a routine it isn't a huge amount more to do.

 

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and sometimes the right dog just finds you maybe Alf is the one!

[bertie749 10]

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, the idea is for both dogs to go training together - even if the other Cocker has no issue. That way it become a family afair and not just either me or my partner standing on the sidelines. We are hoping that both dogs together will compliment each other - the new one showing Alfie that other dogs can be fun and Alfie intergrating our new addition into the fold.

 

I believe you get out of any animal what you put into it and that they are there to compliment your life as you are with theirs. I know a dog is not a human but 9ours are part of our family.

[Rainrescue 10]

Bertie

I would forget if they are cockers or not - it goes on the individual tempremants of each dog. Does getting another dog improve your family's life, your dogs life and the new dogs' life.

 

Look at all three.

 

You need to go and meet the new dog, spend time with it away from its current situation.

Go for a HUGE long walk together, - are they happy - is it a relaxed atmosphere

 

Will the people rehoming the cocker let you have him on a trial - if you are unsure.

Do they seem happy that he's going to the right home. Cockers aren't hard to rehome, and so if you aren't right for him, someone will come along for him, but if you are right for him - that would be great.

 

I have also heard that single coloured cockers do have strange tempraments sometimes - my friend runs a rottie and cocker rescue. I'm more scared of her cockers than ever i am her rotties.

 

?

Edited August 11, 2010 by Rainrescue

[vwkittie 10]

My bro in law has a pair of cockers that live out together and are lovely happy, healthy dogs that really enjoy each others company.

 

One is a sold red colour and doesn't have any weird issues, he is hilarious and so lovely.

 

He's had both from pup though, got the second put when the first was around 2-3 years old I believe.

 

Lovely dogs, good luck

[willman 10]

I know on all counts what i'm going to say.

1.cockers are fabulous.full stop

2. get another dog

 

On a serious note with correct introductions i personally haven't had any issue with new dogs, we built up to 5 all indivdual homed cockers at one point. We now have 2 cockers, 2 boxers and 2 lurchers who all co-exist admitably.

Personally i have always found multiple dogs to be better when left in the home, although making two stand still whilst you poo pick can be stressful on occasion.

[bertie749 10]

I agree Alfie is our second Cocker and they are fab .... would not consider any other breed as I just love a Cockers personality.

 

Our Cocker, which we lost, was a solid balck and did have slight issues but with working and understanding we was the most beautiful and rewarding dog ever.

 

Thanks everyone for their replys..... now where is that number again for the rescue agent. Keep you posted

[lyndseyDIZ 10]

Cockers are lovely dogs but do you think he would be jealous of the attention you give the other dog? My Lola was 8 months old when I got a GSD pup and she was very jealous of her!

[Lotti 10]

I have had two and three together and they do make great companions, though at the moment I think Takara wishes Bubble would sod off and leave her alone (she's hard work bless her)

 

I would say that I wasn't going to get Bubble - she was a special case and I ended up taking her on but you may well find that your progress with Alfie takes a step back a little when you take on a new one just because, whether you like it or not, you can't possibly give two dogs the separate attention that you gave one.

 

All that said, you sound like you're prepared but don't underestimate the impact a second dog will have (and it could be positive or negative).