Does the person-dog relationship change?

[Krista, Angel, and Toby]

Angel is my baby, my sweet girl, and that won't change, but I am wondering how getting a second dog changes the dynamic and relationship between dog and human.  Is the bond still just as strong?  Do you have to redouble your efforts to form the bond with the second dog as well as the first?  Any advice or anecdotes?  Thanks!

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Bond is just as strong. But, I do spend "alone" and "special" time with each dog. Sometimes I will take Peri by herself to the park. Other times I take Taquito the chihuahua to a friend's...just him! It does take a little more effort because it is just more time consuming with two dogs. But really, don't over analyze it. Angel will love having a sibling and I have no doubt you will pay equal attention to both dogs. Just make sure Angel gets some 1:1 time while the puppy is sleeping- at first it may seem you are spending more time with the puppy since he/she is not as mature and has to go outside more, etc....
Congrats!

[Kelli, Fenway, & Dustin Pedroia]

This is tricky and I'm sure going to be different for different people and different dogs, but I've found a couple of things. My first dog, Fenway, and I were really tight. She was my shadow. I couldn't move from one place to another without her taking notice and hopping up to follow me wherever I was going. Although she still follows me around a good bit, she has gotten so much more independent. She will now stay in the living room if I get up and go into the bedroom or kitchen. She looks up, but will not always follow me. Of couse she is a girl and nosy, so if she thinks I'm doing something that might require her assistance then she's right there. She'll also go on to bed if she feels like it even if we're all still up. She would never have done this before. This being said she is VERY attached to Dustin our second doodle. She is very unhappy if I ever take him somewhere and she doesn't go too. She also doesn't like it if she's out of sight of him when we're out on our walks with the DH and I have one and he has the other. Once Dustin got a little bigger she and he became the best of buds and inseperable playmates.

Now bonding with Dustin! He was not a cuddly puppy at all, which was the complete opposite of Fenway. He was very independent and could have cared less if I got up to go out of the room when he was taking a nap (I used to have to tiptoe so I didn't wake Fenway up when she was a pup because I knew she would get up and follow me wherever I was going). He's always loved Fenway from day one. Hanging on her ears and pouncing on her, which Fenway took all in stride even though she wasn't even quite one at the time. He from the begining seemed to take more interest in her than he did in us. That however has changed quite dramatically. I don't know what we did or didn't do, but Dustin is attached to me or my DH 24/7. He can't stand to be out of sight and wants to be touching us most of the time. I think he'd be attached to us even more if he didn't get so hot and need to take a break to cool down on the cool floor. He follows me everywhere and if he can't get to me he cries like a little baby. He's the most cuddly 75lb lap dog ever! He'll spoon with you in bed, sit on your lap on the couch, lay on your feet while you're in the kitchen, and stick to your leg in general. So I'd have to say no real problems bonding after all. He's a real Mama's boy!

They both have very different personalities, but have both found where they fit in our family and with each other and I think that's probably the case with most multiple dog/animal families. Good luck with number 2! It's hard work and hectic sometimes, but worth it for so many many reasons. I wouldn't have just one ever again!

[Linda,Yankee & Finn]

I did find that things changed when I got Finn. Yankee and I were very very close and he would get in my bed and snuggle with me. He rarely does that anymore. I don't have one on one time with either dog. I can tell Yankee misses that and Finn hasn't had any yet. On the other hand, they play together all the time and are never lonely when I am out.

[Maryann,Roo and Tigger]

Just like having more than one child. You love them both - equally and differently, because they are each unique. They are great company for each other. I am a big fan of at least two dogs to a household. If you were in an all dog household and they were the best dogs in the world and treated you with love, respect and spoiled you - wouldn't you still want human company?

[Nina, Phil, Harlow & Lacey]

As Allyson says the bond is just as strong. With 2 dogs you learn to sit in the middle of the couch or sleep in the middle of the bed so they can lay on either side of you and scratch both. That's why god gave 2 hands right? =0) With 3 at our house someone is usually getting tickled with the toes. But seriously, I do spend 1:1 time with each one. I brush everyone nightly and give them each a mini doggie massage. Everyone waits their turn (I need to post a pic of this as it looks like a line at the super market). I also train them separately so they each get some undivided attention.

[Dan, Judi, & Timbow]

A line at the super market. hahaha!

I used to worry about this A LOT with Timbow, but the more I've thought about it the more I think he will be great with dog #2. He is so laid back and sweet spirited. The only thing that would be bad is if he was left out of something. He will need one on one time, but DH will have to stay with him (or I'll stay with him if DH has puppy) if I take the puppy anywhere. I think his feelings will be hurt if he's left out. He's a sensitive dood.

[Lynda Kamrath]

Reminds me of when we were expecting our first (human) baby. My husband was totally enamoured with his miniature poodle and actually wondered if he would love the baby as much as his dog. Barney did everything with him (including riding the motorcycle, snow skiing, and trying to water ski). That dog was so exceptional. However, as soon as the baby was born, the dog took second seat. It is just natural that life moves on, and so do your feelings. You don't need to "redouble" your efforts, just let it be.
A couple of quotes - One from an old Hemingway movie, "I may love him more, but I have loved you longer." and from Kahlil Gibram - "Think not that you can guide the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, guides your course."

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Oh lord...what will I do when I decide to have a human child???? I will lose it. Sick of hearing about hosting baby showers, pregnant friends, etc...I looked at DH last week and said "can we just forget about having human kids and get more doodles?". LOL
But really, life does move on and Angel will LOVE having a brother or sister. And you will have another lucky dood to dote on.