Advice on when to get a second puppy

[Cristiana Witkowski]

Our Flynn is almost 6 months old now, whew time flies quickly.  My fiance and I have discussed repeatedly about getting another furry baby next year, as a wedding gift to ourselves.  However, when I mentioned this in passing to our puppy class trainer, she advised against it.  She told us that often when you get 2 puppies within a short period of time, they will bond with each other more than with you.  She advised we wait another 1-2 years before bringing another puppy in, waiting until Flynn has fully grown into his confidence and can be a good "big brother".

Sure, I think that makes sense; yet, I also know of many people who have gotten more than 1 puppy at a time or got one right after the other.  Is this something you're also debating or do you have anymore insight into this decision?  Part of me totally believes what the trainer says, and then part of me admits that I've been told by people more than once (both parents to puppies and children) that often times it's easier when you have more than one at a time because they learn from each other, play with each other, etc.

What do you think??

[Ronna, Murphy & Wilson]

I knew I wanted a second doodle the second I saw my first...(actually I know we will be a 3 doodle family eventually)...We waited until Murphy was 1 and a half years old to get Wilson and I really would not have wanted to do it any sooner.  They DO learn from each other...and thank goodness Murphy was fully trained before we brought our little red-headed hellion into the pack...LOL.   I have to agree with your trainer.  

[Stephanie]

I think it's important to wait until the first dog is fully trained and reliable in most situations.  Dogs can learn wonderful things from each other, but they can also learn all the naughty things too.  In fact most reputable breeders will never sell two puppies to someone at the same time, some won't even sell a puppy to someone who says they have a current puppy in the home.  It really is best to wait until the first dog matures.

[Joanna, Zoe & Bender]

We got Ben when Zoe was 6 months because of my timeline for human babies. We wanted our dogs to be a little older and trained when we decided to have babies. It's true that the puppy learns from the other dog but we were lucky because Ben is such a great listener and is such a easy dog (I guess compared to our rebelious Zoe any dog would've been easier). So it hasn't been too difficult. Also Zoe will see the praise we give Ben when he's good and follows suit. I guess they are both so young that they are learning from each other.

[Cristiana Witkowski]

Thanks for the input.  I was thinking we'd wait until the end of next year to get another doodle... Flynn will be 1 year old in February.  But I do also agree with a comment that I want to time this (as much as I can) with our desire to have human babies - and we hope to get pregnant in the Spring of next year.  The original intent was to have puppies at least a year old before bringing the non-furry baby in, lol.

We'll see how things go next year and I'll be sure to send in an update when/if we start making arrangements for the 2nd doodle baby!

[Diane, Hurley and Sidney]

My husband, who was hesitant in the first place about getting a dog, actually has been making little comments about possibly getting another doodle at some point.  Hurley is 9 months old now.  I know we wouldn't take a serious look at it until the two cats have made their way to cat heaven.  They are 19 years old and could be around another 3-5 years per what the vet told us.   But I am excited that DH would even entertain the possibility of another lovely doodle.