Am I crazy to want another puppy?

[Michelle L]

Hi all,

Butters is currently 15 weeks and I am thinking maybe we should get her a friend. Am I crazy!?!? My hubby and I went to London and left her with a fantastic petsitter (whom I found through this site) and Butters played really well with her goldendoodle. They looked so happy together and I wonder if she feels lonely being the only child. If we have another puppy, maybe they'll play with each other and keep each other company. Will this be double the stress or alleviate stress given they have each other to play with, versus just me and my husband? Has anyone ever had 2 puppies at one time?? 

[KLN]

I'm not going to lie, having two is more than double the work but (in my opinion) more than worth it. My two play all the time and just adore each other! They even lay in one crate together when they each have their own. I've always had two so I don't really know the difference but I feel like if you are thinking of getting another one and currently are going through the puppy phase, you might as well get them both knocked out at the same time! Puppies are HARD, I'm not sure you'd want to do that back to back. If you can get one now, that would be fantastic. As long as you can afford double shots, vet bills, grooming, food, treats, and toys, I would highly recommend a second, especially if you are away during the day.

[Michelle L]

I know!! Getting them both knocked out at the same time is like having twins!! Not that I have kids or anything so I don't really know what I am in for. I can afford the double everything and we do work alot. Thanks for the advice!

[Jolene, Sassparilla & Josie]

We went with two this time and like KLN stated they absolutely adore each other and play all the time BUT they also get into twice as much trouble! If I had it to do over again I would get the first one trained then bring the second one in. My doodle has severe separation anxiety so separating and training is proving to be a challenge. Two are fun but twice the cost from food to vet bills. Now my sister strongly encourages a cat and dog, they to can be the best of buddies and play but not as much work? Just a thought.

[Michelle L]

I did think about a cat and a dog but my hubby don't like cats all that much and not sure if he is allergic to them. Butters has been a great puppy so far. She is a lot of work but not sure if I am pushing my luck by getting another one.

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

When we first got Lucy 3+ years ago we had the option of getting 2. She was our first dog/puppy and there was no way I was going to bite off so much at 1 time. We waited 3 yrs to get a 2nd puppy, and it was a great decision. Oscar learned so much from Lucy and taught him the 'house rules'. We didn't have nearly as much trouble with him getting into things, counter surfing or barking. It may have been a difference in temperament (he's a very laid back dog compared to high spirited Lucy) but I'm convinced most of it was due to his taking his cues from her. Oscar's obedience training has been a breeze too. They're great playmates together and Lucy couldn't be happier with her new brother (he's bigger and STRONGER than her now, but she adores any attention he gives her, even if it means pinning her to the ground). I'd say if you've had 2 puppies at one time before, then go for it. If not, everything will be twice as hard, if not more so. It was hard enough for us having 1 mature dog and a puppy at one time. Now that Oscar is 10-1/2 mos. it's so much easier.