1 dog vs 2

[paula1961]

Lindsey, this is a big decision for you. Very good that you are weighing the pros and cons of two. I happen to have three. They do keep each other company. They run and play together. I personally would rather have more than one but I don't work. I'm with them most all of the time. In your case, if it were me, I would probably go for a 2nd. Does Layla do well with other dogs? Is she spayed? If she is, I don't see why you couldn't get a female. I have two females, one is spayed and one isn't. They don't fight, they play fight, but have never tried to hurt one another. I also have a male. He is very sweet, he thinks he is the ruler of the roost! Mine all get along fine. About the traveling, I don't have any advice about that.. we take ours everywhere with us, I've never had a problem, the way I feel about is if a hotel doesn't welcome my dogs then I'm not welcome there either. Of course most of the year we travel with a camper so I don't have to worry about that but there have been times when I have dealt with staying in a hotel. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

[Blueyes]

We have a great dane and a mi-ki...170 pounds and almost 5 pounds, but they still keep each other company! There are a lot of pros and cons, it may not be an easy decision. Remember that you will have twice the poop and pee to deal with. But you will also have twice the love and Layla will have company. But there is the off chance that she won't want to share her mommy. You may just have to get Layla a dog and see how it works out I know getting a dog is a big commitment, but it's sometimes hard to have all of the answers beforehand. Good luck kiddo!

[Lindsey]

Thanks for your replies! Layla is okay with other dogs. She's not really playful, but then again most of the dogs we see are big dogs. It took her 8 weeks of puppy classes to finally run around with the other puppies instead of just being excited to see all the people! Actually, even at the dog park she is more excited to get attention from the people than from the dogs. I guess I feel like she's missing out on being a dog, it's almost like she doesn't know how.

As for traveling, Scott and I both drive cars, and Layla takes up enough room herself. Another dog might be a little crowded (since we usually also need to put luggage in the back seat). When we stay over with friends or relatives, I know one dog is okay but two might be a lot to handle.

I guess the more I think about it, the more feasible it is to just have Layla for now. I really like the thought of having another dog, with another personality, and giving Layla the chance to have a playmate all the time... but it might be a lot to handle. Layla has done pretty well getting used to the condo and not barking too much at the noise. If I brought in another dog that DOES bark a lot, it will just set Layla off and I will have two barking dogs. If I got a complaint, I would lose my privilege to own a pet in the building.

[paula1961]

The barking is something I didn't even think to mention. When we just had Halle, she never barked and then when we got Brutis..... well let's just say he is quite the little barker. Now he starts and all three of them go off. It can be quite aggravating at times but I could never part with any of them

[Lindsey]

I know Layla would go crazy if there was another barking dog. When we visit my parents, their dog will bark outside at anything... a bird in a tree, a person walking by, the neighbors coming home... and as soon as Layla hears that bark she is running to the front door, the back door, around the whole house just barking her head off and she doesn't even know why!

It might be best for Scott and I to just wait until we move into a HOUSE and don't have to worry about the people under us or down the hall being upset about noise However, by that time Layla will be at least 9 years old and probably not so open to having a puppy in our lives!

[DianaB]

It's been quite an experience for us with getting another dog. Jazzi is so competitive with Reuger. Just going out the door is a big deal and she'll turn and bite him going out. If I would have known her nature before I bought her I wouldn't have gotten her. It just seems like Reuger isn't my baby any more. He'd rather not be on my lap when she's any where around. She's constantly challenging him. I wish that Reuger would just go ahead and let her have it and show her that he is the boss then all of this nonsense would quit, but he's too nice to do that. I just keep thinking ........one of these days!!! BTW-They do bark a lot more together.

[Lindsey]

Thanks for your view Diana... It might be selfish but one of my biggest worries is that Layla won't want her "mommy time" anymore!
I did ask the girl with the yorkie if she would consider giving us a trial period if we were serious about taking her, so I could judge how well the dogs would accept each other. She hasn't replied. From the other questions I've asked, her dog sounds like an impulse buy. She doesn't know the breeder's name, just someone she found on a classified ad... the woman brought the dog into the city so she could look at her and she ended up taking her right then. Now a few months later she decides she doesn't have time for a dog and wants to sell her Poor little girl, I wish I could give her a good home, but if I can't have her I hope somebody will.

[Gina]

Lindsey thats a tough call. I think of getting another dog for Gucci too. But Gucci is afraid of other dogs when they are around her she runs to me and stays on my lap yeah a mamas girl. lol I work but with my job I can come home during the day and check on her, besides my son is home too. I would love to give her a playmate but I don't know if she would handle it well. So as of now I opted not to..

It is a hard decision that you need to think through.