Hi just browsing the forum and noticed this post, I know its old and the poster has most likely decided but I'm replying with our experience with two pups for future potential dog owners thinking the same thing.
We have a 5 month old Ridgeback Max and a 4 month old Border Collie Hugo, we have both had experience with raising/owning dogs and cats previously (we are by no means experts) but never had two puppies at once. The logic for our decision was to allow the two to keep each other company during the week as we both work 8-9 hour working days.
We were aware of the possible bonding issues and to balance this out we spend alot of time with each dog seperately. This is working well and we have no regrets at all getting two pups. Saying that however it does take alot of time and depending on each individuals situation, having kids for example, this might not be possible.
They have of course bonded with each other but we have kept down the seperation anxiety and been able to train them without any major dramas. The most "fun" we've had is the slightly younger Border Collie trying to assert his dominance and occasionally trying to start a fight with the Ridgy, we keep an eye on them however during feeding time and after a walk when this happens, we can now pick the dogs body language and we seperate them before it escalates into a fight which is working well and is becoming less and less of an issue.
To ensure they are as socially independent and bond with us as much as possible we on most days will:
- walk them twice seperately, morning and night for 40-60min per walk, and have them socialise and play with other dogs
- spend 40-60min time with them inside seperately playing and teaching
- feed them seperately
Weekly make sure as soon as they are old enough they go to puppy school and continue their training as they get older. We learnt so much from doing this and have no plans to stop their weekly group training sessions any time soon!
We will rotate the dogs between us on walks, training etc. as well.
They are still young and we have a while to go before they are mature dogs, but it's working out well and we love them both. I occasionally wonder how it would be if we'd just got the one but its now a pointless thought and the reality of it is we wouldnt be without either.
In summary I think having 2 pups at the same time is fine, and it is extremely rewarding. However a few hours per day (with the occasional day off) must be set aside for each dog! If single or the only one in the house raising them, work long hours or simply cannot afford the time then I'd not suggest it.
My 2c
