Two Dogs Together

[Bomber]

Just over two years ago I got my two adorable Jack Russell puppies. Just after I got them I noticed on a lot of dog forums and elsewhere people saying that getting two dogs at the same time is a bad, even a dangerous idea. Where did this idea come from? My dogs, who are from a different litter, get along so well with each other. Like any siblings they occasionally squabble but they adore each other. So, where did this idea that it was bad to get two dogs at once come from? I think my dogs have well and truly debunked the theory.

Edited February 10, 2010 by Bomber

[RallyValley]

The main issue is dogs bonding more tightly with each other then the owner and the stress of having two pups at once. Did you find it difficult going to obidience class with two dogs?

[SpikesPuppy]

It's not an impossible task (many breeders will have several pups at once for eg), but it's one that definitely requires extra work & dedication from the owner IMO. It is not something that should be entered into lightly (not that buying a single puppy should be a snap decision!!).

[Muttaburra]

The main issue is dogs bonding more tightly with each other then the owner and the stress of having two pups at once. Did you find it difficult going to obidience class with two dogs?

That's all I've ever heard, and with bonding with each other rather than the owner, and that can potentially make training more difficult.

[OSoSwift]

It is usually considered a dangerous idea if the puppies are from the same litter as litter siblings can have some very serious disputes.

Having two puppies at once can be more difficult for the reasons mentioned.

They are also more likely to suffer from seperation anxiety when seperated if that have not been factored into your training regime.

[shells]

Did you find it difficult going to obidience class with two dogs?

In my case (I actually have littermates) I take one and then take the other one next term.

[Dogsfevr]

Many people do it well .The bonding issue i find a poor excuse.

We are a very multi dog household & no bonding issues with humans.

We also have litter mates here who would prefer to hang out with my old boys of completely different breed

We do sell litter mates & have had no issues in doing so BUT i do believe that in some breeds it may not work well or alot of thought must go into getting the right pair because a bad match most certainly can lead to issues but this would apply no matter what & whether it was another litter similar age

The people we have sold 2 too have done all the right things & factored in all the pros/cons & where happy to do the extra yards for 2 in one hit & take time off work & get them into a routine than train one & do it again latter , running boarding kennels i would have to say those with 2 have a better success rate than many with one.

There is no cut & dry rule & i dont have an issue with people getting too & as for sep issues reality is this still happens if you bring a dog in a year latter .If people are happy tod o the work & appreciate the pros/cons then go for it