Nervous about adding a second dog. Advice??

[Elaine Benise]

I'm not getting cold feet, I'm just being realistic. Leo is almost two years old and while I CANNOT WAIT to get Lolly, I'm nervous. I'm nervous about housebreaking, nervous how they will get along (Leo has always been good with dog visitors, so I'm hoping the same will apply here), worrying about the expenses (yes, we can afford another dog, but you never know about health issues that may arise), afraid of thinking "What have I done????" once I actually have her and am knee-deep in the hard work that a puppy requires.

I know it will be worth it, I see that with Leo. But I DO remember a few times when he was a baby thinking, "Why did you do this to yourself??? You were fine without a dog!" Now I couldn't live without him but I'm afraid of having those feelings again.

Am I thinking too much (I tend to overthink everything, to a fault)? Did anyone else feel this way when they added another? Is going from one to two easy or difficult? Stories, advice, suggestions - anything is welcome and appreciated!!

[celstu1]

House breaking will be the most difficult part, other than that, you'll do GREAT! I have 2 boys, I got them at the same time though so its a bit different, but its so fun to have 2! I love it. I have one cuddler and one spaz! Its a perfect combo for me!

[phfgkl]

LOL I'm 52 years old, and I'm fixin to get #7 in 3 weeks.
I'm dialing my psychiatrist as I'm typing
LOL

[chachi]

I have 2 and have never regretted it. Ones a big baby and ones the rambuncious boy. The potty training was difficult and of course your vet bills increase but I really dont notice it. The love they give is worth it

[Elaine Benise]

Originally Posted by celstu1

House breaking will be the most difficult part, other than that, you'll do GREAT! I have 2 boys, I got them at the same time though so its a bit different, but its so fun to have 2! I love it. I have one cuddler and one spaz! Its a perfect combo for me!

Thanks!! Funny you say that because Leo is my spaz. Now I want my cuddler. The breeder says she's a snuggle bug but she's still very small so who knows. That could change. But I hope not!

[Elaine Benise]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

LOL I'm 52 years old, and I'm fixin to get #7 in 3 weeks.
I'm dialing my psychiatrist as I'm typing
LOL

HAHAAA!! I've the number for a good one if you need it.

[Gigi485]

I was thinking of getting a second one - but changed my mind.

I do all of "the work" (feeding, walking, poop pickup, brushing, bathing, vet visits, etc) and DH is pretty much Sully's "toy". He does all the ball throwing and laying on the floor and playing with him, falling asleep on the recliner with him. It's like I'm the waitress. If we got a second one, I'm afraid I might resent DH for not pitching in more. Maybe I'd change my mind in a year or two but for now - I think Sully will be an "only fur-child".

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

I'm not getting cold feet, I'm just being realistic. Leo is almost two years old and while I CANNOT WAIT to get Lolly, I'm nervous. I'm nervous about housebreaking, nervous how they will get along (Leo has always been good with dog visitors, so I'm hoping the same will apply here), worrying about the expenses (yes, we can afford another dog, but you never know about health issues that may arise), afraid of thinking "What have I done????" once I actually have her and am knee-deep in the hard work that a puppy requires.

I know it will be worth it, I see that with Leo. But I DO remember a few times when he was a baby thinking, "Why did you do this to yourself??? You were fine without a dog!" Now I couldn't live without him but I'm afraid of having those feelings again.

Am I thinking too much (I tend to overthink everything, to a fault)? Did anyone else feel this way when they added another? Is going from one to two easy or difficult? Stories, advice, suggestions - anything is welcome and appreciated!!

I went thru those EXACT same feelings and thoughts after I purchased Tulip!!! Was it a mistake? Should I have stuck to ONE yorkie? etc, etc, before Tulip came home...and maybe even aweek or so afterwards....but Now I look back and wonder how I could have even has such negative feelings....and questioned myself at all!!

I think it's just all the "unknowns" that frightened me...but Tulip and Daizy ADORE each other...Tulip is the most precious thing ever and she has certainly added to the joy we already had in our family....We cannot imagine what it would have been like without her!!!

And most importantly Daizy changed for the better....she became MORE loving...she had been so independant...not cuddly at all...now she's totally different...and We can see she's so much happier having a full time playmate in the house...They do everything together!!!

You are just going thru the "new puppy anxiety"...that is what I call it...but give it a little time...and everything will work out...and you'll realize it was the BEST decision....for you...for your other yorkie...and for your family!!!!!

[Britster]

I always think I want another one but I quickly go... ahh, so much hard work! The first 2 months with Jackson were just so tough in a good way, with the potty training, training, everything but he's always been a pretty laid back, good pup... and he's so well behaved now (for the MOST part lol) that I'm always so scared if I ever got another puppy, he'd be the complete opposite. And I'd be like WHAT did I get myself into?! LOL.

But - good news for me is... I still live at home (while in college) with my mom, step-dad, sister and their dog, Carmen. So technically, I have two dogs and Jackson ALWAYS has a friend but I only have to pay for one of those dogs! Nice deal, huh? I have a feeling when I move out, Carmen will be coming with me. She is so attached to Jackson now and she's begun sleeping with me & him every night - I'd feel awful leaving her. And whenever I visit at my dad's house, they have their 1 1/2 year old Jack Russel mix over there so Jackson is never alone or an "only dog." I don't think he could ever be an only child, lol, he just likes to play too much.

[Elaine Benise]

Wabbit - You said pretty much everything I wanted to hear. Actually, you all did!! And with the poster who is the sole caretaker (can't remember the name - I apologize!!), I completely understand where you're coming from. My husband and kids helped out when Leo was a puppy but I certainly did the brunt of it. My kids are old enough now that I will force them to help me.

[babybuddy]

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

I'm not getting cold feet, I'm just being realistic. Leo is almost two years old and while I CANNOT WAIT to get Lolly, I'm nervous. I'm nervous about housebreaking, nervous how they will get along (Leo has always been good with dog visitors, so I'm hoping the same will apply here), worrying about the expenses (yes, we can afford another dog, but you never know about health issues that may arise), afraid of thinking "What have I done????" once I actually have her and am knee-deep in the hard work that a puppy requires.

I know it will be worth it, I see that with Leo. But I DO remember a few times when he was a baby thinking, "Why did you do this to yourself??? You were fine without a dog!" Now I couldn't live without him but I'm afraid of having those feelings again.

Am I thinking too much (I tend to overthink everything, to a fault)? Did anyone else feel this way when they added another? Is going from one to two easy or difficult? Stories, advice, suggestions - anything is welcome and appreciated!!

I know how you feel because I went through the same anixety and questioning before we added another dog...and I also overthink things. When my fiance' and I did finally get another dog, the first week my stomach was in knots....and I just kept telling myself that things will get better. Going from one to two can be difficult...I had the same worries about the new pup that I did when we got Buddy. Buddy already had an established routine, and putting another dog into the mix changed that. I did have some sleepless nights the first weeks when Lilu came into our lives (it was the same with Buddy) with potty training, making sure that she wasn't getting into trouble, constantly keeping an eye on her for any signs of illness, etc. It was exhausting, but another week went by, and then another, and the more they got used to their routine together the more I relaxed...and Buddy and Lilu became best pals, and Lilu has been a healthy, happy furbaby. My one piece of advice when adding another dog is to really have a good routine. It definitely helped, not only the new dog, but our whole family in adjusting. For me, all the worries are definitely worth it, and now I can't imagine being without my 2 babies. Good luck with Lolly and hang in there....your worries will ease up once Lolly is home.

[Elaine Benise]

Thanks, babybuddy!! It's so nice to know I'm not the only one who has these feelings!! And that things really can turn out just fine!

[Wabbit]

Originally Posted by Elaine Benise

Wabbit - You said pretty much everything I wanted to hear. Actually, you all did!! And with the poster who is the sole caretaker (can't remember the name - I apologize!!), I completely understand where you're coming from. My husband and kids helped out when Leo was a puppy but I certainly did the brunt of it. My kids are old enough now that I will force them to help me.

Glad I could help!!! Can't wait to see your Lolly!!! Don't worry...things will turn out for you!!!

[kcarey13]

Hi Elaine! I had the same thought "Oh No, what did I do?" until today. Skootie has finally stood up for himself and put Layla in her spot. I was beginning to think he was going to be timid and withdrawn forever but I actually think it has helped Skootie to assert himself as the second in charge! Yeah adding another dog to the mix has created more work and cost me more money but I think it was definately the right thing to do and now I know we will get through this first stage. We enrolled Layla in a small breed puppy training class so I hope that helps smooth things out between my two furbabies. Time will tell. I can't wait to see pics of Lolly, I just love the name! Good Luck!

[jfalz73]

Originally Posted by phfgkl

LOL I'm 52 years old, and I'm fixin to get #7 in 3 weeks.
I'm dialing my psychiatrist as I'm typing
LOL

hey when you get them on the phone...give them my number!! I am 55 and just got #6! Not all Yorkies though, 2 beagles, 1 rat terrier, 2 yorkies and a maltese!! Glad to know i am not alone!!