[QUOTE=JoeyP;2899539]Okay ... the skinny on having two dogs
Everyone thinks that having two dogs will be wonderful
they'll be perfect companions for each other and all you'll have to do is whistle and they'll listen to anything you want to have them do
Wishful thinking .... dogs always have a hierarchy
they are pack animals
whenever two dogs meet they have to figure out a pecking order
I have two male littermates
They get along but believe me it's not all a bed of roses
when you introduce two adult dogs it's even harder
You're first dog had the run of the house
and now there's this intruder
I agree with JoeyP. It's hard work and not all a bed of roses to have two dogs - unless maybe you have two REALLY LAID BACK dogs - which I do not. One Yorkie; One Westie. Yes, they have fun together; No, it is not a democracy; Yes, there are skirmishes that sound very scary and stress everybody out. However, the yorkie has figured out if she continues yelping that someone will rescue her - then she will go running right back for more. So I never know what to do. The Westie has never hurt her or bitten her at all. He does dominate her; he gets all the toys right out of her mouth; he gets chew sticks right out of her mouth. Very gently, but still he takes everything. And . . . she seems ok with that. When she manages to get her bone back - she parades right in front of him; he takes it; and round we go.
I enjoy them and think it will be worth it when Lucy is a little older and there is a more level playing field. They chase each other around the house having fun more than they argue. When they do argue - it is scary sounding but can't see that either of them have ever hurt the other.
My cousin, who dogsits for me; and has never had 2 dogs - thinks it's very stressful.
That picture in my mind of two dogs snuggling together and the old dog just thrilled to have a new lil sister . . . . don't think it happens that easy. |