[Sweet Apple]

Originally Posted by v1204

Hi Everyone!

Unfortunately I recently lost my 13 year old Yorkie, Matilda. Although I'm not ready to bring another puppy into my home yet, I hope I will be ready in a couple of months. In the meantime, I've been researching various options.

One option I 'was' mulling over was to get 2 puppies and raise them together. I would only get a male and female and then neuter and spay them as soon as our vet says it's okay. My rationale behind getting 2 puppies was to provide 'same species' companionship.

When I was investigating this option, I came across a website authored by Ed Leerburg <leerburg.com>. He was very adamantly discouraging raising more than 1 dog at a time. His arguments were: (1) they are pack animals and may look to each other instead of their owner for leadership, (2) rank issues may develop with more than one dog in the house, (3) they will be more difficult to train because they will bond with each other instead of their owner. He goes on to say that dogs don't need companionship because they sleep 12-15 hours per day. He indicated that people who think dogs need companionship are Anthropomorphic. So after investigating his site, I realized that I should only get one puppy.

Then I read several postings and threads on YorkieTalk.com about people who have more than one Yorkie. So what is really best? I would like to hear from those of you who have successfully raised more than one Yorkie and those who have been unsuccessful. Perhaps I should raise just one....but I want to know why I shouldn't raise 2?

Sorry this post is was so long.

Thank you
V1204

So sorry about your Matilda...I'm old enough, that I've been through that several times, and the pain is deep...I'm glad you are considering another pup(s), as I've found this is the best way to fill the void left in your heart...They don't replace, but they fill the space, w/all the love you have to give...

I didn't raise my two yorkies, together...I got my little boy @ 4 months old, when my little girl was a year old...Oh, btw, I'm anthropomorphic, and couldn't give a flip about what anybody thinks...I think we make better mommies and daddies ...I don't know about others, w/two, but I'm the alpha, around here, and they all (I have a chorkie too, so that makes three) look up to me, as the leader of the pack...They love to play with each, and steal each others' bully sticks, but when it's time, for bed, they all want to be the one, closest to me, not each other...As far as training, they're housebroken, settle down on the bed, when I tell them to, and that's about it lol...I love to see well trained pups, and admire their owners, but it's not my focal point...My "kidz" (told you I was anthropomorphic) are for me to care for and love...If my lap is available, they prefer to do that, rather than play w/each other...But, omg'sh, you gotta have at least two, if you want them to have lots of fun, running and playing...They are so entertaining, and keep me smiling, all day...The intereaction between the three is hilarious...

So, in answer to your question, I'd, totally, recommend two, and I'd find a new author to read, if it were me...I think a yorkie must have pooped in his porridge lol...