Urgent: Who has 3 or more pups? Tell me how it is working!

[jmdt]

I have 3 babies and 4 "skin" kids. I haven't found it to be hard at all. They play together. Once in a while they have a little spat. (rarely) and it's over in a second, then they are back to playing. I don't walk them on leashes, as we have a fenced in yard. So they run around out there to burn their energy. It's alittle harder now because it's winter. I can't wait for warmer weather because we are always out there. All three get their baths in the kitchen sink. One at the time, thank goodness they don't mind it. Like the other poster stated, mine are spaced out in age so the vet bills are not so bad. I also free feed kibble all day, and they pick at it occasionally. Then at dinner I give them can food in 3 seperate bowls. I haven't had an issue at all so far. Good luck in making your decision. It really depends on your lifestyle. I'm a stay at home mom so I'm here all day. That makes it easier to be the referee. haha

[lil fu fu girl]

Just had to stop by and see everyone with 3+. I have only 2 so far, but who knows. Maybe after school, I might rescue one. I bet you all are very organized on your time schedules...heck, you would have to be!

[gracieanna]

Whew! Excellent feedback! I hope I still get some more "true life stories". It is interesting to see how we all do things differently.

You've raised some important issues.

1. I don't know what Wellness dog food is. I feed Royal Canin Yorkie puppy food (dry) and some wet food (sometimes homemade) food occassionally. The three pups I have so far are under 1 year so I believe puppy food is best for the first year.

2. Cost is a concern but I am fortunate that my girlfriend (my babies have two mommies since we are a lesbian couple from California) is a certified dog groomer so she can keep them groomed and trimmed, etc. Low cost there.

3. She works in animal husbandry as well so she can give vaccinations to help cut down on vet costs but my vet is very reasonable. Don't worry, we still do get vet checks.

4. So far all our babies get along like brothers and sister and each have their own personality and place in the family. We bring them to work, the beach, let them cuddle on the bed with us and plan to take them on vacation in Summer. We got our first Yorkie on a vacation last summer!

5. A dog trainer warned me that two females would never get along but I've had several large female dogs in the past and had no problems, not even much dominant behavior.

Some of you mentioned young kids -- you are brave to have so many dogs AND young kids. My daughter is grown so even though she hasn't left the nest you can see I already have empty nest syndrome!!

I seem to need four adorable, lovable Yorkie/Morkie babies to fill my heart but I'll tell ya, each one is so different and such a joy in their own special way.

[MollysMum54]

I would love to have a 2nd yorkie, but i only work part time, so know i couldnt afford it. I guess you have to work out what you would expect to spend on them in a year, and add a heap more for unexpected expenses! Also. have you got the time to spend quality time with an extra pup? i dont think i would ever have more than 2.

[loveyorks]

I found the the most difficult part of owning three Yorkies was the grooming. At $30.+ each it adds up quickly and their fur seems to grow at a faster rate than my hair.

We just recently added our fourth member, a Shih Tzu and he too will need regular grooming but like my DH says, it's only money and we could be spending it on other non-essential things which could be a lot more expensive. Apart from that I found it made very little difference between owning 2.

Walks are never taken with more than two, so I get twice as much exercise
We have a grant old time. LOVE IT...

[deanne]

we have 4. two of them just over a year and two under a year old. two females and two males. It's more work but if you have the time and the patients its no big deal. I think that going on walks is the hardest thing for us. We've got bath time and feeding down to a science so no problems there. If you love the dogs you have than you can work anything out

[gracieanna]

Thank you so much for more replies. I am so interested to hear how other families do it. Especially with so many young pups as one of you mentioned. You are brave but you're right, if you wait for just the right time when is the perfect moment?

I want to introduce another puppy while the ones I have are still young enough to adapt without too much trouble. But then again, I've seen older dogs accept a very young pup easily.

I've gotten (mostly) positive feedback and encouragement and I appreciate it. I appreciate hearing the downsides too.

I was told females would never be compatible but haven't heard one complaint here. Anyone out there have multiple females in the home?

[manolos mom]

I have 3. Manolo 3, Lola 2.5 and Pablo their son 6 months. They are a joy...It does take time to give all three a bath then blow dry and brush. About 1.5 hours a week.

[gracieanna]

You are patient with the baths... I keep the hair short and do quick baths. I do brush them nearly every day but it is easy with short hair.

It sounds like you bred your male and female? How fortunate for you but I am afraid to risk Jayla's health with a pregnancy because as much as I'm sure I'd adore her offspring, if I lost her it would never be worth it. I know that sounds silly but I've never bonded as closely with any other dog than my female Yorkie baby Jayla Pea.

I am thinking of names for my new girl. Maybe Carley or Kylee? What do you all think?

Anyone else raised several females in the same home?