happy being the only one?? - YorkieTalk.com Forums

Little mama · 07-02-2010, 12:06 PM

I know there are a lot of threads about getting another pup. Allie is 10 months and I have been considering another from just about the day I got her.
Are they happy to live alone without "siblings"? She seems content but I guess I have the fantasy of 2 pups who love each other and running and playing all the time . Or should I leave well enough alone.
Does their age affect their acceptance,
Shes still young and playful enough to except a new puppy, or older and set in her ways??
Just wondering.. I'm home for summer so now would be the perfect time.
Thanks,
Janet

my2boyz · 07-02-2010, 12:18 PM

Our first Yorkie was an only fid (furry kid) for the most part. We waited until he was over a year before trying to introduce a second Yorkie into our family and he never did accept another one. I always felt guilty, even though he went everywhere with us, I always felt he would have been happier with a playpal. If I would have known and I had it to do again I would have gotten a second one around the same time I got Boog...but, if it was just his personality I guess he never would have accepted a playpal as he was never really around other dogs until he was over a year...just cats.

Now, my girls are different...they love everyone...animal or human they've never met a stranger!

Roxiesmama · 07-02-2010, 12:34 PM

I have one and only plan on having one. I think she is very happy with the way things are and so am I.

DvlshAngel985 · 07-02-2010, 12:43 PM

This is one of the subjects that I'M torn about. Kaji loves other dogs. He loves having play dates with his two favorite girls, and any other dog that wants to play with him. That makes me want another so that they can play and keep each other company. But then I think about how much our life will change. As it is, Kaji is my one and only baby and as my one and only baby he goes with me everywhere. And I mean everywhere. We do everything together, and he is so well behaved that everyone accepts him when we go out to visit. Plus, it's so easy to tote one around, even if I do have the equivalent of a diaper bag with me every time I go out.

Would I be able to do the same with two? I'm stuck!

Her Name Is Rio · 07-02-2010, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

This is one of the subjects that I'M torn about. Kaji loves other dogs. He loves having play dates with his two favorite girls, and any other dog that wants to play with him. That makes me want another so that they can play and keep each other company. But then I think about how much our life will change. As it is, Kaji is my one and only baby and as my one and only baby he goes with me everywhere. And I mean everywhere. We do everything together, and he is so well behaved that everyone accepts him when we go out to visit. Plus, it's so easy to tote one around, even if I do have the equivalent of a diaper bag with me every time I go out.

Would I be able to do the same with two? I'm stuck!

My girl Rio was an only child until a month ago when we brought home 3 month old Bullet (boy). Before we got Bullet, we thought Rio seemed happy but was always MORE happy when she was with other dogs. We decided to get her a baby brother when she was about 1 year old. It was the best thing we ever did!

It was hard at first - Rio wasn't aggressive towards Bullet, just more like wanting to ignore him. She normally sleeps on top of our covers at the foot of our bed, but when Bullet came home she refused to sleep with us for about a week (she slept in her open crate in our bedroom). Bullet slept on our bed from day one. Now they both sleep on our bed and it's one big happy family!

They play together all the time, and Bullet has helped Rio with her picky eating. I think she realizes there's competition for food now, so she eats more and more often. Neither of them are protective over food or toys, so we were lucky. Potty training with Bullet is still a work in progress - I don't know if it's because he's a boy. Rio is fully potty trained thank goodness. That would be my main recommendation - make sure your first furbaby is potty trained before bringing in a new baby.

We bring both Rio and Bullet everywhere with us, 2 has been a little more difficult than 1, but we manage. The doggy stroller is sometimes more convenient than 2 doggy bags.

Getting a second furbaby is the best thing we ever did. I didn't think I'd have room in my heart for 2, especially with how much I love and adore my Rio. But now I love and adore Bullet too and it hasn't taken away from my love for Rio at all.

kdhawks · 07-02-2010, 12:55 PM

My Levi is technically an only child. My undergraduate roommate had a cat, my summer roommate has a little chihuahua, and my roommate for the fall (grad school) also has a small-ish dog. So fortunately, he usually does have a little playmate - however, he frequently spends time alone in my room (if I am in class, for example).

Levi would love a permanent sibling. He is so outgoing and so friendly, and I would love for him to have a little companion while I am gone during the day (his little summer chihuahua roommate stays out in living room with him during the day...and he LOVES this). But for the next few years at least, he will be my only dog. It is so much easier for me to travel and plan for only one dog. I am always SO tempted when I see others post pictures of their sweet new Yorkies, but I know that right now is not the time for another little baby.

Ringo1 · 07-02-2010, 04:10 PM

I think dogs can be happy being the only one - especially if they are going out and about with you and get a lot of your attention.

I think my Westie would have been perfectly content being the only dog - but it IS nice to have two to keep each other company.

That said, Ringo probably doesn't go on as many trips as he used to because it is harder to take two than one and you feel guilty taking one and making the other stay home.

My two cents. Your dog could be very happy either way.

Little mama · 07-02-2010, 05:41 PM

I wish they could tell us these things!!!
I get caught up in the "baby" stage, the cuteness, the needing you, Did the same thing with my skin kids, should I have another should I not??? They grow so fast , I think I would want THEM again as babies, not a new one.When you add up the costs,time and effort, I can give more to the one I have. Guess I answered my own question!! But I like to hear other opinions.
Thanks!!!

DvlshAngel985 · 07-02-2010, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little mama

I wish they could tell us these things!!!
I get caught up in the "baby" stage, the cuteness, the needing you, Did the same thing with my skin kids, should I have another should I not??? They grow so fast , I think I would want THEM again as babies, not a new one.When you add up the costs,time and effort, I can give more to the one I have. Guess I answered my own question!! But I like to hear other opinions.
Thanks!!!

I didn't get to experience the baby stage with Kaji. He came a grown man.

I'd like to, which is another reason I'm torn. I'm no help! I'm as conflicted as you are on the subject. For now it will only be Kaji and I. When our economy is better, I hope to foster. Maybe that'll help me answer the eternal question? Who knows! I'm so bad at making decisions, I might get even more confused.

Little mama · 07-02-2010, 05:56 PM

I'm REALLY impulsive when it comes to matters of the heart! I see, I want, I get. I'm a constant work in progress!!!

marcerella02 · 07-02-2010, 05:59 PM

we always throw around the idea of getting Layla a sister, but then we look at our lifestyle. We travel a lot. I think we got lucky that Layla is an easy traveller- she is very happy to just sleep all day in the truck. I worry that a second wouldn't adapt so well. Also, it is easy to sneak one into a hotel and such, it would be impossible with two. I would consider your lifestyle- if a second would work well- go for it!

Breny · 07-02-2010, 06:12 PM

I think they do well being spoiled little babies

BUT...I however, don't do well with just one

Quote:

Originally Posted by Little mama

I know there are a lot of threads about getting another pup. Allie is 10 months and I have been considering another from just about the day I got her.
Are they happy to live alone without "siblings"? She seems content but I guess I have the fantasy of 2 pups who love each other and running and playing all the time . Or should I leave well enough alone.
Does their age affect their acceptance,
Shes still young and playful enough to except a new puppy, or older and set in her ways??
Just wondering.. I'm home for summer so now would be the perfect time.
Thanks,
Janet

Britster · 07-03-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

This is one of the subjects that I'M torn about. Kaji loves other dogs. He loves having play dates with his two favorite girls, and any other dog that wants to play with him. That makes me want another so that they can play and keep each other company. But then I think about how much our life will change. As it is, Kaji is my one and only baby and as my one and only baby he goes with me everywhere. And I mean everywhere. We do everything together, and he is so well behaved that everyone accepts him when we go out to visit. Plus, it's so easy to tote one around, even if I do have the equivalent of a diaper bag with me every time I go out.

Would I be able to do the same with two? I'm stuck!

I have the same thoughts!

Jackson always lived with another dog (my moms dog) until she passed away last summer. He's def. not the same dog that he is when with other dogs... i.e. when we visit my dads house and sleep over, there's 2 dogs and his personality just shines through. He is sooo much happier. That's not say he's miserable with just us, he's just more lazy and laying around more. Sometimes it's nice because he can be so crazy at my dads house but I think it's because it's such a treat for him to go over there.

Then again, I am on vacation right now w/ him (in a hotel) and I don't think I would've been able to do it with more than 1. I'm sooo torn. HE would happier with a sibling... but would *I*?

katy-yorkie · 07-03-2010, 05:04 PM

Buster was about ten months old when we got Maggie. He got all of the attention, he did not have to share my lap, he did not have to share anything. He liked other dogs but he absolutely loved being the only dog. I think they can be happy being the only one. I like having two but he has never liked her and I don't think he ever will. I still remember the look in his eyes when he realized she was not going to leave. Breaks my heart to remember that day. He could have gone the rest of his life being the only dog in the house.

JERSEY BOY · 07-03-2010, 05:17 PM

Jersey is now close to 1 1/2 yrs old and he has a ton of energy gets along great with other pups. We started thinking about a playmate for him back in the fall. DH and i went back and forth should we shouldn't we. Will he be happy cause he's been the #1 since first day we brought him home. The king LOL. We felt it would be good for him to have a playmate so we decided to add #2. We found our second baby back in march when she was just a few days old. She came home on June 2 and we are so happy with our decision. The first week was a little rough. Jersey was a little stressed and just not himself but after about 10 days it all fell into place.
I would consider more if only I could be a stay at home Yorkie Mom. Until then Jersey Boy and Miss Brielle complete our family.

07-02-2010, 12:34 PM	#3
Roxiesmama Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY Posts: 849	I have one and only plan on having one. I think she is very happy with the way things are and so am I. __________________ Roxie

07-02-2010, 12:43 PM	#4
DvlshAngel985 Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Los Angeles, California, USA Posts: 12,693	This is one of the subjects that I'M torn about. Kaji loves other dogs. He loves having play dates with his two favorite girls, and any other dog that wants to play with him. That makes me want another so that they can play and keep each other company. But then I think about how much our life will change. As it is, Kaji is my one and only baby and as my one and only baby he goes with me everywhere. And I mean everywhere. We do everything together, and he is so well behaved that everyone accepts him when we go out to visit. Plus, it's so easy to tote one around, even if I do have the equivalent of a diaper bag with me every time I go out. Would I be able to do the same with two? I'm stuck! __________________ Littlest JakJak We miss you Kaji

07-02-2010, 12:55 PM	#6
kdhawks Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 2,359	My Levi is technically an only child. My undergraduate roommate had a cat, my summer roommate has a little chihuahua, and my roommate for the fall (grad school) also has a small-ish dog. So fortunately, he usually does have a little playmate - however, he frequently spends time alone in my room (if I am in class, for example). Levi would love a permanent sibling. He is so outgoing and so friendly, and I would love for him to have a little companion while I am gone during the day (his little summer chihuahua roommate stays out in living room with him during the day...and he LOVES this). But for the next few years at least, he will be my only dog. It is so much easier for me to travel and plan for only one dog. I am always SO tempted when I see others post pictures of their sweet new Yorkies, but I know that right now is not the time for another little baby. __________________ katy&levi

07-02-2010, 05:59 PM	#11
marcerella02 Loved by Layla Donating Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 11,257	we always throw around the idea of getting Layla a sister, but then we look at our lifestyle. We travel a lot. I think we got lucky that Layla is an easy traveller- she is very happy to just sleep all day in the truck. I worry that a second wouldn't adapt so well. Also, it is easy to sneak one into a hotel and such, it would be impossible with two. I would consider your lifestyle- if a second would work well- go for it! __________________ http://misscanam.blogspot.com/ Layla 's Simon

07-03-2010, 05:04 PM	#14
katy-yorkie Donating YT 500 Club Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Katy, Texas USA Posts: 1,458	Buster was about ten months old when we got Maggie. He got all of the attention, he did not have to share my lap, he did not have to share anything. He liked other dogs but he absolutely loved being the only dog. I think they can be happy being the only one. I like having two but he has never liked her and I don't think he ever will. I still remember the look in his eyes when he realized she was not going to leave. Breaks my heart to remember that day. He could have gone the rest of his life being the only dog in the house. __________________ Jeanie, mom to Buster and Maggie

07-02-2010, 12:06 PM	#1
Little mama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ft myers,fl usa Posts: 169	happy being the only one?? I know there are a lot of threads about getting another pup. Allie is 10 months and I have been considering another from just about the day I got her. Are they happy to live alone without "siblings"? She seems content but I guess I have the fantasy of 2 pups who love each other and running and playing all the time . Or should I leave well enough alone. Does their age affect their acceptance, Shes still young and playful enough to except a new puppy, or older and set in her ways?? Just wondering.. I'm home for summer so now would be the perfect time. Thanks, Janet

07-02-2010, 12:18 PM	#2
my2boyz Donating YT 1000 Club Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: In my house :) Posts: 5,219	Our first Yorkie was an only fid (furry kid) for the most part. We waited until he was over a year before trying to introduce a second Yorkie into our family and he never did accept another one. I always felt guilty, even though he went everywhere with us, I always felt he would have been happier with a playpal. If I would have known and I had it to do again I would have gotten a second one around the same time I got Boog...but, if it was just his personality I guess he never would have accepted a playpal as he was never really around other dogs until he was over a year...just cats. Now, my girls are different...they love everyone...animal or human they've never met a stranger!

07-02-2010, 04:10 PM	#7
Ringo1 Ringo (1) and Lucy too! Donating Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: On the Edge of Glory Posts: 3,447	I think dogs can be happy being the only one - especially if they are going out and about with you and get a lot of your attention. I think my Westie would have been perfectly content being the only dog - but it IS nice to have two to keep each other company. That said, Ringo probably doesn't go on as many trips as he used to because it is harder to take two than one and you feel guilty taking one and making the other stay home. My two cents. Your dog could be very happy either way.

07-02-2010, 05:41 PM	#8
Little mama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ft myers,fl usa Posts: 169	I wish they could tell us these things!!! I get caught up in the "baby" stage, the cuteness, the needing you, Did the same thing with my skin kids, should I have another should I not??? They grow so fast , I think I would want THEM again as babies, not a new one.When you add up the costs,time and effort, I can give more to the one I have. Guess I answered my own question!! But I like to hear other opinions. Thanks!!!

07-02-2010, 05:56 PM	#10
Little mama Senior Yorkie Talker Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Ft myers,fl usa Posts: 169	I'm REALLY impulsive when it comes to matters of the heart! I see, I want, I get. I'm a constant work in progress!!!

07-03-2010, 05:17 PM	#15
JERSEY BOY Donating YT 2000 Club Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: sparta nj usa Posts: 3,800 Blog Entries: 1	Jersey is now close to 1 1/2 yrs old and he has a ton of energy gets along great with other pups. We started thinking about a playmate for him back in the fall. DH and i went back and forth should we shouldn't we. Will he be happy cause he's been the #1 since first day we brought him home. The king LOL. We felt it would be good for him to have a playmate so we decided to add #2. We found our second baby back in march when she was just a few days old. She came home on June 2 and we are so happy with our decision. The first week was a little rough. Jersey was a little stressed and just not himself but after about 10 days it all fell into place. I would consider more if only I could be a stay at home Yorkie Mom. Until then Jersey Boy and Miss Brielle complete our family. __________________ Laurie, Jersey Boy and Miss Brielle