How do you know when you're ready
 

I know this probably sounds like a no-brainer question - but I'm going to ask it anyway.
How did those of you with more than one fur-baby know that you were ready to add to your "fur-family"?
I would love to add to our family. Bridget will be 1 in October and I would love to find a fur-kid (not necessarily a puppy). The same reason I would like another is the same reason I'm not sure. I just LOVE my little girl - she has been so much fun and added so much life to my home that I would like to add another. But at the same time I love her so much - will I love another the same? Does that sound crazy? I remember wondering that when I was pregnant with my son (I hope that doesn't sound awful) I wanted him and we tried for him - but then I got worried that it wouldn't be the same the second time. But of course it was - I love him just as much!!
I look at Bridget and think how much fun she would have playing someone her own size and energy level - then I worry that she'll have a hard time adjusting because she is so spoiled. I'm sure (actually hoping) that she would adjust - but I don't want to cause any upset to her.

What are everyones thoughts -
1.) How did you know it was the right thing to do - and did your first baby adjust quickly or have a difficult time?
2.) Is it better to add a male if the first is a female - or doesn't it really make a difference?
3.) Would the same age be better - or do you think they adjust better to a baby
4.) Is there a time frame that you would consider "too soon" to bring another in.
5.) Bridget is the "boss" around here - even to the 3 cats - will that make a difference as to age and/or sex of the next one?

Sorry for playing "20 questions", but I really want to do this right - so there is less stress on everyone. What better place to get honest opinions than here! Thanks for your input!

Barney was our first yorkie and only 12 weeks old when we got Daisy. They got along very well and always have since they were young and raised together. As the dogs aged we worried about them being alone should one of them pass (and Daisy is a very sick dog so who knows when her number is up). Anyway, we got Teddy when Barney and Daisy were 8 years old! Oh boy was that interesting. Teddy was immediately and very firmly corrected for his poor canine manners by Barney. Daisy did not correct Teddy but she tried to run away from him. It took about 3 mos before Daisy really warmed up to Teddy - she would hang around with him but not play with him. Barney wanted nothing to do with Teddy. It took 6 mos before Barney accepted Teddy as a member of the family. It is very rare for Barney to play with Teddy but Daisy always does. The three of them are very harmonious together but each is very much an individual.

I'm sure I've answered none of your questions so I'll sum up our story with this - your dog is young enough that I'm sure she will do just fine with a new addition. Dont freak out if she corrects the puppy as this is normal canine behavior. Make "good things happen" when the new puppy is around and soon enough you'll find that the two are best friends!

Bailey would get so excited when he was around my boyfriends two dogs, he just seemed so happy to be with them, So I really wanted Bailey to have a playmate around his size and age. I was going to go with an adult female first, but found it difficult to find one in Bailey's size range with a breeder that was close to where I live. I changed my mind and decided to go with another boy once I found Jesse, he was perfect for Bailey and I, and he fit in right away, I could not ask for a better experience. Bailey and Jesse meshed from the start, I thought there would be major jealousy issues, but there weren't. I love how my boys interact, they make me laugh so much, and their personalities are so different! I've had Jesse only a month and could not love him more, I love them both to pieces, and when they cuddle together in one bed it just warms my heart!!:)
Good luck in whatever you decide!

P.S..Bailey is almost 17 months, Jesse 27 months.

I had/have these SAME thoughts! For now... I've decided my lifestyle works better with one dog for now. I know he would love a playmate because we often spend a night or two a week at my dads house with their two dogs, and he's just sooo much happier and full of life. And he lived with my moms dog until she passed (he was around 10 months old, I think, when she died). I *almost* even got a rehome and totally chickened out. http://www.yorkietalk.com/forums/gen...ould-i-do.html

I guess it just depends on your lifestyle. If Jackson never got any doggy interaction and he was home alone a lot, I would want a second more. But he gets to the dog park once or twice a week, gets to my dads house with fenced in yard and their dogs a few times a week, other relatives homes, he gets lots of attention and exercise every single day. I just decided, for now, it's so much easier with one. It's easier to put him in the car and go somewhere, I'm able to bring him to certain family members homes (for holidays and such, grandma's house, etc) and I really enjoy doing that; with 2 I just don't think it'd be possible. It's cheaper, I had to remember double the vet bills, double the food, double all the unnecessary collars, harnesses, and clothes I just "need" to buy! ;) My lifestyle accommodates one dog very nicely right now and I'm basically scared to change, or mess up a good thing.

I will get a second dog eventually. I know I will and I am planning on it. But I think I'm going to wait until my life changes a little bit. I think, if I owned my own home, if I were a little more financially stable, etc, I would definitely have a second dog.

I got my first yorkie when she was 13 weeks old, she loved being the Princess. I knew she was lonesome when we went to work so we added Hobbes ( a male) 6 weeks later. He was 12 weeks old. They got along great. 7 months later Hobbes doggie mom had a new litter so we added brother Calvin , he was 10 weeks old. They do wonderful together. I was also worried about only having 2 if one passed away. We have not had any serious problems with 3. Tessie still rules the boys and the 2 cats and keeps everyone in their place. They pick on Calvin a little because he is the smallest but they end up making up to each other.They are now 18 months, 16 months and 11months old. Hope this helps. I am able to give all of them the love and attention they want. It hasn't been too much more financially since the shots aren't due at the same time and they eat the same food and share all the toys.

I'm anxious to hear more replies to your questions. I am pondering the same things right now. I may have even found the perfect addition for our family. Just a little torn if it would be too overwhelming for us.

Hugs-
Snick & Viv