Can't decide...add a new puppy or just keep it at one??

[Maritta]

I need some advice....I've only ever had one dog (my yorkie Gizmo for 10 years followed by my yorkie Kecia for 17 years). I just receently got Pippa a 14 week yorkie puppy and I originally thought I'd like to get another one so she has a playmate and is never alone. However, after reading some posts on here I realized that the way I imagined her having a a little sibling who she loves and adores may not be the reality. I just read a post where someone is desperatly trying to rehome her yorkie because her first yorkie is very violent with her new yorkie. So my question is...should I get another one or is it better to just leave it at one? Also if you think I should, at what age would be best for Pippa? I'm very content with just one but I always just assumed that dogs would rather have a playmate but I want to do what's best for Pippa. Thanks!

[Lovetodream88]

I could never imagine potty training two yorkies. Before getting another yorkie make sure you can afford vet care, grooming, food, emergency vet care, and supply's you might need. I don't know if you can tell at 14 weeks but a lot depends on the dog too. Mine is a very friendly dog and loves other dogs a lot but at the end of the day she wants to be the only one in her mommy's life and arms plus right now after having to do LP/ACL surgery in November and looking at having to do another one within the next few months plus normal vet care I could no financially take on another. It is also harder to travel if you like taking your yorkie with you.

[gracielove]

It really depends on your lifestyle. Is your dog left alone for long periods of time? Do you take the time to give your dog lots of exercise and play time? If you do spend a lot of time with your dog it should be very happy as an only dog because you are it's companion.
Of course if you really enjoy your dog two can be even better than one if they are socialized properly. I have added dogs with no problems at different times of my dog's life. From what I have seen of Yorkies though I think the younger your puppy is when you add a new one the better. Some Yorkies do tend to be a bit possessive so adding a new one before that ownership thing takes place would probably be best.

[Maritta]

I'm a teacher in a small town where there is no commuting. Since I had my two daughters I only returned to work part time so I'm only away from the house for about 4 hours each day. However, when my youngest starts kindergarten in 2 years I plan on going back to work full time which means I will be gone for about 8 hours each day. This is why I was thinking another dog would be a good idea. I can come home at lunch each day and I get two months off in the summer, 2 weeks in the winter, and one week for spring break. We can finacially afford more than one dog but I want to do what's best for Pippa. If keeping her an only fur child is best then that's what I will do but if most dogs prefer to have a fur sibling then I'm willing to do that as well. What do you guys think?

[Maritta]

I should also add that my dogs are my babies. I spend oodles of time interacting, playing, cuddling, walking them. They are just like my kids and I know I could not possibly be a better mom to them. This is why I take this decision very seriously. The bottom line is, what would be best for Pippa?

[MY OSCAR]

well, if you can afford the added expense of another puppy and the time to train and care for two , i think it would good to get another when the current one is still young so they can grow up together..

[ritapatt]

When my children(3) were small we had one dog, she was kept plenty busy with the goings on in the house. I got Ziva because all my children are grown and she is great company but things were too quiet and she started to become possessive and bored. We got Abby when Ziva was two- picking her out for her easy, loving, laidback nature- not her looks! The transition was a little touchy but Abby would have none of Ziva's jealousy. They are good friends and it has been great for Ziva, but would have been a bit too much with young children.

[ironmike86]

If would wait till the first pup is trains with basic commands and potty training. if you plan on doing that. Really hard to train 2 at once IME.

[gracielove]

There are many here on YT that have multiple dogs. I think the trouble comes in when a dog that has been an only dog for a while is confronted with a new addition. It depends on the personality of the dog as well. A dog that feels it "owns" it's person is going to have more trouble than a very happy go lucky dog that loves everyone and everything. If you want another dog it's best to do it while you your puppy is still a puppy. Of course you then have to train 2 at the same time. It sounds as though if you are going to do it you should do it soon since you want the training part done before you go back to work full time.

[Sweet Girls]

I always knew I wanted a second dog...but others in my house took some convincing. I think most dogs like to have other "fur" siblings. Dogs really are pack animals and I think other four legged pack members are important, whether they be other dogs, or perhaps cats. Having said that, I didn't get my second dog until my first was about 5, and then when I adopted Charlee (she was already 18 mths), George was Ok with it...but I can honestly say although the dogs live happily with each other they are by no means best friends. If I were able to do it over, I would have gotten my second dog when George was 1 or 2 years old. Old enough to be basically trained but not so set in her ways. Mind you, part of that is George's personality, she accepts other dogs, but would prefer to have all my attention to herself. In your situation, I would wait until Pippa is basically trained, and socialize her with other puppies as much as possible. If she seems to enjoy the company of other dogs, I would get another puppy before you go back to work full-time, giving yourself the time to get the second puppy settled and trained before you need to be away longer days. Might also be nice since you have multiple children, to have multiple dogs....kind of share up the love. That has definitely been an advantage in my house. George will always be MY girl, but Charlee has really bonded well with my father...sharing the love as it were.

[Britster]

I don't think I'd ever get two puppies at once. Much easier when you have one fully trained and that way they can help you "raise" the new pup. Some people do it fine, it just wouldn't be my top choice to get two puppies at once and most trainers and professionals do not recommend it either.

[Teresa Ford]

Getting a second dog is serious decision. I am retired and do volunteer things with dogs and Alzheimer's patients. I have four Yorkies and that is almost a full time job. Making meals, exercise, training, grooming and spending one on one time.
I feel like having just one Yorkie allows more time for other things in life. I think one is best if your house is a busy one. You know children, spouse, job, girl scouts PTA, swimming lessons and the gym. Two always seemed perfect for me. There are advantages to having two. Most Yorkies like company. I think two works best for people that work full time. Single dogs can get lonely.
I would never again add two puppies at once. I would wait until the first was potty trained and at least trained in all the basics. That way the older dog sets a good example for the puppy. I am a trainer and having two puppies at once was beyond awful for me. I love teaching puppies but not two of my own at once !
Having more than two Yorkies is expensive. Last year without counting hospital stays and Gracie's cheek surgery, (or Hubby's Lab Lily, being spayed), our basic doggy costs were around $2,500 for the four Yorkies.

[MamaZiggy]

I think only you would know if either you or your yorkie could handle a new dog. Its a big responsibility and decision to make from a financial, emotional and spatial stand point.

With my family, deciding to get a second yorkie (whom I am only getting in about 6 months or so) was based on:
- Me moving out into my own place next year and so having more space
- My company doing well financially allowing for this extra responsibility
-Ziggy loves other yorkies and always cries when we have to cut a playdate with our neighbors.
- Ziggy prefers female dogs, so I'm getting a girl (even though I really wanted another boy)
- With moving out Ziggy wont have as many companions, so getting him a playmate is of the uttmost importance to me

I have spent the entire year finding a good and reputable breeder in my area, and now we just need to move out.

Some dogs dont do well with other dogs, Like my Toby (lab mix, but he is fine with Ziggy after a LOT of work) but I know he would not like a playmate, so I wouldnt do that to him, BUT i know Ziggy will be thrilled!

[LunasMomma]

Have you thought about a young adult Yorkie instead of another puppy?

Whatever you decide, good luck

[Maritta]

Thanks everyone, I will definately hold off until Pippa is 1-2 years old and hopefully trained. That way I can make sure she does indeed enjoy other dogs and she will be older but not too old that she is set in her ways. One last question, is it better to get another girl or a boy? Pippa will be spayed at 7 months and I would also get the new pup fixed (if that matters). Thanks again everyone, I REALLY appreciate your input