If you’re thinking about getting a puppy, DON”T think twice! That is—don’t think about getting two. Do think about the 10-15 year commitment you’re about to make. Do think about the financial investment and definitely think about double the amount of pee and poo!
The biggest challenge of bringing home two puppies at the same time is their natural tendency to bond very closely with each other, instead of with you. This is true even if the dogs are not from the same litter or even the same breed or gender. The puppies will become inseparable and this can prevent them from establishing a meaningful relationship with the human members of the pack.
If you’re thinking that two puppies will entertain each other while you’re away at work, you’re right. However, if you can imagine the mayhem that one puppy can create; just think about havoc that two can produce. It’s not a pretty picture. A better solution would be to find a puppy day care or wait until a family member can be home for a few weeks while the puppy is adjusting to his new home. You might even have a friend or neighbor who’s will to baby-sit for the joy of having a puppy without the long-term responsibilities and costs of owning a dog.
If you have two children and they each want their own puppy—just say NO! Since when do kids have the right to make the rules? Remember that the adults in the family are probably going to end up doing the real work of raising the puppy and one puppy is more than enough for any person to handle.
If you eventually want to have two dogs anyway, that’s great, but get one first. Let him get acclimated for a few months and then add the second. That way they’ll both have a chance to bond with you. The chance of your pulling your hair out in frustration and returning one to the breeder or worse, the pound, will be greatly reduced.
The financial investment and potential for disaster goes without saying, but what about training? Each puppy will have to be trained and they’ll have to be trained separately. That even means housebreaking! If you find a piddle or pile in the house, how are you going to know who’s not getting with the program? If you want your companion to learn how to sit, down, come and stay, you’ll have to focus on each dog separately. Trust me! They will learn from each other, but it won’t be the things you want them to learn!
If you’ve already gone down the road by adopting two at the same time, all hope is not lost. There are things you can do. Please let me know if I can help. I’m interested in Happy Tails! Please feel free to reach me at Rachel@MaverickRanch.net or Rachel@HappyTailsPetTraining.com.
