I see this question arise frequently and thought I would share my experiences over the years to help you make a good decision. This is something that should be well thought out and knowing what you may face could help you make a good choice.
First may I tell you that getting two pups at the same time is rarely a good decision. Most reputable breeders would never give you this option because it poses many great difficulties. Raising a puppy can be a full time job if you are a dedicated parent who follows a good structured routine. Pups have many new things to learn and that becomes your job once they enter the home. They need to learn the appropriate potty place, how to walk on lead, how to respond to different sounds and smells. They need to learn about new environments, acceptable behavior when meeting other dogs and people. How to be groomed and bathed. They have many trips to the vet. They learn about crates, acceptable items to chew on and basic commands. This is most challenging for the most experienced of owners. Typically not a good choice for most people.
I have generally recommended that people wait until their pup is at least a year old before adding another. This gives you time to attend to the basic training of your first dog and help him be well on his way to being a solid companion before adding another. You will learn good information during this year that will hopefully help you if you decide to add another pup later. It is most important that your dog be well socialized and accepting of other dogs before making this decision.
One must also consider the reasons for adding another dog. I often hear "my doggie needs a pal" I can assure you this is rarely true. While your dog may be playful and enjoy other dogs it doesnt necessarily mean that he "wants" another dog to live with. Heck, dogs dont even think in those terms. Playtime with other can be arranged by a dedicated owner so your dog has this outlet. Many also think that if their dog has a "buddy" they will live harmoniously and play all the time. They think their dog will never be lonely and will not require as much attention if they have another dog. This may be true in some ways but adding another dog also changes the dynamics of ones life drastically.
If you are still in "training" mode with your first dog adding a second makes it difficult to know who the offending dog is with potty accidents, chewed items, etc. It makes attention and focus difficult to achieve with either dog as they develop a bond with one another. Time must be taken with each dog separately to train them. Well trained dogs offer a great role model to young dogs.
One must have a basic understanding of dog behavior. Frequently I am contacted from people that have fighting corgis. This generally happens because the owners have not been aware of all the warning signs the dogs have offered. Corgis are often quite possessive and pushy and can issues over things such as food, treats and possessiveness of their owners. They can be noise reactive, protective of their space and often have difficulty with doorways. Possessive and over excited dogs can be most difficult to control. One must be most aware of these issues and stay on top of them "before" a problem breaks out. Dogs that have been fighting for a time can rarely be taught to live harmoniously.
Know that expenses will double by having two dogs. Veterinary costs have risen drastically over the past few years. Please consider this before adding to your home. Many are shocked when they learn the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter, parasite control and quality food. You also have supplies such as collars, leads, toys, crates, beds, etc.
Consider what stage in life you are in. Are you a college student who lives alone? Are you in a roommate situation with other animals? Do you live with a significant other? Are you in an apartment? Planning on getting married soon? Thinking of children? All of these factors must be considered as these indicate big changes in your life to come in near future. This also can cause great difficulty while raising young dogs. I get many calls in rescue because folks are moving, they have a baby on the way or they can no longer afford to keep their dog because of new and unexpected expenses.
Many think that having two dogs will offer an outlet for exercise. This is surely true but one must also consider that "controlled" exercise is a great part of training a dog. They must learn how to be mindful of the humans in their life and be responsive when called upon. This is most difficult to achieve with several dogs that are in all their glory playing. In no way would this diminish the time you need to spend with each dog. Walking one out of control young dog is tricky. Two is near impossible. Each dog will need singular training and bonding time with their owners to be well behaved companions.
Temperament is a great consideration when adding a new dog. I generally recommend the male/female combo as they seem to naturally get along. Two neutered boys is my next choice. Two girls can be a poor choice. This combo is one that proves most difficult for many. The girls are pretty unforgiving and frequently compete for top dog. Most of all compatible temeraments are most important. A knowledgeable breeder will be most helpful in this area. A well balanced pup or dog is always the best choice. Long time kennel dogs, isolated dogs and fearful dogs make life more problematic for you and your dog. I always encourage people to avoid the most gregarious pup in a litter as well as one that does not choose to interact. Moderation is the ticket here as generally these pups are most adaptable.
Certainly there are many other things to consider. Hopefully this will help you think a bit deeper before adding a second dog. I am all for it, I currently have five and have had as many as eight. I also know how much is involved and have dedicated myself to achieving a harmonious living situation.

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Comment by carolyn matassa on May 6, 2014 at 12:23pm

Hello,

Our corgi, Sonny, will be 2 years old end of July.  We are thinking of adding another.  Our dog is well trained and well socialized.  We have fostered dogs and have had dogs come over to visit, and he is very accepting.  I'm wondering.............for those of you who have 2 corgis......can you describe  life with 2 corgis?  Good and Bad?

Comment by Cathy on October 24, 2011 at 12:32pm
Great advise.  My Cody was 2 1/2 when we got our female.  It would have been really hard to have 2 puppies at the same time.  Ours get along great and Lucy actually brought out more of the playfulness in Cody.  We almost got 3 but decided to stick with 2.  Cody is closer to me and Lucy to my husband so we have the number just right I think. 
Comment by Kathleen Unsell & CODY on October 24, 2011 at 12:00pm

Thank you, Sam, for the in-depth insight!  Back in our 20's, we had two dachshunds, and I swore I'd not have more than one dog at a time after that.  Yes, they loved each other, and we loved them, but they could become out-of-control together (we were young then too, with 2 boys, 2 jobs, etc).  Now that we are empty-nesters, and I stay home, life has changed!  I know that I will train my puppy well.  No distractions anymore, plenty of time.  However, I will start with Cody and look no further for now.  He will be traveling with us occassionally, going on bike rides (in his trailer), and will have plenty of doggie friends here in our neighborhood.  I will cross the two-dog bridge should it ever come!  For now....waiting to pick up my new baby on Wednesday!  So anxious and excited.  I'm all set: crate, bed, doggie couch, play corral, bike trailer, toys, food, harness, leash, ID tag, and lots of love here!  Will post pictures in a few days!

 

Comment by Denise Gilbert James on April 27, 2011 at 5:00pm
Very well put!! Good advice. I have two Corgis. And it is a very difficult parenting job.
Comment by Jessica O'keefe on March 25, 2011 at 11:38pm
This was so helpful. We are weighing the positives and negatives of adding a new corgi to our family, and this was very enlightening. I hate to say it but we did want another because we thought Paisley needed a buddy. Glad to know she isn't lonely!
Comment by Priscilla, CARLY, and Frankie on January 19, 2011 at 10:23pm
this is an excellent post! im really wondering now, if my wishes for a second corgi are selfish..
Comment by Biscuit, Bentley & Anni on November 2, 2010 at 12:23am
Sam,
I know this is an old post, but I just wanted to thank you for this post! there's so much to read out there, but you've made it much more practical which I really appreciate!
Comment by Gina Mac/Fergie & Minnie on January 30, 2010 at 6:09pm
I am responding to Cathi. We just finished week one of new corgi pup Fergi's arrival, into the world of 9 year old Minnie. Right now the big issue is with food. I definitely have to separate them at feeding time. So far not a lot of ownership jealousy. Minnie started out as our baby, and then 3 more human children followed. She settled into her back seat in the pack pretty nicely. Right now, and again we are only a week in, Minnie seems to tolerate Fergie as long as she still gets morning coffee with mommy, and playtime at night with daddy. Fergie is also very reserved and seems to know her place. It's funny though, because she definitely is trying to wear Minnie down. So far, so good. We definitely took a chance, and it's a lot of work keeping everyone happy. If I wasn't nuts, I would follow Sam's solid advice:).
Comment by Cathi on March 16, 2009 at 7:20pm
Thanks Sam, very timely for us as we've been discussing getting another corgi through one of the local corgi rescue groups. One of the reasons, I'm embarrassed to say now, is that Bunny is home during the day by herself and I hoped for a pal for her. The down side is that two dogs would not be welcome in my mom's house during the day, whereas my mom enjoys Bunny's company and frequently takes her to her home or for a car ride.
Bunny does get a bit possessive or anxious when I'm petting our two cats, and now thinking about it, it would be a bit for her to get used to with another dog. It would be a delicate transition for all adding another dog. I'm her person, and would be for the other dog as well. Hmmm . . . something to think about.
Bunny is 8 and we're looking at another dog her age, male, or older.
My biggest concern is of course Bunny and our two cats,

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