Adding a second dog

[FLMike]

We were in the same situation a month ago. We had rescued a Black Lab mix from the local Humane Society. She, Ellie, was 7 months old when we got her and she was a ball of energy and took an extreme amount of attention to keep her out of trouble. We were at the Dog Park one day when a guy brought in a small one year old female Black Lab, now known as Scarlett. Ellie and this female hit it off immediately and were great friends. The second little Lab was a Rescue and was in a Foster home. We were fortunate in that they actually choose each other. Ellie and Scarlett played together for the next few days at the Dog Park. We were fortunate that the Lab Rescue allowed us to bring Scarlett home for a few days to make sure she and Ellie were totally compatable. It worked out extremely well for us. They keep each other company and play together, freeing me to get more things done around the house. If you have the opportunity to let the dogs interact over night I would strongly recommend it. For us, especially with the younger dogs, it has been fantantic!!!

Good luck and please keep us posted....

Michael

[Tanya]

We were in the same situation a month ago. We had rescued a Black Lab mix from the local Humane Society. She, Ellie, was 7 months old when we got her and she was a ball of energy and took an extreme amount of attention to keep her out of trouble. We were at the Dog Park one day when a guy brought in a small one year old female Black Lab, now known as Scarlett. Ellie and this female hit it off immediately and were great friends. The second little Lab was a Rescue and was in a Foster home. We were fortunate in that they actually choose each other. Ellie and Scarlett played together for the next few days at the Dog Park. We were fortunate that the Lab Rescue allowed us to bring Scarlett home for a few days to make sure she and Ellie were totally compatable. It worked out extremely well for us. They keep each other company and play together, freeing me to get more things done around the house. If you have the opportunity to let the dogs interact over night I would strongly recommend it. For us, especially with the younger dogs, it has been fantantic!!!

Good luck and please keep us posted....

Michael

don't forget to spend time with Scarlett (just her), training and getting her to bond to you and not just Ellie. and same with some one on one time with Scarlett - ESPECIALLY for the next year or so.

[k9love]

Thanks for the replies, everyone! You have given some great advice.

I think we will be ok with the money thing...also, always have vet insurance for pets so will budget that monthly payment, but at least it will cut down somewhat on unexpected surprises along the way.

I am planning on meeting the dog first, and if all goes well, I will bring my new boy into meet her a few days later. That would have to go well for me to consider it, as my first concern is him.

I guess my main question is how much more time it actually takes with 2 dogs. I know this completely depends on the dogs, so it is probably a pretty silly question

Thanks again!

[deidra]

I usually walk my dog seperatley unless I feel lazy so that takes usually 3-4 hrs depending on weather and if we are going anywhere. Then you add in everyday training and with all 3 dogs it is about 2 hrs. Then the off-leash time(fetch ect..) it is about and hr or two. so About 7-8hr each day. Good luck

[cousin kenny]

try addin a 4th or 5th dog . on top of alzhammers stuff . lol