multi-pet households

[Rottlva]

My rottie was a single dog amongst 2 cats before I moved in with my then to be future husband. Then he brought along his dog into the picture and Max's eyes gleamed with delight he seemed to really enjoy having a playmate at all hours of the day. Do you think that dogs are generally happier having another dog in the house?

[SABELLESMOM]

My guess would be in general, yes when you are home. But it depends on the dogs too. For instance 2 (especially same sex) large dogs left to their own devices might get into some aweful fights that started out as play. Whereas, 2 tiny dogs might sleep all day...or at least they are less likely to do damage.

We currently have 2 very different sized dogs and the Rottie is still a puppy. The Cocker (7.5 yrs) is beginning to show his age. While they enjoy each others company when we are home, I would not trust them loose in the house alone. The pup (12 mos) has always been careful in her play so far but how long will that last if we were not there?

The cat wants nothing to do with either of them, although they do seem to like her.:p

[tilerspop]

Yes, dogs do enjoy having companions of the same species around. I have to agree with Sabllesmom though, when you're not around to supervise, the animals need to be segregated. Having more than one dog in the house is good for the animals, and I believe contributes to a better quality of life and a longer life span:) . It also makes for some cute momements and harrowing times. In short, it keeps life interesting for you too;) .

[angrygenius]

Dogs are by nature social animals, not solitary souls. In the wild, dogs are always aligned with a pack or seeking admitance to a new pack, even if they go off by themselves for a while. I know my dog was a lot happier after I got my rescue, Brutus, and for a Rotty, it just about takes another Rotty to live through the level of exuberence that they call "play". Crash, slam, bang roughhousing seems to be the preferred method of play, and if you let them go long enough they MIGHT get tired, although I've never seen that happen. JG

[rompinrottie]

my girls love new additions to the family :D they have more playmates to play with and they never get bored :o
and they get more new toys so yes I think they like new additions and new playmates, ;)

rompinrottie



my girls .........



tessa female rottie 8 years old
brittany female rottie 6 years old
jewel female rottie 5 years old
flower female rescue bassett/beagle 3 years old




YOU WILL NEVER HAVE A MORE FAITHFUL BEST FRIEND THEN A ROTTIE

[Judi W]

While most enjoy their doggy playmates, there are real advantages to being an only where the total focus is on their main job - being a companion to man. Being an only means you never have to take turns going on walks or to the store, you get all the training time and don't have to share that parcelled out, and you snooze so you are well rested when your people come home. It means that you go to play dates with other congenial dogs and don't have to adjust to living with conflict when the family brings in a dog that does not match.

[NJrottielover]

Our two rotties (opposite sex) absolutely adore each other. I can't even picture them apart. They are best of friends, and keep each other company constantly when we're home and when we're at work. We do things separately with them- obedience classes, walks, trips to friends, etc., so they're not completely dependent on each other. I think it's wonderful how much they love each other. :)

[Burnsway]

Originally posted by Judi W
While most enjoy their doggy playmates, there are real advantages to being an only where the total focus is on their main job - being a companion to man. Being an only means you never have to take turns going on walks or to the store, you get all the training time and don't have to share that parcelled out, and you snooze so you are well rested when your people come home. It means that you go to play dates with other congenial dogs and don't have to adjust to living with conflict when the family brings in a dog that does not match.

This is a good advantage too. Although we have 3 dogs Psyche feels like an only because the other 2 are so old that they have resorted to their retirement couches most of the time. They get walks and stuff but the lake trips, outings and most training is focused on Psyche alone and our bond is stronger then it was when I had Angel, nicki, and (smoky No longer with us.) They were all within 4 or 5 years of each-other. The two Pomeranians were within a year of each-other. There time was split up among all three.

I see a huge difference to where Psyche feels more like a companion and a best friend then the others seemed more as family household spoiled pets.....:D I however did have a pretty good companionship with Angel because I had her as a teen alone for quite a few years and we did everything together. She even went on my dates with me.....:o

[New NJ Mom]

My girls love the company. I brought my old girl with me when I went to the pound this way I could see how the two interacted. They get so upset when I seperate them, it's the cutest thing.

My groomer even comented that my GSD (with me first) has become so much nicer. They didn't need to muzzle her this time. I belive she is happier now and it shows.

[damp]

Originally posted by Judi W
While most enjoy their doggy playmates, there are real advantages to being an only where the total focus is on their main job - being a companion to man. Being an only means you never have to take turns going on walks or to the store, you get all the training time and don't have to share that parcelled out, and you snooze so you are well rested when your people come home. It means that you go to play dates with other congenial dogs and don't have to adjust to living with conflict when the family brings in a dog that does not match.

Judi
You reminded me why I only have one dog at the time ;)

[Grendl]

Years ago I read an interview with an animal behavior expert who had spent years studying dogs and cats. The question she was asked most frequently was "what do dogs/cats want?" She said she had yet to figure out what cats wanted, but the answer was easy for dogs - "they want to be with other dogs." And I cannot imagine my two current Rotts apart; they enjoy each other's company so much.

[ILoveRotts]

The more the merrier!:D

My girls adore each other. They are inseparable. I think it depends on your situation but since we work all day - they are not so lonely when they have each other. My girls also play with each other all the time. It's great.

Of coures, you have to be prepared for double trouble!

Oh - and don't assume tiny dogs do less damage. I had a 15lb poodle growing up that destroyed everything! He scratched through a door once.


:)

[Miabella]

I think that dogs are often happier with a canine playmate if the new dog fits well into the existing hierarchy. Putting together two dogs who are close in the social structure is going to make for a lot of upheaval in the household. However, if you can match a laid-back, submissive type with a pushier, more alpha type, you can easily have harmony and 2 happy dogs.

[rottmommie]

i have two dogs, both separated when I am not around.
However I know a man with three rotties, and those three dogs seem to be so well behaved, no having ot take turns with them. They all get a walk together at the same time, play in the in ground pool together, and have the run of the home together.....seems that this guy is REALLY a rottie kind of guy, as his kids have mentioned that the dogs are better cared for and have more toys and attention than they did!!!
(retirement is good)

[DixieGrl113]

Roxanne is the only one of mine that I have had by herself. The others were all additions after her...She's still a very happy dog. She's not underfoot so much, and she doesn't get in such a rush to meet and greet other dogs. But that might be our obedience work also ;) My 4 are always together, if one gets up to go somewhere they're all goin to check it out. I think that always having a playmate available makes Roxy happier. She was fine when we added Zeus. When Dacey came her and roxanne had issues(mostly zeus giving his attention to another dog and not Roxy) I gave them time to get aquainted and they got over it. When I got Beau he was still a baby and was immediatly taken in under Roxanne's "wing". He became her baby and she kept him in line and "protected" him when the others got too rough with him. All in all she probably is a little happier living with other dogs. She's still my favorite and my "go anywhere" partner. When I travel so does she. I don't think the others get upset by it b/c they've never known it any other way. I think she has the best of both worlds. :)