Puppies in Pairs

[godfreyc]

Out of curiosity, I've owned rotties for 15 years now. The first experience I had with the breed or a form of it was with a GSD/Rottie cross. He was my dog but stayed with my parents when I joined the service and before I got my own place past away. We didn't own any other dog during the time we owned this one. Now for my point, doesn't it seem to some of you old timers that people jump into this thing to fast. The learning I did with Goose was invaluable, and taught me what I was really up against even when I had my first Rottie, I owned her for 2 years and let us both learn what to expect before I brought another dog into my home. Do you think unrealistic to bring in two puppies from a breed like the Rottweiler and think you will live happily ever after? I wish people would test the water before they jump in with both feet. What made me think of this was the post about the 2 puppies dumped right before the Houston floods because the owners couldn't handle them. It also is frustrating to warn people and then have them do it anyway, only to have them say later "you were right" because by then it's too late. Anyway just thought I'd open a can of worms today.

[Judi W]

My opinion has always been "show me what you can do with one dog, take it as far as it is reasonable and capable of going" and then we talk about a second one. That often means about 7 years or so unless the dog has serious health problems.

[Burnsway]

Godfrey,

That would be my post, roflmao!!!

And it still hits hard... :(. When my husband said he wanted to go get a pup from this litter I said no for many reasons. One being in an apartment with 2 very old dogs, one 16 and one 12. But my husband wanted one of these pups real bad and my no wasn't going to stop him. This is sore for me because my husband works for this guy and when he did what he did it tore us apart!! This guy has a perfect setup for all his dogs and he treats them very good but I have no idea why he just flipped and he came home one day and just hauled the other two off.... :(

There were 8 pups in that litter and 6 were placed. I chose Psyche because when I saw her I could tell she was sick and also the runt. We were the last ones to get a pup from him and I had made it clear when we got our land I wanted the other female. I guess he couldn't wate anylonger.... :( I now look at Psyche as a rescue due to the fact that in my heart when I went and saw the situation I was prepared to tell my husband no till we got there and I knew this wasn't good..;-(

They were dumped because they chewed thru his mobile homes back wall. Im glad we took Psyche now!! I just can't even handle the thought of her also being dumped. This guy has 3 adult dogs. A beagle, Purbred Rott and a half lab/rott mix and I have lost all respect for the owner and I will not even at the moment go to my husbands work because if I see him I'm afraid that my husband will no longer be employed!!
:(

I did get a little revenge though, I left a message on his machine, asking where he dropped them off at and that we have organizations now to help with these things. I didn't know he had told his wife they ran away. In short she ripped him a new ^%*$%^^$%#!!!!



But I also got ripped to when my hubby got home and found out I called... But it was worth it... ;)

[ July 10, 2001: Message edited by: Burnsway ]

[godfreyc]

Good for you Burnsway! I just get so p**** when people treat getting a puppy like buying an accessory. Besides the fact that I am a Capricorn so a perfectionist TypeA personality. IMO rotties need this, i.e. fed the same time everyday, not moving all the time etc. I love this breed, but it puts me in a position where I have to discourage almost everyone who ever asks from getting one.

[Burnsway]

Godfrey,

My furbaby is only 75% Rottweiler but she acts and has a lot of the rottie looks and when people ask me how it is to own one I also discourage them till they research, then I give them the name of our area rescue.

[Sansano]

Originally posted by godfreyc:
<STRONG>Out of curiosity, I've owned rotties for 15 years now. The first experience I had with the breed or a form of it was with a GSD/Rottie cross. He was my dog but stayed with my parents when I joined the service and before I got my own place past away. We didn't own any other dog during the time we owned this one. Now for my point, doesn't it seem to some of you old timers that people jump into this thing to fast. The learning I did with Goose was invaluable, and taught me what I was really up against even when I had my first Rottie, I owned her for 2 years and let us both learn what to expect before I brought another dog into my home. Do you think unrealistic to bring in two puppies from a breed like the Rottweiler and think you will live happily ever after? I wish people would test the water before they jump in with both feet. What made me think of this was the post about the 2 puppies dumped right before the Houston floods because the owners couldn't handle them. It also is frustrating to warn people and then have them do it anyway, only to have them say later "you were right" because by then it's too late. Anyway just thought I'd open a can of worms today. </STRONG>

Well, I can only talk from my experience. I have a 9 month old male. For a while when I got him (10 weeks old) I fostered his brother. Let me say this, it was not twice the work...it was quadruple. I was very happy when we found a home for him!! For him and me both. You just don't give the puppies the proper amount of time and energy when you have two IMO.

[Michael C.]

I always wanted two, but can't imagine the Hell my life would have been if we had two puppies at once. One is enough work as it is. Especially since I have never owned a dog before.

[AngelBunny]

Two puppies is a terrible idea for the average pet owner, for many reasons.

The main reason is the average pet owner can barely do a *marginal* job training one puppy.

The average pet owner doesn't realize that both puppies need extensive one-on-one time with the owners to ensure the puppy grows up focused on humans. It's so much easier & convenient to do things with both puppies together, but in the long run, this is detrimental to both puppies.

There're only so many hours in the day that don't already belong to commuting to work, working, doing chores around the house, spending time with the spouse & kids, being a good son or daughter, volunteering in the community--the list of life's chores & responsibilities goes one & on--that there's barely enuff time for the average pet owner to train & socialize one puppy, never mind two.

I've had Rotties since 1984. I wouldn't want two puppies at once.

[Michael C.]

Originally posted by AngelBunny:
<STRONG> .

The main reason is the average pet owner can barely do a *marginal* job training one puppy.

</STRONG>

You got that right! Reading books on how to raise a puppy and actually doing it are two different things. I can't imagine what Sasha would be like now if it weren't for this site.
:)

[godfreyc]

I feel like it's a whole lot like kids. One baby was doable. I managed it kept my sanity and did a good job even if it's me saying so, but two babies? Not unless I'm forced by powers outside my control, and I say that as someone who's "been there, done that" I'm so tired of people thinking that dogs are like buying a lamp. The other thing is if you've ever been around any puppy you know they will find trouble, the only difference with two is if one didn't think of something the other one will, so then they spend all their time in trouble.

[WorkinDogz]

Originally posted by godfreyc:
<STRONG>I feel like it's a whole lot like kids. One baby was doable. I managed it kept my sanity and did a good job even if it's me saying so, but two babies? Not unless I'm forced by powers outside my control, and I say that as someone who's "been there, done that" I'm so tired of people thinking that dogs are like buying a lamp.</STRONG>

Well...I have a little experience in BOTH the K9 and the human double-the-trouble-double-the-fun department!

2 sets of human twins and yes; there were advantages (they played together and kept each other company) but in order to make sure they knew they were INDIVIDUALS; not a "set"...it takes/took an extroidinary amount of time and dedication from EVERYONE in the household..not just ME.

I've also had multiple "young" dogs at the same time and even when dogs and training were my "full time job" it was taxing in every respect. Physically, emotionally and in time.

Cutting corners isn't practical or responsible whether you're talking children or dogs.

Sometimes....people allow their heart to get in the way of good judgement. It's not easy to walk away from a puppy that you KNOW is going to end up in the pound if he's not taken soon.

More people should walk away though. Allow someone else the chance to provide the home complete with love, time and attention.

That good home could be only one phone call away...or the next opening of the door at the Shelter.

Knowing limitations (by being realistic about how much time you actually do have to "do it right") sure would make the decision making process easier.

Mom always said "Think with the Head; not with the Heart." Both have to be in agreement when a life does indeed depend on it!

[alexav]

I am always SO happy when people ask me for advice BEFORE buying a matching pair of lamps. -Oops, I mean before bringing multiple puppies into their home.

There seems to be this romantic idea about having two puppies frolicking happily in the yard with the kids, safely behind the white picket fence. DREAM ON!

If they don't find out before it's too late and fall in love with both puppies, they find themselves in deep trouble later. In fact, I don't know of a single case of double puppy syndrome that worked out for the best. I believe that the puppies are so bonded and dependant on eachother that the human bonding is very difficult for someone knowledgable and downright impossible for a first time dog owner. Many times it turns out to be a stressful, aweful, sad experience for the human and the pups and what a shame. It could have been so easy if they had just done a little research.

BTW, you can usually tell when someone is a little "idealistic" when they tell you they are going to get a pair of (insert breed here) and know what they will name them before they even lay eyes on them let alone see what the personality is like...Usually cutesy Disney pair names.

[ July 11, 2001: Message edited by: alexaV ]

[Roscoe's dad]

Before you get 2 puppies, maybe you and your significant other should first experiance twin 2 year old boys. If you live thru that and want a repeat performance, go for it you will have my prayers.

[Mojave's Mom]

Originally posted by Roscoe's dad:
<STRONG>Before you get 2 puppies, maybe you and your significant other should first experiance twin 2 year old boys. If you live thru that and want a repeat performance, go for it you will have my prayers. </STRONG>

LMAOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!!! Roscoe's dad, you and WD should share your horror stories...she's got TWO sets of twins...wow! I have great respect for ANYONE who is a parent, but parents of twins earn some serious brownie points! :D ;)

[godfreyc]

I just want to say WOW :D my first really successful topic :) I'm proud.