New dog or not new dog?

[whithill]

I'm back to this forum after a year or so break. This site helped me a lot when I got my first dog, Dinah (probably Rott/lab) 2 years ago from our local Humane Society. I truly believe that the info I got here is one reason I have such a great dog now. So thanks everyone. She's doing agility, loves everyone, all dogs, etc. Not one problem with this dog. So now my question:
I am toying with the idea of getting another dog and just don't know if it's good idea. Dinah seems to love other dogs and plays happily with others at the park once or twice a week. We have had dogs of all sizes over to our house (inside) and generally there is a lot of sniffing and running around, then mutual sleeping. She has never shown any hostility or territory stuff to dogs in the house. Visiting dogs have eaten her treats and played with her toys, with no problem. Is this any indication of how she'd be if a dog moved in for good? she doesn't exactly seem "lonely" here with us (we're home a lot and she gets lots of walks and classes and attention) but I wonder if she'd love a playmate? Some of my friends say they regret their decision to get a second dog, that it's a crap shoot and you never truly know how they'll react to each other, longterm. My other main motivation is wanting to help out a dog that desperately needs a home. Do rescue orgs really work with people to match a dog to the right home? Anyone have any feedback?

[LavenderRott]

Since you realize that a second dog means twice the "work" you have now, then if you want another dog for you, then start looking for a good fit. If you want one to keep Dinah from being lonely, don't worry about it. From the sounds of things, she is content with her "pack" the way it is.

[JeanT]

I got a dog for both of the reasons you are considering. It was a mistake for my first dog, though he accomodated. It was his unhappiest year of the three years I had him. I had thought he would like a companion because he liked other dogs so much. Wrong. He loved being the center of the world and was, with depression, not aggression, displaced. Sadly, I had only one more year with him after Pandora died.

I cannot say I regret taking Pandora from the shelter at age 11. She was a fantastic, charming old Rottweiler. Really wonderful, and I know I gave her a great last year of life.

I fully understand wanting to open your home to another dog. Do it for that reason alone. Your current dog may well find it to be a wonderful addition (many do), but he doesn't need it for himself.

[Judi W]

I'm sure that she would be just as graceful to an addition as she is to guest, but are you sure she is ready to retire so that you can go on and give the time that has made her into such a great dog to another?

[whithill]

I know. This is the kind of question I'm trying to ask myself before taking any action. I'm torn between knowing all the extra work involved, plus the possible negative impact on Dinah, and the acute awareness of all the dogs out there on Petfinder with URGENT on their listings.
Flip side is that I remember how impossible it seemed that i could ever manage a dog, how overwhelming she seemed when we first got her -- and now how fun and easy it is. And how well she has turned out.
I do think she is very happy with us has her pack. Sometimes I think a senior male Rott would be perfect. She is very deferent to them and develops crushes. I don't know. Jury's still out. These responses R helpful.

[RottieGirl86]

I love having 2 dogs, but I used to have 3 at one time as well - not all rotts though. 1 rott, 1 mix & 1 carrin terrier. Made life interesting!

If you're second guessing it, then - No, don't get another dog now. It requires a full commitment to get a 2nd dog. Wait until it feels right.

I actively wanted a 2nd dog when I got Max last year.

#1 - I did not want just 1 dog in my house. I like multiple dogs. The dynamics are different. For 8 years we had 'kick me' dogs (smallish), then got Sasha after my brother was divorced. What an eye opener that was!

#2 - playmate for Athena - boy, do they play. I lucked in.

#3 - protection even though I don't expect him to protect me - just a deterent if a trespasser/burgler has 2 dogs to handle! Living alone, I wanted the extra woof! I get them too! 2 am in the morning they let me knwo when some critter makes noice outside. lol.

[whithill]

Yeah, I no longer expect protection from burglars, not after having my bike stolen, twice, off my porch, with Dinah snoozing just inside the window. But God forbid a plastic bag might blow around on the porch at 4 a.m. Now that's cause for alarm.
I hear what you're saying about second-guessing, but I sure had doubts when we brought her home -- felt like a leap of faith -- but sometimes those leaps work out... Just trying to be careful. I know I'm not ready yet tho.