Pros and Cons of having 2 dogs?

1. 71

   Ruthbroposted 9 years ago

   Pros and Cons of having 2 dogs?
   
   Any thoughts on the benefits of have two dogs as apposed to one?

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2. 94

   DrMark1961posted 9 years ago

   There are a lot of cons--more hair to clean up, more food to buy, more dog walking required, and higher expenses (your vet, grooming costs, etc.)
   But, I always try to have at least two dogs. The pros are worth it. My dogs will play together for hours and hours, providing exercise for those days that I am in no mood to walk them. They eat together, sleep together, and generally keep each other occupied even when I am busy.
   Single dog syndrome (only dog syndrome) occurs in some dogs that do not have another canine companion. They eat abnormally, do not seem to relate well to other dogs, and may have other behavioral problems like dog-dog aggression, seperation anxiety, etc. (Most of those problem dogs seen on the Dog Whisperer TV show were single dogs.) Some second dogs will learn things from another dog that they might never learn from a human: housebreaking, waiting at the door, responding quickly when called, and others.
   And, of course, two dogs will give you twice the affection. What could be better than that?

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   1. 71

      Ruthbroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, lots of good reasons!

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   2. 93

      peeplesposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      ++++ This answer. All I would add is two dogs is an extra dog to wither board, find someone to care for if you go on vacation or lots of trips.

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3. 0

   sheilamyersposted 9 years ago

   I was going to say much the same thing as DrMark. It's twice the work, but the dogs will hopefully be great playmates and company for each other when no one is at home.

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   1. 71

      Ruthbroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks everyone, my next question  - is it better to get two females/males/one of each?

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4. 48

   erorantesposted 9 years ago

   I like having two dogs. They keep each other company. They have each other to play , and their  bark is noticeable.  They can warn any stranger that  they are ready to protect the house. The food never expires because they finished the food  before expiration.

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   1. 71

      Ruthbroposted 9 years agoin reply to this

      thank you, good points!

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5. 77

   teaches12345posted 9 years ago

   Two dogs would be great company for each other if the owner works long hours. Other than that, I would prefer to have one dog per home.  They need attention and the total love of the owner.

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6. 58

   JamesWhitakerposted 9 years ago

   Pros: I am more fun to have two dogs, since your other dog can have playmates.
   
   Cons: There can be a time that if you fail to provide equal attention, jealousy came into the picture. Aggression can be a problem too due to jealousy.

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7. 82

   peachpurpleposted 9 years ago

   2 dogs won't be lonely, got a mate to chat and growl with

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