I have a 5 year old shetland sheepdog who is pretty possessive. I found a lab in a shelter nearby who is 4.5 years old and is very calm and sweet and I fell in love with her. If I bring this dog home, will my sheltie be jealous or happy to have company during the day when we are not home? Also, are 2 dogs much harder to take care of then 1 dog?
Q & A Search
-
Sponsors
Archives
- February 2012
- January 2012
- December 2011
- November 2011
- October 2011
- September 2011
- August 2011
- July 2011
- June 2011
- May 2011
- April 2011
- March 2011
- February 2011
- January 2011
- December 2010
- November 2010
- October 2010
- September 2010
- August 2010
- July 2010
- June 2010
- May 2010
- April 2010
- March 2010
- February 2010
- January 2010
- December 2009
- November 2009
- October 2009
- September 2009
- August 2009
- July 2009
- June 2009
- May 2009
No it would be fine i think he would like the company, You just got to make sure when you go to adopt the dog that its allowed with other dogs for your dogs and its safety. It would be fine All i can say is good luck, its not harder it might cost a little more but not harder.
Note: Once you get two dogs it hard to go back to one….
Basically i had one dog for a long time got a new one then when my dog died it was really weired only having one
Hope you do get her Labs are Beautiful
Twice as much
Seeing that your sheepdog is possessive, there is a chance that it might not accept the new guy into the house, fighting over things like food, toys and your attention. Honestly, it is easier to introduce dogs to each other when they are puppies. But then again, if your sheltie feels lonely during the day, some company (in the form of your new friend) would be very welcome, so yeah i say you go ahead bring him home, and try it out. I guess 2 dogs would be harder to take care of (fights, pooping (unless there is toilet training) and stuff), but then again, 2 dogs= double the bundles of joy!
Two dogs are double the work and cost. And the dogs will probably get along fine after a period of adjustment.
Before you bring the Lab home you need to arrange a meet and greet with both dogs on neutral territory to see if they get along. My dogs have absolutely no problems with me bringing home a foster dog or even another dog into the house they don’t care. But to avoid a potential problem have them meet before committing.
As for the care, just take what you pay for 1 dog and double it. Double food, double vet bills, double everything.
No, 2 dogs are not that much harder than one, I have two, I take them to the park and to day care and everything else, the only thing I don’t do is take the Lab out to potty, that’s my sisters job, but as for everything else I handle so no it’s not that much harder.
Good luck
There is no way to definitively answer this question. It depends on how well your sheltie has been socialized and how well the lab does with small dogs.
You need to bring your sheltie out to the shelter to meet the lab before you bring the lab home. You have to be prepared for scuffles until they figure each other out. You need to be in control of the situation at all times. You need to supervise them at all times. You can’t just bring a new dog home, throw it into the mix and hope it will all work out.
Two dogs means twice the food bills, twice the vet bills, twice the pooper scooping, and twice the damage if they get playful. It also means twice the kisses, twice the warmth in bed, and twice as much fun for the dogs.
Since they’re pack animals, many dogs enjoy the company of another dog. If you can’t take your dog for a walk now and then, there’s less guilt if they have a buddy to wrestle with.
Only you and your dog will know if this is right. Talk to the shelter about the lab and then take your sheltie out to meet her.
I think that you should definitely try it out. The sheepdogs possessiveness will eventually go away as long as you show him/her that your attention can be shared. Is he/she good with other dogs that come into your home or he/she may come in contact with outside? Taking care of 2 dogs isn’t a really big challenge, my parents have 2 and there isn’t a whole lot of extra work. What you would do for 2, your already doing for one (cleaning poop, walking etc). If you bring the lab home just be prepared for some "bullying" by your sheepdog, as he/she will try and show the lab that they are the dominant one, and that is normal. Just remember to scold him/her and let both of them know that you are the dominant one.
Obviously two dogs are going to be more work than one. But if you love the dogs, you shouldn’t have a problem adjusting. But also keep in mind, treats, food, etc…it’s all going to be doubled.
The temperament of your dog will determine whether it will be a good fit or not to get a companion. Just because she is possessive doesn’t mean she wouldn’t like a brother or sister. We had a 6 year old dog with tons of issues (separation anxiety, fear of thunderstorms, guns, any loud noise, etc…) so we debated for a couple years about getting another dog. We finally got a puppy (6 weeks old), and some of the issues our older dog has have seemed to improved. Doesn’t mind being left alone and is calmer during storms (and b/c the new dog is a hunting dog & is around guns, the older dog isn’t as scared anymore). People who see our older dog say he looks happier now – more content.
Keep in mind there will be a transition period as well if you bring home the new dog (for both dogs). Because the lab you found is older, your older dog may not mind as much (doesn’t have to put up with "puppy behavior"). But, keep an eye out for the dominance competition. They will try to assert which dog is going to be the alpha dog (which usually is controlling food, toys, your attention, and unfortunately, humping).
Good Luck!