To get a second dog, or not to???

[darin]

Got a 2 year old Pomeranian that is a great dog. We think he was a puppy mill dog, and have gotten fairly well trained. Far from perfect, but we really love him a lot. Thinking about getting a second dog. Not sure of the breed, but probably smaller like he is (10lbs). I've heard the new dog will pick up most if not all of the old dogs habits (both good and bad). Anything I should be aware of or consider when thinking about a second dog? Thanks for all who respond.

He's a good hunting dog, too. Runs out to the ducks, and the ducks fly him right back to me!! hahaha

[T Mac]

We have two at a time...always.
The interaction is a hoot.
We do not hunt ours at the same time because they are too competitive....(and I can't run that fast- LOL)
But when we get a new one... it always keys off the one already living with us.
We really don't have to do much training, that way.
They pick up the routine very quickly.
We always get females. Never have thrown a male into the mix...so am not sure if things would work as smoothly if that were the case.

[darin]

Thanks for the info t mac. I PM'd you!

[2Labs]

We always have two also. We went a year with just one after my first Lab had to be put down ... and decided 2 dogs are way more fun. We adopted a Lab from a Lab rescue organization this time around and that adds to the feeling of fulfillment -- knowing we helped save a Lab and give it a good home.

Like T-Mac said, their interaction is a hoot.

Yup, the older helps train the younger. BUT, the older can also pick up some bad habits from the younger until the younger is trained, too. SO, you have to keep an eye on the interaction.

But, the joy of having 2 of them come to you for affection and leadership and play (and in my case hunting) is more than double what we get from 1 dog. :)

Although, vet bills, dog food bills, toys, etc. are sure doubled!! :cry:

[darin]

You know, it's funny. When you mention the cost of the second dog with the vet bills, etc. it makes me think. Food isn't that big of a deal cuz they're small. Even a "big eater" who is small isn't much at all. But, this dog we got pissed up our carpets so bad, we had to replace it (and of course we replaced it with hardwood) so that was a lot of money. Not to mention the furniture he trashed (another big expense). Hey, if the new one did that, we'd be in trouble. I know, I know, we were not the best at training him, and he was pretty much a puppy mill dog to boot, but if we had that type of unexpected expenses again, we'd be in trouble.