? for multiple dog owners

[albionmoonlight]

Long story short, we have a dog and are looking to get him a companion.

We have had two dogs before, and feel that two is the best number. They keep each other company, but still are real individuals--they don't become a pack.

Our search has led us to a foster mom with (you guessed it) two perfect dogs for us.

Our instinct is still only to get one of them, but it looks like getting both (and having three dogs total) is on the table.

So--how much different is three dogs than two? I have a couple of friends with 5+ dogs, and they seem to be more managing packs than owning pets. I don't want that.

Does getting three dogs make sense?

[wade moore]

Long story short, we have a dog and are looking to get him a companion.

We have had two dogs before, and feel that two is the best number. They keep each other company, but still are real individuals--they don't become a pack.

Our search has led us to a foster mom with (you guessed it) two perfect dogs for us.

Our instinct is still only to get one of them, but it looks like getting both (and having three dogs total) is on the table.

So--how much different is three dogs than two? I have a couple of friends with 5+ dogs, and they seem to be more managing packs than owning pets. I don't want that.

Does getting three dogs make sense?

I only have two, but have considered three (and may get a 3rd at some point), but I thought I'd share why...


I think it depends on your life style. We have two small dogs (Miniature Pinschers) and like to travel with them a fair amount and take them places for walks (like Colonial Williamsburg on a regular basis). To me if you're walking the dogs with your wife, 2 vs. 3 is a huge difference. The idea of me having to hold two leashes for an extended period of time is just a nightmare. So, if you're walking the dogs, I'd definately consider that.

If you have lapdogs or dogs that lay with you, as I do, this makes basic math there a bit of a problem too.. we often have where one dog lies with me and one with her.. if they're not small enough for two to lay with one of you, that's also a problem..

But outside of that, I see the first dog being the most work, and as you add more it not being too bad...

FWIW, my dogs pretty much hate each other, so that could be tainting my view.

[Franklinnoble]

We have three. They're pretty much still "individuals."

All dogs naturally love companionship, but I don't think you'll see too much of a pack mentality with three of them.

[Swaggs]

Also consider the expenses. Your food, grooming, and vet bills will probably all be tripled.

[Eaglesfan27]

I know dogs and cats are completely different creatures, but I've always found 2 cats to be the perfect number. I never had 2 dogs, but when I was growing up we had 8 dogs at our house as my grandmother never met a stray that she wouldn't take in. That was TOO much.

[Swaggs]

Also, consider travelling. It is probably pretty difficult to travel with three dogs, unless you have a large enough vehicle. And it could expensive to kennel three dogs.

All that said, if the dogs are nice and you like them both, I would probably have a tough time splitting them up. :)

[Glengoyne]

Have three, and don't consider it a problem. Training becomes a bigger priority, because you really can't have three dogs go apeshit when someone rings the doorbell. Somehow it didn't bother me at two, but with three it was too much, and they had to be broken of the behavior. Thank You Cesar Milan.