so i have some serious conversations with the OH about a brother or sister for Ruby but he says "two dogs must be three times as much work as one"

What are your honest opinions

"be kind"

Going from one to two is easy - stopping at two is the hard part!

I ummed and ahhhhed for a good while beofre we took on ratbitch The effect it would have on Star, did we have time for two problem dogs, the cost, the cat.

I will be completely honest with you - it has not been easy - and at times I have been in tears. But my two were extreme cases that others would not have taken on

I don't think I would take on another 'problem' whilst the other two are around - but definitely two are twice the fun! Most rescues don't come with extreme issues, and any they may have can be overcome quite easily with the right approach.

I can send you copies of the reams of questions I asked a very experienced friend and the replys I had if that helps?

K

Agree with Kelly...it's just hard to stop after 2

Honestly....for us it was easy. You already make the time to feed, walk, play etc.....and doing that with 2 takes no longer time wise at all, just seconds

Ours are fab company for each other and I must say that there is nothing I love more than watching them interact and play together, without needing me.

Oh.... and 2 balances your arms out

I have actually found it easier in some ways, having two. Dinks was first and has a lovely temprement that when Winston arrived he picked up her good habits.

I don't feel so lopsided now when walking either

Tricky one - two puppies at the same time? No no definatly no! Far too much like hard work training them individually and then together so they learn to listen to you and no just have fun with their 4 legged mate......

Having a pup when you've got an older one just how you want them - definatly! The older dog at least sets an example, if not educates the youngster in 'dog'. Makes the whole thing so much easier..... Just don't be fooled into thinking that 5 month old pup is going to be the ideal older brother or sister - wait until the 'teenager years' have passed first and the older dog is at least 2.

Errrm honestly

one dog is ok, Two dogs even better but 3 is definately the magic number

If you are walking one then you can walk 2 and not much more cost in feeding either - definately need a brother or sister for ruby

I would agree that two dogs are easier in many respects than one - its the third that often alters the logistics.

Yes you get more hair and dust ( but we are beyond caring on that score ), extra expense but they excersise each other more, are company for each other and also training is easier when you already have a dog with good recall etc.

To Diggers point though I have always has a fairly significant age difference between them.

all looking on the plus side claire

dont think your OH is going to will this battle some how

2 are great, but as the otherd said, its hard to stop at two, they do interact together, they always have company if you're not a round and they are twice as much fun

Well you know I am going to disagree there but hey I'm having a week of upsetting folk.

Two pups is hard work, really hard work, actually no Fran, I will agree with you and wouldn't recommend it unless you are comitted.

But Claire you have Rubes, she is lovely and well balanced and I would say go for it.

I shall remain neutral on this one

I would probably wait till Ruby is recovered from her injury a little more, but after that two is fun!!! Three is hard work.

I probably won't do more than two again as I'm getting on in years. Also, all I have ever had is rescues so pups I have no experience with. Have you thought of an older rescue? I have a ten year old that runs rings around the five and two year old.

I would go with it!! They are most fun to watch interact.

My advice would be to put Ruby first and foremost, are you happy with her training standard, does she need more work? If the answer's No then I'd say you would cope with a second dog, if the answer is that she needs more work then you need to ask yourself could you cope with training two dogs, regardless of the 2nd dog's temperament or training level whatever dog you take on will need some sort of training, even if it is just getting used to your routine and commands.

If you take a second dog on and Ruby isn't up to scratch, could the new dog teach her bad habits.

I'm just saying all this to give you stuff to think about, I have no ieda what Ruby is like and I most certainly have no idea of what time etc you have in your life to be able to train two dogs.

Having said all this I'm sure Robert is close enough for him to be able to help you with advice if needed.

The other thing to consider is if your OH isn't 100% committed it's probably not a good idea.

I thought long and hard before taking on a second dog , it had taken me two years to get Rufus up to scratch, he was hard work, so I then opted for an older much calmer dog which meant I still had time to keep up Ruf's work.

On that note it would all depend on the individual dog as well, if you were thinking a new pup, I would expect that to be a lot of hard work, if you were thinking rescue then the rescue would work with you to find you a suitable dog so that may be the answer.

thanks everyone for all your advice - as always good honest straight talking.

Of course my main concern at the moment is to get Ruby back up to fighting fit but Darren (OH) have had a big discussion and he is not against a second dog in fact he actually called me this morning to see if i had phoned Robert yet.

I am going to have a good old chat to Robert - try and get my head clear on what i want and what is best for little Ruby

Once Ruby is back fighting fit again I would say it would be a good idea for you to get another one, I would however go for one older than Ruby, one that has had a good stable background and is quieter and well trained, yes there are many out there, little Beth who I rehomed a few weeks ago was a perfect little girl, wonderful on lead, steady but still with plenty of sparkle and a dog like this would have been a total joy to own for you and for a younger dog to have as a mentor and companion. There's bound to be one out there that will fit the bill perfectly Claire, one that needs a new home through no fault of its own, just keep a close eye on the rescues and when the times right seriously consider it