Getting two puppies at about the same time?

[Meeps83]

We got our first dog, Nikko when I was in college and my fiancé was working full time. He loved other dogs so much that he would get depressed if there wasn't another dog around. Our neighbors had 2 dogs, my parents had 2 dogs, and our neighborhood was filled with nice young dogs. It got to the point where he would go outside and wait for the neighbors to come home and let their dogs out with little care to us. Anyway, when he was close to 5 months old we decided to get another pup. She was about 3 months younger than Nikko. They were best friends. They were inseparable. The got along great. However they were more bonded to each other than us.

For training, it seems like the house training regressed. Obedience was difficult. They were at different levels for leash walking. One jumped and the other didn't. It seemed like all of their bad habits rubbed off on each other.

We we made mistakes. We didn't have enough time or commitment. We did a horrible job with house training. Mia is still horrible with leash walking. However it was nice to have two dogs that loved each other so much. Just make sure that both are bonded to you first and each other second.

One other her thing to consider is when they pass. If they are very close in age they may pass at approximately the same time. its hard losing a dog, but having two elderly dogs together could be very heartbreaking.

If if it were my husband and I, and especially since we have a 1 year old chocolate lab whom I love to death, I wouldn't want two at the same time and I still can't imagine having a second one at this moment. Maybe within the year....but it's a large commitment. And it's also nice to form your own special bond thru training, playing, cuddling......before bringing in a second dog. Good luck

[moosebytes]

Thanks for all of the well thought out and considerate responses. Although there are actually quite a few discussions at various locations on the net that are very positive in regard to getting two pups at about the same time, our inclination is to not do it. The mental and physical drain-especially in the first couple/three months would, no doubt, take its toll, and that would probably not be in the best interest of the pups. In the end, it's most likely not going to be an issue. The 1st deposit situation is a female who is 48-49 days since the mating, and the breeder doesn't think she's pregnant (no ultra sound testing done). If she is pregnant and does deliver (expected last week of this month), we have first pick at a Y/M. This will be a B & Y litter if it happens. The second deposit is for an expected delivery around June 1st and ultra sound shows at least 9 puppies and this will be a B & Y litter as well. We are 2nd on the list for a Y/M. I'll try an update as things move along here over the next couple of weeks. I know that our "Tucker" is looking down at all of this and having a really good laugh (he was one of those Labs that always had that distinctive, happy toothy grin)!!

[shelly]

Moosebytes - whether you take one or two puppies - two active people to take care of a dog in a great setting - any puppy that ends up at your house will be a lucky dog!

[HammerLover]

If you end up doing it please look into finding a trainer to help you! I find that having a trainer on call at all times is very helpful! Also make sure both have enough alone time to memorize their own name! There are a lot of helpful leashes to buy that have double extensions that are great too!

[windycanyon]

Thanks for all of the well thought out and considerate responses. Although there are actually quite a few discussions at various locations on the net that are very positive in regard to getting two pups at about the same time, our inclination is to not do it. The mental and physical drain-especially in the first couple/three months would, no doubt, take its toll, and that would probably not be in the best interest of the pups. In the end, it's most likely not going to be an issue. The 1st deposit situation is a female who is 48-49 days since the mating, and the breeder doesn't think she's pregnant (no ultra sound testing done). If she is pregnant and does deliver (expected last week of this month), we have first pick at a Y/M. This will be a B & Y litter if it happens. The second deposit is for an expected delivery around June 1st and ultra sound shows at least 9 puppies and this will be a B & Y litter as well. We are 2nd on the list for a Y/M. I'll try an update as things move along here over the next couple of weeks. I know that our "Tucker" is looking down at all of this and having a really good laugh (he was one of those Labs that always had that distinctive, happy toothy grin)!!

My guess is the first one (if pregnant) wouldn't have a big litter anyhow, and may likely be happy to hold your deposit.
I have been raising 2 together from my last litter for the past several weeks. They will be 15 wks tomorrow. It wasn't so tough at first (mostly because I have several older labs who are wonderful w/ puppies), but by 14 wks, the job got a lot tougher. I'd not even say the first 6 mos are the toughest-- that time from 8 mos to 14mos though, oh my.

Even if you forego the deposit, I could bet you that you'd save a lot of money in the end on items destroyed by 2 sets of young chompers...

And obed classes etc are very difficult w/ 2. Many would not want your 2 in the same class, so that's 2x the travel etc.

And the thing about both growing old together-- I see that all too often unfortunately.

I hope it all works out for you. Anne

[piccadilly]

Do both breeders know you have deposits elsewhere??

[fidgetyknees]

An agility friend of mine lost her lab and springer to cancer 8 months apart the lab was only 8 years old. She got her name down with a breeder of a dog we both really like at trials (springer) ..... and then because she was really good friends with her original springer breeder she felt bad and ended up getting a puppy from her as well. 2 different puppies from 2 different litters about 2 weeks apart, she went ahead with it and it all worked out fine I think. I don't train with her any more as the puppies are only turning a year right about now, so not at the same level we are at. But what I think ended up happening is the husband too charge of training the one puppy and she the other. And if rumor has it right, her husband is going agility with the one puppy (obviously no height jumping as they are not quite grown yet).

So I think 2 pups would work out just fine if it is not just one person training them.

[moosebytes]

Yes. Each of the breeders knows about the deposit with the other. From what I hear, it's a fairly common thing around these parts.

[Mudlark]

As someone currently looking for a pup and finding it VERY hard to track down a quality puppy - I can quite see how this situation would arise - you have to register interest before the litter is born, but if a suitable pup doesn't appear, you have to have had another one that you had your eye on or you start all over again!
I kept two litter brothers all their lives, showed one and worked the other - though they each had their individual lives with me, they remained bonded and focused on each other in a total sibling rivalry way throughout their 15 years! I treasure the memories I have of them, they were an incredible pair - but I would not do it again!!

[JenC]

Sometimes it's nice when breeders don't make you give them money until the puppies are born. You are on the list but until they know they can meet your needs, you don't have to give them money. I never asked for a deposit until I knew I had the puppy for the family. And they gave it to me when they visited the first time.

But on the flip side, I put down money for a pup (a rare breed) before the mom was even bred to hold my place in line. The breeder didn't cash the check, but he's holding it.