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  1. #11
    Real Retriever Zookeepermom247's Avatar
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    Hello, all thoughts appreciated. Just for clarification, I never said specifically she needs a playmate just for her. OBVIOUSLY , it is because we adore our labbie and want another to adore. I simply was asking for thoughts.

    Thanks,
    Sophie's mom

  2. #12
    Real Retriever Laura's Avatar
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    May 2014
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    My previous dog, Jake, was much happier as an only dog. He was much more playful before Harley came into the picture, and once he had to compete for toys, he just stopped playing altogether. After Harley died, it was obvious that he was content alone.

    This time around, I am going to try to be more in tune with how my dog might react. Based on Theo's behavior now, I wouldn't bring another dog into the picture. He likes to play in group, but he enjoys all the attention at home now. Maybe that will change as he matures, maybe not.

  3. #13
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    May 2014
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    Eastern Ontario Canada
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    Quote Originally Posted by Sophie's mom View Post
    Hello, all thoughts appreciated. Just for clarification, I never said specifically she needs a playmate just for her. OBVIOUSLY , it is because we adore our labbie and want another to adore. I simply was asking for thoughts.

    Thanks,
    Sophie's mom
    In the end it's a very personal decision. Having time, money and energy for another puppy. Only you know where all that stands. I find two dogs more work. I waited 7 or so years to bring in a second dog and that was with fostering (best of both worlds in some ways) and some very hard to let go fosters at that. In the end, I waited too long as rocky seemed more playful a few years back, or maybe it's just how he and Penny work regarless of his age. But *I* was not financially or mentally ready for a full time second dog until Penny. Rocky loved being an only dog, and i bring him everywhere. MUCH easier to bring one dog everywhere Penny is very in your face demanding attention and Rocky sits back for ou to go to him so I have to remember to go give him a belly rub.

    The two other issues are - having yoru first dog trained enough so that they help train the puppy and you can concentrate on the puppy (but again, some people don't do this and make it work, just more work!) and how close in age the dogs are - having two seniors. I like having a dog I can run/do sports wtih so want at least one at the age for all that (and living alone, I cannot do three dogs - even fostering a dog is much more work now).

 



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