Only Dog sydrome...

[Serah]

So I have my dog, Summer... She is your classic, "once in a lifetime" dog...absolutely the air I breathe. She goes everywhere, every show, every hotel, every vacation, she is constantly with me and never lets me out of her sight.

For a year I fostered a great dane for a friend of mine. I absolutely loved having him around... He was not quite as obedient as dear Summer, so he didn't get to go on all the trips, but spent the days with me at the barn and stayed at the farm when we traveled to shows...

So my dilemma is this, I know that Summer loves playing with other dogs, and I would love to adopt a dane from a rescue...But I'm worried that she likes being the only dog, and has my undivided attention. She gets so excited when my customers bring their dogs to the barn and really likes playing with other dogs, but I still worry about breaking her heart by adopting a "sister"....

Anyone felt the same way before getting a second dog? Anyone have regrets? Should I just let her play with the dogs that come to the barn and the shows? I really want a second dog... just don't want to sacrifice the happiness of my girl...

[Simkie]

Oh, god. Yes.

My older Ridgeback, Riana, was an only dog. I took her everywhere. She was always with me. And even now, she is MY DOG.

But she loves having a younger sister. Koa fills her day ... probably more than being with me ever could. And even though she doesn't get to travel with me as much, she's still a happy, happy dog.

And I admit: the second dog is HARD. Koa is SO MUCH different than Riana (and I really tried to stack the deck in my favor...they're 3/4 siblings.) But Koa is neat in her own right and she's good for Riana-dog.

Things will be different with two dogs, but they won't be BAD with a second dog. Don't be afraid to take the plunge.

[Tiffani B]

I had a happy sweet wonderful only dog. When she was about 2, I got a puppy. They got along really well, two peas in a pod, for about six years, but then Sierra started to get jealous and started withdrawing and hiding in my closet or under the bed. She would bite and snap at Nosey when they'd play or eat. I think it was just age... she didn't want to play or be social.

I finally, after much heartbreaking soul searching, gave her to a family where she would be the only dog, with a preteen girl who wanted a dog so bad she would have cut off her left arm. They are deliriously happy. I go check on Sierra about once a month and the match was made in heaven.

I still have the "puppy" Nosey (9 now!), who is my heart dog and she is so happy to be alone. She does NOT like other dogs so I won't be getting another one while she's alive.

Moral of my story is, even though my first dog loved other dogs and got along with the new one, the dynamics changed and ultimately she was unhappy.

Although, my mom always replaces a dog when one dies (she keeps two at all times) and has never had an issue. Her current pair are Golden females, one nine and one 18 months and they get along wonderfully. So it really depends on the dog!

[vacation1]

I have the same concern. I've been thinking of adding a puppy or younger dog, but feel like it would upset my very affectionate, very possessive dog. I haven't decided yet.

One thing I've read is that it's safest if the second dog is the same size or smaller than the established dog, which I would think might be problematic when you add a Dane:)

[Thomas_1]

We've always had multiple dogs and yet I've had special "once in a lifetime" connection with occasional dogs. There's the thing though. It's possible for this to be more than once.

The thing is that dogs are sociable pack animals. You're putting your feelings on the dog though. If it considers you it's leader now, then there's no need why it shouldn't continue to do that when you get another.

However if your dog is dependent and/or possessive then I'd be thinking that's a concern and be personally looking to change it's management.

[MrWinston]

The "only dog syndrome" is a huge heartbreak waiting to happen. I lost my only dog once very suddenly and it was devastating. We have had multiple dogs since then. Of course it's devastating to lose any dog or pet, but the others make me carry on for their sake.

My dogs just don't have the option of being unhappy about not being an only dog. I expect them to accept my choices and be happy with each other and get along. It's been working out just fine for alot of years now.

[Buffyblue]

Last year I got my (then 9 y.o. now 10 y.o.) Aussie a little Aussie "sister" for her birthday. She had been the only dog in a house full of cats for 9 years. The first day she was horrified! After that, she adjusted and the two of them are quite a pair now.

[WorthTheWait95]

I recently adopted another dog at a show in KY (you can read about some of her health troubles on other threads) and was very, very worried about what it would do to my JRT.

My Jack is my once in a lifetime dog. She came with me to college, has gone to every horseshow with me since I got her when I was 12 and has very rarely missed a day at the barn.

The addition of my new dog hasn't really changed anything though and I think she does enjoy the company of her new sis when I'm away at classes. They're pack animals and while it was rough the first few nights in the hotel room while my new girl learned her place I often come home to find them sleeping in the same bed now. :)

[EqTrainer]

I currently have three dogs.

One of them really would like to be an "only". Seriously.. if the right person came along, I'd give him away to them because he really truly wants to be one dog with his one person. The other two are perfectly normal goobers who adore each other and all of their people.

The dog I had, previous to this pack of three, also wanted to be an only. He was too well mannered to be obvious, but when I got a puppy he eventually made it clear that he was not happy and was not going to get over it. That puppy now lives with a friend and I see her often :) he died a year later. Incidentally, he was a very social dog, got along w/every dog he ever met - just didn't want to LIVE with another one.

So yes, there are dogs who really don't want another dog in their world. I don't think you know for sure until you try it.

FWIW, both of my "onlies" are Border Collie, BC cross. Interesting.

[MrWinston]

I've kept three sets of male (neutered) Dobes together even though it's not recommended. They are supposed to fight. Never had a single incident, not even such a thing as a serious warning. Two males would have been happy to be the only dog or the only male. Aloof with the other male and not interested in playing very often, always the older one. My attitude is GET OVER IT! They have individual attention and training and the very best of care. No dollar spared for veterinary needs or quality food, etc. They are dogs and they need to fit into the human plan. They adapt and are happy.

[JohnDeere]

I tried to get another dog. Ive had multiples int he past but have only 1 useless one now. The other dog was at a horseshow and was being adopted out. She was cute as a bug but tried to be top dog--on top of my old useless one. She found a single dog home.

Useless one doesnt care about other dogs. Hes rather mentally impared--hes never played with another dog since I got him. Hes the bottom of the totem pole so thats probably why.

Someday Ill get another dog but not till this ones gone.

[Nancy!]

Our first cattle dog was an only dog. He liked his friends to visit but after 3 days he wanted his home back to himself. We were not going to get another dog until he passed on.

When he was 13, a friend asked us to look after a 9 month old cattledog for a few days. Jasper didn't seem to mind probably because of his age. So we ended up with a 9 week old cattle dog girl. Jasper loved to play "bitey face" with her and seemed not to mind her around. Of course she worshipped the ground he walked on which helped.

When Jasper passed on, it was a much easier transition since we had another dog to keep us company and ease our pain. She is the same as him and is an only dog. I imagine we'll get another when she is much older.

Nancy!

[BuddyRoo]

I had always intended to get another when my guy was about 4-5 years old. I figured he could help me train the new kid on the block. And then I panicked a little. LOL Same issue as you.

I put it on the back burner waiting for a good rescue situation....several that fell through...so more on the back burner. I was a little weirded out by getting a pet for my pet on the one hand...and on the other, worried that I wouldn't give the second dog enough attention and consideration.

Then I got a roommate w/ a dog. I don't particularly LIKE her dog, but the two dogs have such a good time! I am seriously considering getting a second this winter for me.

Good luck!

[Blinkers On]

I was worried when I brought dog #2 home that the king would object. He ate the fence and escaped the first day in his objection. She wormed her way in rapidly and now he is her gaurdian and dear friend. I did get a young dog because I thought he might be more accepting of a young dog as opposed to an older dog. I am glad I have the two of them. Now I worry how she will be when I euthanize the older dog. I assume it won't be long and she's never been a "single" dog. I don't know that I would bring another dog into the home asap.. She can come to work and everywhere I go, so she will be ok but I hate that she is going to have to be a single dog one day.

[In_]

Give it a try! I have an 8 yr old retriever who is my other half. He and I have been through everythng together; he reads my mind I swear. However - he is eight and a type of retriever whose lifespan is eight to ten years. I noticed him whinning at other dogs - but he would not want to play. He just wanted to be around them. So, a dog at a rescue four hours ago 'found me' and I took the plunge. Yes, there was an adjustment period. Yes, his feelings did get hurt a little. And yes, there were some trying moments when the dogs were figuring out their pack dynamics. But he is much happier - and I have little guilt leaving him alone for two or three hours when I go out and do things that are not dog friendly.

Something that was important to me was that my male approved/picked my new one. This may not be an issue if your dog is a happy, loves anything that moves dog, but I found that mine (while not aggressive) was warmer to some than others. So when we went to see the one I would end up adopting, the only 'test' I did was plunk my male out of the car and see what he did. He said "Hmm - okay" and off we went :)

And because we all like pictures...
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30329153&l=5509be60b9&id=1227870001

This is when I knew it would at least work out - during the four hour car ride home after picking the new one (pink collar..not my choice!) up
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30121026&l=7e524c8a25&id=1227870001