Question:
My BF and I are hoping to find a dog come spring. We took time off over the winter...well...because it's winter and hard to get around, hard for training, exercise, etc.

We are still having an issue with being away from home most of the day. We can get it down to 9.5 hours, but that is the minimum (latest we can leave the house is 7:30 AM and the earliest we can get home is 5:15 PM). We thought that maybe having two dogs would be better than one to keep each other company. But being that we've never owned a dog, would this be a bad idea?

Ideally, if we found a paid of dogs that were already living together that needed homes, that would be great!

We are also toying with the idea of large vs small. Smalled dogs equal smaller bladders, and that is our issue.

I'd love to hear some pointers from all you experts!

Answer:
I would say if you do get 2 dogs, get ones that are atleast 2 years of age, and well housebroken. I have seen dogs hold out for a great period of time, without messing. I mean, when I went into labor, Cano went 24 hours without being let out, and didn't mess in his room at all. James did say that when he let him out, he stood there peeing for 10 minutes. Poor guy. We should have thought to call Todd, but I guess it slipped out minds.

I would definately get older dogs though. They tend to know their boundries better.

Answer:
Oh Yeah, we definately want older dogs. No puppies for us!

Answer:
Are you in a house with a yard or in an apartment? Keep in mind that after you get the dogs, Winter will return, just like it always does. How will you handle the exercise then? Larger dogs will require more exercise. Small dogs can get quite a work-out running around the house. I don't think the size of the bladder makes a difference in how long they can hold it; just the size of the puddle.

Answer:
If you think you can handle giving attention, excercise and training to two dogs, plus the double vet and food bills - go for it!

Get two adult dogs who have always been together without problems and are known not to get into fights.

Do you have a vet within walking distance? IF not, how will you get two dogs there?

Answer:
The vet is about a 15 walk from us.

We are considering buying my mother's car from her in the spring, which will solve the car issue (not that she will be happy about having dogs in it...but what can you do?)

I like that glasslass...it's not how long they can hold it, it's the size of the puddle!! That's awesome!

I know winter comes back, it's just that we will be used to it by then, so it shouldn't be an issue. We assumed it would easier to train a dog and get it used to us if we can take it out more often!

We are really starting to slide towards having two small dogs. That way they are easier to exercise and will keep each other company. Lots of people in my building have small dogs (tons of shihs, lhasas, chis and JRTs)

I am a little leary about two new dogs though, being that we have so little experience with them. Ideally, we would love a pair of dogs who are "friends" who are nicely housetrained, and known to be ok alone. But that's asking a lot.

Answer:
Just my experience....... When we got our second dog to keep the first company while we were at work we ended up having two dogs missing us all day instead of one. Even now with 3 dogs, they all hate it when we leave.

Another good point that LR mentioned is the increase in cost of food and vet bills. You would be surprised at how quickly two dogs can consume a bag of kibble - $$$$$$$. Also those unexpected trips to the vet may come more frequently with two.

good luck with your decision.

Answer:
IMHO,I would just get the one for now.The reason I say this is that you have already mentioned that you and the BF have never owned a dog.And for this reason I think it would not be the right choice for now to get 2.Once you learn more and more with one dog,and have the experience,then you both can decide on getting another later on.

Answer: