Michelle My Bell Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 (edited) So we are getting our new golden retriever puppy in 3 weeks through a golden retriever rescue organization. They have 5 puppies total (will be 8 weeks when we get him). Anyhow, I keep thinking I would really love to have 2 brothers. We have been preparing for months reading books, watching videos etc... and we are really dedicated to training this puppy. My thing is, I really want 2! Is that a bad idea. I need advice and wisdom. Thanks! UPDATE: I posted my thoughts and a poll on post #40 Edited January 18, 2012 by Michelle My Bell Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I've done it. I'd probably do it again. I think it's a terrible idea. I definitely feel as though my dogs are 1/2 trained, if that. They need 1-on-1 training that I just don't have the time to give them with bunches of kids running around. Instead, I always wind up working with them 2-on-1, and they distract the heck out of each other! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edelweiss Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 We got a new puppy in November. Yes, I think you are crazy. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted January 17, 2012 Author Share Posted January 17, 2012 I've done it.I'd probably do it again. I think it's a terrible idea. I definitely feel as though my dogs are 1/2 trained, if that. They need 1-on-1 training that I just don't have the time to give them with bunches of kids running around. Instead, I always wind up working with them 2-on-1, and they distract the heck out of each other! Your response cracked me up! :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted January 17, 2012 Author Share Posted January 17, 2012 :lol: We got a new puppy in November. Yes, I think you are crazy. ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 You're not crazy, but I would think that getting one now and waiting until he's about 3yo and more settled, and then getting another puppy would be better. Older, well-trained dogs tend to help train the puppy by showing them how it's done. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geo Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I've done it.I'd probably do it again. I think it's a terrible idea. :smilielol5: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparrow Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 Insane? No. Could I do it? No. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jujsky Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I think it would depend on how much experience you have with training dogs/puppies, and how much time you have. It's really better if you're going to take on 2 at once to have a person training each dog (you and your husband, or you and an older, responsible child). It is extremely difficult to train 2 puppies at once if you're doing it alone. It can be done, but you would need one-on-one time with each of them. If you don't have much dog/puppy experience or you don't have another person dedicated to training one of the dogs, I'd advise against it. It's easy to be overwhelmed by one puppy, let alone 2, and Goldens tend to be a higher-energy breed -- especially when they're young. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mimm Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 (edited) I've never done it so maybe my opinion doesn't count for much but I think there's something to be said for getting through that annoying puppy phase all at once. ETA, of all the dogs I've ever personally been around and tried to train, the Golden Retrievers were the easiest. Edited January 17, 2012 by Mimm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jamajo Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 You're not crazy' date=' but I would think that getting one now and waiting until he's about 3yo and more settled, and then getting another puppy would be better. Older, well-trained dogs tend to help train the puppy by showing them how it's done. :)[/quote'] Good point. We got our puppy at 3 months, he is now 11 months. I ofen think he needs a friend. The only way I would do it, is if someone gave me the puppy for free. Our puppy gives us plenty of laughs but when we want to travel it is a bummer b/c I refuse to put him in a kennel. And in the beginning there were a lot of vet bills totaling approx. $500. That is a deal breaker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happy Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 The dogs tend to bond with each other and less with their humans. Yes, they do keep each other company which can be a good thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mama2cntrykids Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 I've had two litter mate puppies before. I would never do it again! It's hard enough with ONE puppy, but TWO was triple hard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JudoMom Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 We got an American Eskimo female 13 years ago, and 1 year later got a male (her half-brother). Maggie potty trained Chewy. They were more bonded to each other than they were to us. When Maggie died (Sept 2010), Chewy stuck to me like glue and adored me the way he had adored Maggie. We decided that we'd most likely never have 2 dogs again. We brought Jedediah home 2 days before Chewy died (we knew Chewy didn't have long left, but we thought it was months, not days). No way would I want to deal with two Jedediahs at once :svengo:. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaffodilDreams Posted January 17, 2012 Share Posted January 17, 2012 For my personality, it is most definitely a crazy idea. You may be laid back yet consistent enough to pull it off. Only you can decide! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Remudamom Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Don't do it. They'll have each other and won't need you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MIch elle Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We have 2 terriers now and had two dogs before. For both sets of dogs, we had one for several years and then got another. My first set of dogs didn't bond well because the first was a puppy when we got her and the second dog was a rescue dog that was 3 years old (same age as other dog). They did get along but were never playmates (like I hoped). The second set, our terriers now, we got the first as a puppy and seven years later got another terrier puppy. They were great playmates and were a HOOT to watch play several years ago. But now my older one is 13 and the younger is 5 and the older one doesn't have the energy to play much. I would NEVER get 2 puppies at the same time - too hard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jodi-FL Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 we got brother/sister black labs four years ago. i had many of the same concerns as you (they were rescue also) and i talked to my vet. he said the whole bonding with each other more than humans thing was off base, he said it depended how they were raised. we had separate crates, separate food bowls, etc. they played hard with each other (sometimes we were concerned with the growling/showing of teeth while biting each others leg/tail) but we would take them one on one for walks (they still hate it if we don't take them at the same time) and one on one play time. they have bonded with all of us just fine. my family calls juliet my shadow. she is meek and always enters the house after her brother (romeo. i didn't name them, my kids did and we were on a shakespeare kick. now when neighbor kids meet them they say, "you mean his name is gnomeo?") there will be an alpha and i'm not sure how the dynamics of two boys would work vs. our one of each. i did panic a little bit (and still get very sad) when i realized that having 2 dogs the same exact age means that if they both make it to old age, we run the risk of losing them at the same time. with one exception we have always hired a neighbor or college friend to care for our dogs when we go away (now our 3 oldest all have jobs and can't go on vacation with us anyway, so one of them always cares for them. sad stage of life, i say) our dogs are mellow now and we got them a 5 piece angry bird plush set for Christmas and they sleep with them and have "assigned" colors to each other (i know dogs are color blind, but i don't know how else they tell them apart, smell maybe?) have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Most rescue organizations of which I am aware (and in fact, our breed rescue) would not place two littermate puppies in the same house. There are a lot of reasons why, but the biggies are that the puppies will bond with each other and not with you and your family members. Also, they never fully develop into fully independent, confident dogs. They're always relying on each other for confidence, etc. and never learn to function on their own. It's called "Littermate Syndrome." As a professional trainer and breeder, I would strongly recommend against adopting two puppies at the same time. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blessdmommy Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 You're not crazy' date=' but I would think that getting one now and waiting until he's about 3yo and more settled, and then getting another puppy would be better. Older, well-trained dogs tend to help train the puppy by showing them how it's done. :)[/quote'] I agree with this idea and maybe even waiting longer between additions. The dog needs to bond to his human family as his pack. If he has a puppy cohort, training might be much more difficult. I understand wanting the pair of brothers but I wouldn't do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bbkaren Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 You're not crazy' date=' but I would think that getting one now and waiting until he's about 3yo and more settled, and then getting another puppy would be better. Older, well-trained dogs tend to help train the puppy by showing them how it's done. :)[/quote'] It's hard to restrain yourself, but do this. Having a pack leader will help the little one learn more quickly. Once you've been through puppyhood once, you'll be glad to have the help. Two puppies at a time has to be hectic. We've got one in the house now and we're chasing him constantly! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WillametteMom Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We adopted our second dog a year after the first (each was 9-10 months old at the time of adoption). They each bonded to us strongly, and they are very attached to each other too. A year apart worked out perfectly for us! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 They're always relying on each other for confidence, etc. and never learn to function on their own. It's called "Littermate Syndrome." astrid I've never heard that official label, but I'm sure one of mine would qualify. Charlie freaks out when we take Radar out (even just right outside, not necessarily for a walk or in the car). Doesn't matter how many humans are still with him. Radar couldn't care less whether Charlie's around or not. They're not bio-litter mates, but were rescued together as puppies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
astrid Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I've never heard that official label, but I'm sure one of mine would qualify. Charlie freaks out when we take Radar out (even just right outside, not necessarily for a walk or in the car). Doesn't matter how many humans are still with him. Radar couldn't care less whether Charlie's around or not. They're not bio-litter mates, but were rescued together as puppies. Yes, that's it. I should have been more clear....there needn't be a biological connection; dogs don't know the difference anyway. Two pups of either sex, raised in the same home simultaneously will most likely develop it. I do want to note, also, that lack of confidence in dogs quite often manifests itself as fear biting. astrid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I do want to note, also, that lack of confidence in dogs quite often manifests itself as fear biting. astrid Ack! Well, we've had them for more than 6 years and *that's* never been an issue, so hopefully that won't change. Still, like I tell my kids, animals are animals. You can't pretend to always know what they'll do! Sadly, the whole thing does make me hope Charlie leaves us before Radar does. Not for a long time, of course! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RegularMom Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We did that, and it's been very, very difficult. I won't do it again. Heck, after this experience, I probably won't get a dog again. I don't know why, but I seemed to run into people who only encouraged me to get two puppies at once. Now I've got two young dogs that are half trained, one of which is a difficult larger dog. I had to have a behaviorist in to show me how to deal with him. She was amazed that the same rescue center placed two puppies with us within months of each other. She herself would never have recommended it. It wasn't until a year had gone by and I did my own research that I began to hear the phrase: 'your dog Does Not Need A Dog.' so true. But I'm keeping them both. I love them both. It's just hard. My advice: WAIT. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DarlaS Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 So we are getting our new golden retriever puppy in 3 weeks through a golden retriever rescue organization. They have 5 puppies total (will be 8 weeks when we get him). Anyhow, I keep thinking I would really love to have 2 brothers. We have been preparing for months reading books, watching videos etc... and we are really dedicated to training this puppy. My thing is, I really want 2! Is that a bad idea. I need advice and wisdom. Thanks! I don't think I would get littermates. I've been told by many people (and it makes sense) that they will be more in tune to each other than the humans making everything from training to bonding more difficult. I do understand the temptation! When we got our GSD puppy, there were several available and they were all so cute together. I nearly did it. I think adding another pup in a few months would be better. I do wish we had gotten our puppy sooner. Our older dog tolerates him, but I doubt they will ever be buddies. (She doesn't seem to know she's a dog. :tongue_smilie:) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonshineLearner Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I think it's great :) It was suggested to us that we not get litter mates... Not sure of all the reasons... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom4him Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We got our two labradoodles at the same time. It definitely brings its own stress as you never really know 'who did it':001_huh: but not that this stage is long past we just enjoy them. We have had so much fun with them together and by them selves. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We did it. We would not do it again. Wait... I would not do it again. DH and DS might. Well, let me back up to say that ours are not litter mates. We got our puppy, and he was a handful. We kept running into people who suggested that we get him a puppy to herd. So, yes, after a while, we got our 5 month old puppy a puppy. :D We'd always been a 2 dog family, and having lost both our older dogs, it didn't seem a big leap to have 2 puppies. Boy, were we wrong! It doesn't just double the work, it quadruples it somehow. We went from one handful to, oh, the equivalent of four handfuls. They did bond to each other, but they are each absolutely bonded to us. We do things with them separately and together. It's okay for each of them, but the older pup (they are 3 yo now) is definitely focused on DH, even goes to work with him. The younger pup is DS's dog, all the way. I wouldn't change it now, but wouldn't do it again either. It makes training harder. We took them to long-term obedience classes separately, to get one on one time with each. That's also why we often walk them separately. The older pup went on to agility, but the younger never excelled that way. One of the first commands they learned together was, "Take it outside!" for those puppy wrestling moments. :) They hear that and tear to the back door to go do their wrestling matches outside. We probably should have named them ... Search and Destroy. Or, lately, with the way they've been getting into things, DH has pondered calling them "Idi" and "Yot" :D ...privately, though, because we don't let the kiddos hear us calling the dogs names. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BamaTanya Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I've done it.I'd probably do it again. I think it's a terrible idea. I definitely feel as though my dogs are 1/2 trained, if that. They need 1-on-1 training that I just don't have the time to give them with bunches of kids running around. Instead, I always wind up working with them 2-on-1, and they distract the heck out of each other! :iagree: This is my experience, too. We love both of our lab-mix littermates. They are adorable almost 4yo now, but when we got them, they shared a crate and I did all training 2-on-1. Of course, I was distracted, too, with 5 dc to train at the same time. :D I won't say "don't do it." I did it and I might have done it even if I'd known. My future plans are NOT to get 2 at a time in the future. 2-3 years apart sounds so much easier (like children :lol:) . . . and I'll be less likely to opt for puppies, I think. I think I've gotten past the feeling that there's one great pet match and a feeling instead that there always will be terrific pets that would fit our family. Now . . . and in a couple years . . . if we decided to add another. Good luck with whatever you decide. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Can you afford yearly shots, fees, pet insurance, food, etc. for two? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2l&j Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 (edited) We had a breeder who recommended 2 puppies. She said that they tend to take out there excess energy playing with each other instead of being destructive. We only got 1 so I can't tell you if it was true. We do currently have 2 dogs but they weren't puppies at the same time. We will never get puppies again. Edited January 18, 2012 by mom2l&j Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I've done it.I'd probably do it again. I think it's a terrible idea. I know nothing about getting dogs, but I'm a little frightened of how many things in life I could say this about! :lol: We heard to get two kitties, so we did. It was a disaster. They hated each other. We gave one away, and then three years later a kitten adopted us (someone dumped it on our neighbor's property,) and these two are best friends. It could just be personalities, but I really think it's because one is the boss and they know their places. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucyStoner Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 YES! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtrmlnlabs Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I agree with many thing but the "they need their own bonding time" especially. I would never want to do it myself, esp a golden. We bred Labs before and I couldn't wait to get them out of here after about 6 weeks!! I did have one family that just insisted they wanted 2 pups. I tried to explain all the reasons that was not a good idea. Less than a week later they called and asked if they could return one. I was not surprised though not happy about having to resell a pup. I was more than happy to return the one though, glad to have the opportunity to find it another good home and it not get put anywhere because they were overwhelmed!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Word Nerd Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 I was glad we got two kittens from the same litter (except the double $ when we got them fixed), but I don't think I'd get two puppies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rwjx2khsmj Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 We got a brother/sister pair of retriever mixes. They are 9 months old now. They are puppies and it does take a lot to keep up with them. That being said, our last dog was as much work and took as much energy on his own as these two dogs do. I think so much depends on the temperment of the dog. Our puppies are part of the family. They depend on each other but they've bonded with us as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shellers Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 ..... the puppies will bond with each other and not with you and your family members. Also, they never fully develop into fully independent, confident dogs. They're always relying on each other for confidence, etc. and never learn to function on their own. It's called "Littermate Syndrome." As a professional trainer and breeder, I would strongly recommend against adopting two puppies at the same time. astrid :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michelle My Bell Posted January 18, 2012 Author Share Posted January 18, 2012 Ok, I am realizing it is not a good idea to get two. I am inexperienced with puppies so I will just choose one. I was letting all that cute puppy fur get to me. Go check out this thread and vote for your favorite puppy. We had already chosen one, but I am leaning towards a different one now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gardenmom5 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 two will keep each other company. before you choose, pay close attention to their personalities. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Swimtaxi234 Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 My husband and I had two litter-mate Miniature Schnauzers when we were first married and I swore I would NEVER - EVER get two puppies again, especially litter mates. Well - as you can see from my little photo - we got two puppies AGAIN.:D:D Instead of male/male like our first time, we added male/female Miniature Schnauzers to our family. Puppies are super hard work and training the puppies takes a lot of time. A few professional trainers told us that we were crazy to buy two because the dogs rely on each other before they rely on us and that is true to a point. I dream about being a non-dog family all the time - :D - just because it is so hard to schedule dog care when we travel and/or long hours out of the house, but I will also be the first to admit that I am ga-ga crazy about those stupid dogs.:D:D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
8circles Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Yes. Insane. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SweetMissMagnolia Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 we have had such good luck with our min pin (we had tried 2 chihauhaus years before and it didn't work out-training) that we've been toying with the idea of getting another one-Tinkie will be 3 this year and we wonder how she would adjust to another smaller/younger pup....haven't gone out and done it yet but we think about it.....if you can and have the space/time to care for 2 DO IT! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeslieAnneLevine Posted January 18, 2012 Share Posted January 18, 2012 Yes I think it's insane (but I don't think you are insane for momentarily considering it). It's not the same as getting two kittens. eta: I think it's crazy for large dogs like labs, goldens, etc. that grow big fast and have lots of energy. I don't know about little tiny dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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