Pros & Cons: Is Two Dogs Easier Than One?

RexsMom

Notable member
Dobermans are like potato chips, you can’t just have one!

I’ve always known that I wanted another dog down the road.
Rex loves playing with other dogs, and it’s nice to see him happy & getting his energy out too! He’ll be 1 years old in a couple weeks, and I plan on getting a female within the next year.

My question for you all out there who have more than one dog, what are the pros & cons about having multiple?

I never plan on having children, I am able to afford 2, & Rex loves other dogs. It’d be awesome to have another to keep him busy.

I’m also considering maybe a female Boxer instead to share some more love to other breeds! If anyone has had or does have one, let me know you’re experience with the breed :)

Or let me know another high energy breed that would go great with a Dobie!
 
Two is definitely harder than one. Getting a second dog does not automatically mean your first dog will have a forever playmate and that training and exercise on your part are done.

These two can play rough and if they're gung-ho, they need to go outside and be monitored. This is several times a day whereas before, Rubie was fine with her routine walk and outdoors time but would relax, otherwise. If you get a puppy, their exercise needs when they're that young are very different so we'd have to do puppy play time with Moo and then do something independent with Rubie until Moo got older and they could go on the same distance walks.

Each dog should still be trained separately so twice the time/cost commitment of class/one-on-one time.

Rubie actually eats a lot more now that she's more active with Moo around so food costs are three times what it was with just one dog. Luckily they're on the same amounts of the same food so juggling different foods and feedings is a non-issue.

Two big dogs means two big crates so double the crating space. They are also a tight squeeze in the car, now (I have an Edge).

Whereas before, going into public with one was relatively easy (here, hold Dingo while I go pay for something, look at something, go inside for something, use the restroom, etc.), holding two means crossed leashes and each dog trying to go into different directions.

Boarding when we travel costs twice as much as do pet insurance and vet bills.

Obviously it can be done! I'm very happy with going with the lab puppy as a second dog. He's so laid back, easy, happy, and willing to please. I like boxers but they have always come off as doofy; and I'm not sure if their shorter nose is similar to bulldogs and pugs where hot temps can get very dangerous very quickly for them. Just like any big life change, it's a new routine but it settles and you learn to go with it. Good luck!!
 
I was the crazy, silly, delusional lady that got two Doberman puppies (littermates) at the same time. I had forgotten what it was like to raise a Doberman puppy since it had been over 12yrs sing I raised Gracie. All my friends called her ‘Crazy Gracie’ so it gives you an idea she was off the charts with energy.

With my two now... let’s just say I have a lot more grey hair. I will not lie, it is a LOT of work. As @LifeofRubie pointed out it is double everything. You have to schedule your time to provide individual training, one on one time with each so they grow to be independent of each other. Take your expenses now and double them and add another half into that. If you are like me you will buy any unique or incredible collar, harness, leash, boots, toys that is made.

It can be done and since your dobe will be at least 2yrs you will have one already trained making it easier to train the puppy as they will immulate what the older dog does.
Just because they live together doesn’t mean they will always get along so there is extra training for both dogs then.
 
You are right and you'll see a funny side of them you've never seen before when you have two of them. I think many of our photos speak for themselves at the moments you catch when they're interacting, both sweet, funny and serious. I always get a kick out of Albert pestering her when she's doing something important, like playing with her favorite today and he makes her get up and leave her important business to yell at the kid.

I actually find it easier with 2 of them, provided there's about a 2 year gap in age so the older one can be more mature acting but still young enough to want to play. And of course you already know that they'll both need side set aside for one on one training and attention.

We had a Boxer before and he was very much like the Dobermans, except a bit more destructive. That said, it was before the use of crates were common.
 
The Sinisters are only 5 months apart, Dauntless born Jan 20th 2015 and Candor born June 24th 2015. We were lucky that Dauntless had maternal instincts at a very young age. Loved watching her put her paw on Candor's head when Candor would get too rough! It is twice the work, of course, and twice the worry (I have been tempted a time or two to self medicate :weird:), but it is also twice the love, twice the fun, and twice the pride in my 2 beautiful Sinisters! We never had an issue with ssa, partly because as an Obedience Instructor for many years, I knew what to watch for and what to do if I even remotely suspected foul play! I do feel that Candor followed Dauntless's lead which made it a bit easier for training. I trained them separately and together. They have very different personalities, both cool in their own way! Can't imagine life with only one Dobe! It may not be for everyone, but if you are sure, go for it and let the fun begin!
 
The dream of 2 Dobermans! I’ll leave my dreams inside my head lol.

What about a smaller high energy dog? Jack Russels are high energy and are considered good entertainment for a Doberman. Someone here had a super cute JRT and Doberman combo @Cleo’s Biscuit.
 
I actually find it easier with 2 of them


I definitely think 2 makes it easier in so many ways.
We had the 2 year difference going and I think that is probably a good age difference. Unfortunately that got messed up we lost Chaos unexpectedly. Drake is 6 years older than Rumor and has no problem keeping with the youngster. He did get a bit frustrated when she was a pup because she was nonstop.
This was his "you can turn her off, right?" look.
you can turn her off.jpg


Yes having 2 is double everything but well worth it because it is also double the reward.
 
^^^^^^^^ Had to rate this funny for the very telling look on his face!

I keep looking at Dobe pups and feel all clucky...............then I remember how they can be as littlies, how much the vet costs, how much space Jazz takes up in the car by herself and how my energy levels aren't what they used to be and back off the idea real quick!!! But things have a way of happening and I know Jazz would enjoy a housemate so if a dog in need showed up at the right time I would seriously consider two.
 
Drake is 6 years older than Rumor and has no problem keeping with the youngster. He did get a bit frustrated when she was a pup because she was nonstop.
This was his "you can turn her off, right?" look.
This was Rubie after having Moo home for 24 hours...

What... have... you... guys... DONE!!!
LOL and this was Della when she had a new puppy to love. :love: This was after she had been depressed for months when she lost her beloved pal Boris unexpectedly.
Snuggling with Della Aug 24 11 sized.jpg
 

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