Thinking of getting a second Staffy

Hi all,

I currently own the most wonderful 2 year old female staffy. However due to my long working hours i sometimes leave her alone for 8 hours +. She seems ok as i never find any damage or any complaints from my neighbours.

I am considering getting a second staffy to keep her company. What do you guys think? Should I get a male or female? How difficult does life get with 2 staffies?

Thanks

Iannis

I have never had two dogs together so can only give limited advice.

Would you be getting a puppy or an older dog ?, taking into account that a puppy will need someone at home all day for the first 6 months at least ?

Would you be crating one or the other ?

Most would suggest to go for the opposite sex you have now as male and female would get along better than two males (they may see each other as a challenge).

8 hours + is a long time to leave a dog home alone and I personally wouldn't do it.

Thanks for your reply.

Was looking at getting a 10 week old male puppy.

Could you elaborate on why I would need to be home for 6 months with the pup?

You'd need to be at home to house train, train and generally keep an eye on them as they settle into their new life together. Also, pup will go through the teenage phase which can be trying for both you and your female.

Having two is double the fun, double the love and double the games...but it's also double the responsibility and lots and lots of rough play which takes getting used to and knowing when to step in

Lots of luck with your decision

Hm.. i'm torn. Whilst it would be great for her to have company, ultimately it will just result in 2 dogs being left for long periods? Is this 8+ hours 5 days a week? Not all dogs can cope with being left for long hours, in fact, there have been studies recently showing that far fewer dogs are actually coping with being left than we would imagine. Depression/lacking stimulation is often mistaken for calm behaviour. 8 hours is quite a long time to be holding bladders, have you ever thought of using a dog walker/pet visitor to give them a break in the day? I too have to leave my girl, I work shifts 3 or 4 days a week, but she's only alone for 4 hours at the most between pet visitor/my partner, we try to work opposite shifts whenever possible so that she's never left for too long .

If you do decide to take in another, if you would need to continue leaving them for 8 hours i'd probably opt for an older rescue dog, as leaving a puppy for that long would be a big no no. If you do decide to go with an adult dog I would foster first to ensure that they get on well. It will be double everything - food, poo picking up, leads, beds, crates, vet bills, insurance, toys and of course cuddles!! I have tried fostering lots of different dogs with my girl, but have now decided to keep her as an only dog due to some bad experiences - however, she is a rehabilitation case and needs a lot of work and walks can be quite difficult at times. Is your girl fully trained on the lead and in all of her commands? Does she have any behavioural issues? Would she be likely to get jealous? Is she good with dogs already? Lots to consider. But could be very rewarding if you get it right

I have to agree that your circumstances aren't suitable for a pup but maybe an older rescue dog would work.

if you decide yo ge another dont have the same sex some people can get away with if they are home all the time to stop anythign that could turn nasty

Decided not to get the pup for now.

Re the 8+ hour issue, she has an outdoor space where to do her business, besides she gets an hour walk before i go to work and another 2 hour walk in the evenings. Weekends are spent at the beach

Wish i could spend more time home during the week however i need to work to put food on the table and pay the bills

Do you think you'll consider an older rescue dog?

If the right one comes along yes

Its all about finding the right dog, id like a second but the more i think practically about it i dont think Ledger would cope with sharing the attention. I know of someone who is trying to get rid of her 9 month old female and currently torn with whether to trial her

8 hours plus a day it gets left ? Not being smart here but why do you even have one dog let alone think of another. ? Your life doesn't have time for one dog never mind 2. It's cruel leaving them that long

IMHO getting a second dog to keep the 1st one company is not a good idea, especially when dealing with this breed.

Your couch may be gone when you come home

Or worse.....