Adding a second dog to the family.

Myself and my partner have fostered various dogs with Biscuit and she LOVED living with another dog. Some experiences have been wonderful, and some actually quite scary.

Since our last foster turned out to be the opposite of what was described of him, my partner has been really put off the thought of taking in another.

Wondered if those of you with two dogs could offer your experiences?

I have found a wonderful 4 year old, fully trained and socialized male staffie that I think would fit into our situation well. He is good with dogs and children.

I found adding another dog, does help the dog being less lonely, also my male springer spaniel stopped barking as much, I do have 4 dogs now, 13,12,6 and 7 and a half month old, also when adding another dog you see a whole different side of your dog, they start playing together and become very much partners in crime haha also getting a 2nd dog is easier when it comes to training as they tend to copy the 1st dogs behaviour,
if you want another dog then go for it as long as your dog gets on with them you will be fine.

Do make sure however that they work together well in the house, I have seen some cases where dogs are fine outside together but inside its not always the case, maybe try out the situation before fully commiting just tp be sure, hope it all works out for you

only had two dogs when my sons ex girl friend lived with us for 6 months with her dog and he was just a pup so thou it was hectic it was a lot of fun sash was 8 and she just wanted to mummy the pup,i'm sure with all your great experience Rach you can make it work,has Bis met the dog yet?

Thank you for your replies. She loves company and she had a wonderful relationship with the last foster - just wanted to love him and clean him and play with him. She hasn't met him yet - its through the Blue Cross so I'm calling them on Friday to talk about him further and then arrange a meeting possibly next week.

This is him
http://www.bluecross.org.uk/2566-134659/4/reggie.html?

How exciting and what a gorgeous boy

Would love to get a companion for Ledger he is absolutely fine with my parents dog tho she is too old to play but it's having the opportunity to properly introduce him to a new possible companion. And it really would have to be the perfect match

Hope the meeting goes well and Bis gets a new brother

he's a beautiful dog,hope it goes well

aww thats great news what a beatiful staffy

What a handsome boy, hope it all works out for you x

Hes gorgeous, hope everything works out for you

Oh Rachel he looks great. I so hope Biscuit gets on well with him, just think of the fun the two could have together

Thank you all I'm on a 14 hour sleep today so will be calling them back tomorrow to discuss properly. We weren't really looking, he just popped up and seemed right for us so will see how it goes. He looks quite small which Bug would prefer too little cutie. I want to call him Dave lol.

Hi, From my own experiences, I wouldn't hesitate to add the right dog to the family, It sounds as though you have done all your homework, and done all the correct things, and seeing as he is coming from a reputable establishment I am sure that they won't object if he comes to you [beautiful boy by the way] for a holiday initially, just to ensure that the two dogs get on, [be prepared for playing mayhem to break out, and when staffies play they tend to play hard!]. Both our dogs are rescues, Louie arrived first, followed by Tilly a couple of years later, and I can honestly say that both dogs got on famously from the beginning, with both dogs learning from each other which they continue to do, I have a lot more to post on that matter which I shall do so in the future. If you don't give it a try you'll always wonder!!. Stay safe Critter

Thanks critter spoke to the Blue Cross today and got his history - he's being rehomed due to owner ill health - not being walked at all at present. Bit of a nervous boy - shakes rather than reacting. Doesn't like the vets or being handled all too much. Loves the other female staffie in the home and can be very clingy with her and owners - has never been left alone for more than two hours. Sociable with dogs and children, though not sure that he would do well in a very busy house. Has minimal training, but is house trained.

Need to have a big think, there's a potential for real separation anxiety I would imagine - he's a very sensitive boy. My OH is now also saying that he's not sure now is the right time as he may be getting back into the army in a few months. Feel so sorry for him and would love to take him in - don't know if I'm being a little irresponsible in doing so though. Heart has overruled my head!!

Do they have the option to foster Rach?

ahh sounds like you got some thinking to do Rach,i'm sure it will work out for the best

Oh Rach only just read this hope he will fit in well, clicked on link it says the dog has been rehomed so hoping its you, good luck hun xx

aww so do i like a happy ending every staffy deeserves a loving home