Opinions please.

We have an opportunity to take on a rescue staffy. Poppy is a small three year old bitch and very good with dogs. Gus loves all dogs and we think a companion would be great. Someone has told us that this might not be the best idea as Gus is so young 5months old. What do you think, would we be better off waiting until Gus is older? Many thanks

I have never had two dogs but I would think it might be easier with a younger dog rather then two older ones? But again that's just my thought. I'm sure people who have two dogs will be along soon.

Sounds perfect to me

I'm not sure what the issue is supposed to be with getting a 2nd dog when Gus is young? We had the other way round - Millie was 4 months old and supposedly fragile (she's deformed) when she arrived with another foster puppy - and we never had a problem. Well, other than the drastic increase in noise, dirt, cuddle demands, playing and did I mention noise?

If you do go ahead, just make sure you teach 'enough' (stop playing) so you can get a bit of peace just occasionally.

ETA - in fact, getting an older do while Gus is still a pup makes a lot of sense in that she'll teach him her boundaries now which should get them onto a clear footing before he's big and bursting with hormones.

I agree, there's no reason not to and every reason to go ahead as long as two Staffies creating mayhem isn't going to drive you mad James

I think they would end up being the best of buddies.

Sounds like a great idea James, I'm sure Gus will love & learn to respect her, it will do him good having someone to play with after he has worn you out

I say go for it.The only negative if you can call it that is you will have an extra mouth to feed,and an extra vet bill,but saying that when I had 2 dogs I used to take the 2 together for boosters health checks and worming and our vet would only charge one consultation fee and would give a good discount.You will also find your young pup will be far less demanding and reliant on you,plus the fact they will love each others company.In the past 30 years since I got the staffy bug,I always had 2 and sometimes 3 staffs and never had a problem.Having Tess as a lonesome dog is a first for me and at times she has been hard work because she has had to rely me for everything when at times she gets a little bored.You don't get that with 2 as they do things together,and there's no substitute for a bit of friendly competition.Go for it,I would if I was a bit younger and in better health.

yeap agree with every one else,if you have the time and room for two manic loonies go for it 

Thanks for putting our minds at ease. Unfortunately (for us) poppies foster family can't bear the thought of parting with her and have decided she will be staying with them. Although we are disappointed on this occasion we are happy that poppy will be happy now. Thanks again for all the replies

Ah, the good old failed foster syndrome. I know that one all too well (Millie's a foster, not!).

There are so many lovely dogs out there looking for homes, especially staffies, maybe another might catch your eye...

We aren't in a rush, but if another suitable staffy pops up you never know.

Watch out James, Liz will be posting all sorts of fab Staffies that need new homes if yer not careful

Well you know I did just have a quick look to see if we had anything suitable...

You will know when you see the right dog

LizP wrote:Ah, the good old failed foster syndrome. I know that one all too well (Millie's a foster, not!).

There are so many lovely dogs out there looking for homes, especially staffies, maybe another might catch your eye...

My sister is 'fostering' a german shepherd but I hear she is just signing the paperwork for adoption

Personally I have always had at least 2 dogs and it has worked out for me so far. I usually try to bring my dogs with me wherever I go but if for some reason I have to leave them alone, I don't want them to feel lonely.

You don't happen to want a drop dead gorgeous 8 month old very energetic but highly trainable staffie x, do you? I'm working with a dog at Danaher at the moment who has absolutely stolen my heart but I don't think he'd be a good mix in our household and my husband would also probably divorce me if we went back up to 4!

Just had a look on Danaher site, what lovely looking dogs you have in What's the name of the staffie x Liz?

It's Ricky. He'll have some new photos soon, and a bit of video. I've been working with him this week and he is just a total star. Our compound's been out of action for a few weeks due to a giardia outbreak but it was open again yesterday. It was the first time he'd had a good run and chase and I was amazed how quiet and biddable he was, not nearly as full on as we thought.

If only... sigh...

He's a lovely looking boy Liz I don't know why you only have 3 dogs when there is that many gorgeous dogs in the centre

Wow, I just had a look. He is stunning, there is a lot of beautiful dogs

Hi Liz just seen this as we have been to a four day wedding. Ricky looks lovely, just a bit on the large size for us. How would it work with the distance between us?

We rehome across the country, using local home checkers who (and you'd need to check this) might be able to home check first. What I understand is that you could then do the 2 dog meets required on consecutive days and then it's all done. You'd have to check with the staff to be sure, I'm but a volunteer.

I'm sending over his new pics today so they should be on the website either this evening or tomorrow,and should also have a video put together soon too, I just need to edit it as there are several clips. You'll get a better idea of his size (yes, he's is a bit bigger) when you see him next to me.

He's just such a good boy and plays really nicely too. We walked with a mad little lurcher today and they had a ball!

Here's his video



Size wise, I weighed him a couple of days ago and he was 21.8kg, so he will be mid twenties when fully grown. If you want small, he's not that. If you want good, you can't get better.

(please excuse the human!)

He's so lovely. Liz you are amazing with him

He really is a quick learner.... He will certainly make a great family pet

What a fantastic dog. Do you fancy having Gus for a few weeks to train him up as well haha.

I'll swap you for our 3 - yes, that's all 3 as a package deal

I will have a think about that haha