So, I might be getting a Shikoku in a few months, but he/she would only be with a cat who is used to dogs. Are there any benefits to having two dogs rather than one? How long should you wait before introducing a second puppy?
There are benefits and drawbacks to having more than one dog. The main benefit is that they can keep each other company. But there's no guarantee they will like each other, or even get along at all. I ran into that first hand when I got a second dog.
The main drawback of having a second dog is that you no longer just have to manage your dog's interactions with the environment (e.g. the house, yard, etc.), but you now have to manage their interaction with the other dog. If you hit the jackpot, this isn't much additional work. But in general, dog-dog management requires a much higher degree of awareness and attention than most people are willing to put in. Especially when you're dealing with a Shikoku.
At this point, I'd focus on your first dog. See how they do in your home, bonding with you, and living your lifestyle. After you've gotten to know them, then you can think about whether or not a second dog would fit well. Saying yes or no at this point would be nothing more than a guess.
Agree with Dave, I have five dogs and we waited until each one was about a year old until we introduced another pup. I think,especially with NK's is that its much easier and better for the dogs if you start one dog at a time. Understanding that training is a challenge, it maybe really difficult to train two NKs at the same time.
It's a Shikoku, they love their people. As long as the pup has you he/she will be happy. Plus, not all Shikoku love other canine, so you run the risk of them having dog-dog friction.
Whether it be now or later that you decide to add another dog after the shikoku, one thing you should dog is tons of positive socialization with other dogs. This doesn't mean just out in public but also around your house and yard. Getting them used to having dogs visit the home will make it that much easier to add another dog in the future.
Some rescues may not allow you to foster for them until your pup is 1yr old, for the safety of the pup. Others may also require your pup to be spayed/neutered before a foster comes into your house, which is not a good thing to do when they are so young.
Getting a puppy is a lot of work, especially a shikoku puppy, so it probably would be best for you to have the pup for a few months before considering adding in a new dog or fostering. Miyu has been a handful, even more work than when I was raising both my boys. She just never tires, playing Tikaani to exhaustion and still pacing around the house looking for more trouble to get into.
Yeah definitely start one at a time unless you have super human powers like Brad. Raising one NK puppy requires quite a bit of time and patience so enjoy the time developing and socializing that one pup. Imho that would be the best way to start having a multi dog home.
Hmm, I added my second dog when Mika was still under a year old, but she was very well socialized with other dogs and I knew it would be okay to add another dog into the mix. She is also a shiba, so I don't think she is as difficult as a shikoku~ So maybe just socialize your pup and see how things go from there, if you feel you can handle another dog then do it, if one dog is a little overwhelming possibly hold off on it.
I think it is more of a relational decision than managerial. My experience is that when one gets two pups, the pups spend all of their time together and bond deeply to one another; more than with the human, who comes and goes all day.
It is good to establish the relationship you wish for with one pup before adding the second. I agree with Jujee that when to add a second can be determined as you go - like Jujee said, it was less than a year in her situation (added a high EQ puppy to a relationship with an aloof breed). But each situation is unique.
Comments
The main drawback of having a second dog is that you no longer just have to manage your dog's interactions with the environment (e.g. the house, yard, etc.), but you now have to manage their interaction with the other dog. If you hit the jackpot, this isn't much additional work. But in general, dog-dog management requires a much higher degree of awareness and attention than most people are willing to put in. Especially when you're dealing with a Shikoku.
At this point, I'd focus on your first dog. See how they do in your home, bonding with you, and living your lifestyle. After you've gotten to know them, then you can think about whether or not a second dog would fit well. Saying yes or no at this point would be nothing more than a guess.
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Getting a puppy is a lot of work, especially a shikoku puppy, so it probably would be best for you to have the pup for a few months before considering adding in a new dog or fostering. Miyu has been a handful, even more work than when I was raising both my boys. She just never tires, playing Tikaani to exhaustion and still pacing around the house looking for more trouble to get into.
It is good to establish the relationship you wish for with one pup before adding the second. I agree with Jujee that when to add a second can be determined as you go - like Jujee said, it was less than a year in her situation (added a high EQ puppy to a relationship with an aloof breed). But each situation is unique.
What kind of bond do you want with your dog(s)?