I need help! Several people have suggested and/or commented that Tulip might behave better and relax more if we had another dog in our house. Not a puppy, but an older, calm yet authoritative dog. It’s that whole pack mentality…and apparently, Tulip needs someone to put her in her place.
If you know us at all, you know that we’ve spent tons of money and time on this teacup yorkie. Between her seizures (yes, she’s epileptic), her barking and her dominant behavior, she’s the most high maintenance one in my house (and I have two babies!).
I grew up with only one dog at a time, so the thought of having two seems daunting. I also know that getting another dog could make things worse. What the heck would I do then? I don’t want a big dog (12 pounds max), so I know I’m limiting my options a bit. But 12 pounds is 4 times bigger than the runt we have now.
Please help me! I know a lot of you have more than one dog. Do you think this would help Tulip (and therefore make my house calmer) or make things worse. I don’t want status quo either. If it’s not going to help, then I don’t need another mouth to feed or potty time to monitor.
Melissa says
Hi Shay!
We have 2 pomeranians. Mac was an only baby (went to doggie daycare…all the socialization a dog could have…). When I moved to KS, he became depressed, a little high strung. Long story short, we now have Midge and those 2 are great together. He seems happier and easier going. I was afraid it would be more work but it's not. I would suggest a Bichon–hypoallergenic, doesn't shed, great with kids and other animals.
Good luck with your decision!
Melissa (Rogers) Paton
Nancy Jennings says
NO! We got another dog for our dear Milo when we were both working *before baby* and it did help give him a playmate; however, 2 dogs means, twice EVERYTHING, twice the barking, twice the potty time, twice the mess, twice the vet bill…..I often wish we could go back to the one dog days. They fight over bones, they BOTH beg for attention and both require extra attention, even though they have eachother. Don't get me wrong, we love our little Lizzy, but with just one kid and two dogs, it is WAY MORE than I enjoy taking on DAILY!!
Lauren says
I would not get another dog. I LOVE dogs but I can't imagine having more than one with two kids too. Also, Tulip just might become worse because she's used to being the only one. Dogs can get weird when they become jealous of another dog being in the picture. Who knows, I'm not an expert just telling you what I'd do! 🙂
The New Family says
Give her to your Mom! Then she can have a playmate at her house. That's what we did! haha
The Trulys says
LAST RESORT get another dog. If you do though, I'm all about the Maltese/Bichon mix (Maltichon). We love our little Jack and he is only 12 lbs. However, two dogs definitely means double the attention and time, but it *could* settle her down. Our #2 is now at his retirement home (my parents house) bc of baby on the way. BUT when they were together they were great buds… one being 12 and the other 3. Sounds funny, but can you borrow a dog and try it out!?! It's a big commitment if you're not really sure.
Tab & Erika says
Uh…NO! 🙂 That's just my opinion. I have NO data to back it up.
kSk says
We have two dogs, both the same breed and of the same litter. I can't imagine if we just had one because they entertain each other. Actually they are wrestling with each other right now as I type. Maybe you could try seeing how she interacts with another dog for a couple of days and see if it's worth the investment. I wouldn't get one younger than her though.
Christina says
Shay– we had two dogs before we had the baby and I do love both of my dogs very much. Now I have two dogs with two different health issues one takes medication daily for the rest of her little life. I have told myself a million times I will never do two dogs again. The mess, the vet bills, the babysitting when you want to go away, the daily medication, teeth brushing and gooming….I would never do it again with two. I know it seems tempting…the dog might be a little happier but I dont know if the humans will be 🙂
Anonymous says
Get a cat! That's what we did for our Rottweiler. She stopped tearing up everything in the house and had a playmate! 🙂