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Great Pyrenees => Great Pyrenees Discussions => : MarleyPyr January 06, 2008, 10:27:23 PM
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Hi everyone,
I notice that many of you have more than one dog. I am especially interested in Pyr's. I have gone back and forth about getting a second dog ...or perhaps another animal such as a goat or sheep for Marley to guard. I suppose the biggest reason I flip back and forth is that we travel a few times a year. If we go by car eg:camping we take Marley with us. We can't always do this if we are going places by plane. More than one Pyr will make this even harder. On the other side of it, Marley is an outside dog - I would love it if he came in the house more but he LOVES it outside and would much rather lay on the deck and look inside than lay inside on the floor looking out. Marley even sleeps outside.For this I think that having a few companions to spend time with outdoors when we can't be out there with him would be great for him....
Can Pyr's be happy on thier own? Are they more independant as a breed or are they happier in two's or three's? Also...how do you know that introducing another dog to the family will be in your dog's best interest as opposed to making him feel like he is no longer your one and only?
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I have always thought that it was better to have more than 1 dog as long as your first dog is well socialized and get along well with other dogs. I only have 1 dog at the moment 6.5 month saint bernard but I am seriously considering another big paw once she is a little older because she loves playing with other dogs and I think she would be much happier with a friend. Sorry I can't give you any expert advice; this is just my opinion and what I have noticed while owning dogs.
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Hi there,
My Pyr was the second dog for our family. I've had Tipper for almost 6 years and went back and forth about adding a second dog. I was concerned about the work load for me, traveling with 2 dogs, and how it would impact my relationship with my "one and only."
In terms of the work load, it's so not a big deal, car traveling is do-able for us with two, and with my relationship with my first dog, it was an adjustment for me, but it has been for the better. I do still sometimes go on a run with just him, but it really seems like it was more my issue and not his about him not being my only dog. I'm still there for him, we still do the same stuff we always did together, we just now bring Jenny.
I knew when I adopted Jenny that she was really for me and not Tipper (they're not the same age, same size, have different exercise needs, etc.). I didn't get her as a playmate for Tipper, but it has been nice to see them play and wrestle together, which they've been doing so much more of lately.
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I think it depends on the number one dog and his temperment more than anything else. Just be honest with yourself about the reasons! Is it REALLY for Marley, or maybe since he's become an "outdoorsman", it's you that wants the indoor, footwarmer, giant lap dog type dog?? LOL - come on, tell the truth!
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We have always had two or more dogs in our house. When we were first married we had two rottis, and three kids. Yes chaotic at times but for the dogs it was great, when we didn't have time to spend with them they had each other.
Now we have 4 and again chaos, but they all get along. They all have similar temperments, so they play together with out blood shed.
I always felt that the dogs need that companionship that only another dog can give.
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I moved to a multiple dog house about five years ago and will not go back to single. I find that the dods are much happier when they have a companion around and it gives them someone to play/hang with if you are unable to at any given time. I truley belive that getting Duke added time on to Voodoo's life. She has 7.5 when I got him and she loved having a friend (even when he was as obnoxiouse puppy).
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I just read & replied to your post titled "The Great Barking Debate" so this is sort of an addendum to that post. Personally I think that most dogs are happiest when they have the company of both humans & other dogs, but here is the big BUT.... If Marley's voice alone is causing some issues in your neighborhood, then you may want to wait to avoid more problems. My experience is that often one of my dogs will hear a sound, flick their ear or cock their head, but then decide to ignore it. But then if one of our other dogs starts to bark at it, they all go for broke at one time. So they can really get each other going! Here when nearly 300# worth of dogs start to "WOOF" the roof semi-raises. ;) ;D :o I'm sure that BPO people with bigger dog families than mine will attest to this also. So if barking is a problem in your neighborhood, then maybe it might work better to hold off for a while until Marley gets a little older and maybe more sedate. Also, then you might have good luck adopting a mature dog from a rescue. They usually can tell pretty quickly which ones are the quietest and who are the biggest barkers. That way you might be able to adopt a slightly quieter Pyr (or other breed) to be a good addition to your family.
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Multiples- of course that is coming from me though.
I have had one dog- many many years ago- how boring that was...
Pyrs do enjoy other Pyr company. As stated in another post my Pyrs welcome all other Pyrs and they just become a team- with a Pyr it is like the more the merrier. Now for the barking- if one is going bark then yes two are going to bark- Sometimes one Pyr will bark just to see if the other one will bark. It also can become extremely chaotic.
I currently have 7 adult Pyrenees. Choas reigns. But Pyrenees are happy go lucky dogs (unless you are a coyote) and they just seem to think that as long as they are all together, life is good.
Dolly the momma dog has even basically let the pack help her with raising the babies. I can not think of another breed of dog that would allow that- and Tuggles was so involved with the raising of the babies that he also got sick when they all got sick at 7 days old. He just could not get enough of those babies.
Pyrs can be great as single dogs however Pyrs like to be a part of a pack. He would be fine and he would probably play more than he does now if you added another Pyr.
Again though, if barking is a problem then you may want to reconsider unless you can keep them in doors the majority of the time.
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I kind of look at my dogs like I did my kids. Once you have the first one, you might as well have more. You are now committed to taking care of one, so another won't be a problem. You have to make arrangements for care, when you are gone. If you take them with you, you have to take, food, water, etc. So doubling that is no big deal. I would never have just one dog. We did for all of 3 days last year when Hamlet died and my husband called me and did not want to come home from work. The house was just too empty. My dogs all serve a purpose and that was my criteria for getting them. Cody guards and makes me feel safe. Max is our clown and makes my husband feel loved and wanted. Jake is our outgoing, friendly, never met a stranger dog and Max's playmate. They all have their place in our life and fill it beautifully. For me an only dog is like an only child, too clingy, too needy, easier to spoil. Not for me. If you are concerned about the barking, consider getting a different breed. Pyr's generally don't seem to mind who they share their lives with. Jake gets along just fine with Cody and Max. He's not good with small dogs, but all big dogs are just fine with him. Also, keep in mind that rescues don't necessarily know how a dog is going to react to your particular living situation. It can take a rehomed dog months to really show his true personality. A dog that was very laid back and docile in a foster home may suddenly turn into a territorial, dominant dog in a different pack setting with a different human and canine family. It happens, so don't be surprised. Good luck and I'm sure you will make the right decision for your family and dog.
Kathy
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I have 3 dogs and I kinda agree if you have 1 you might as well have 3. It’s like kids if you have 1 you might as well have more. All 3 of mine are rescue dogs in all my years of rehoming and fostering the stories I could tell about dogs that were wanted when they were pups and when they grow up if they do not fit in to the family lets give them away. There are so many throw away dogs because no one has enough time to spend with the dog and he is board and chewed everything up or he has mistakes because he is in a crate for 12 hours a day. Dogs require a lot of time love and understanding! I had a lady that ask me to find a home for her dog she worked long hours and the dog was in a crate from 12 to 14 hours a day and she realized it wasn’t fair to the dog. I found the perfect home for that dog a couple the wife worked at a nursing home and she was able to take the dog to work with her and when she wasn’t able to her husband worked out of the home and the dog spent time with him. It couldn’t have been a better fit a month later the lady who gave up the dog called me and told me she got another dog and not a thing had changed with her working hours it made me sad. I look at my 3 and would not have taken them if I could not provide everything they deserve. That is not just shelter and food it is lots of love and training as well to the end of there lives. I live the reasons why humans don’t want there animals every day I lay in bed at night and think about the unwanted animals I know I can’t take every animal I come across but I will do my best to find them loving homes. Marina
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I currently have 3 dogs.IMO if we can give 1 dog plenty of time and attention then i think its fine havign just one dog,BUT if we are gone alot and do not have the time to give that one dog lots of attention then I definatley think two or mor eis in order ;D
Now for the barking...I would not get another known barker :-\If thats an issue with you or your neighbors.Pyrs are known all over in what you read about being barkers.
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Well, you've gotten plenty of insight. Now I will weigh in as the single-dog owner! :)
I emphasize that it TRULY depends on your dog's temperment and personality AND that of the 2nd/3rd dog.
Cabeza (our 8 year old Chow/Newf X) has mostly been a single dog since we've had him. There have been times that we had fosters for short periods and even a 2nd dog for awhile. Most recently, we had Mabel, an 11 year old mutt. She was only with us for months before she died of cancer. :(
In any case, Cabeza seems to be happier alone. He tolerates other dogs, and some of them he will even sorta-kinda play with. But, honestly, when he is the only dog in the house, his energy level is higher, he's more spunky and puppy like. I think that is because he loves US much more. He doesn't like to share and he's not interested in playing with another dog.
So, I would say really really really pay attention to YOUR dog. Don't personify him. What would HE truly like/want? I know that deep down, Cabeza will accept any dog I bring in, but he would really prefer to be the only one in the house.
I want a Newf, and I was always planning on getting her last fall. However, I think I might wait awhile now for a 2nd dog.
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IMO if we can give 1 dog plenty of time and attention then i think its fine havign just one dog,BUT if we are gone alot and do not have the time to give that one dog lots of attention then I definatley think two or more is in order ;D
Actually, I REALLY have to disagree with this. If you don't have the time and attention to devote to one dog, I really don't think it's wise for an owner to go out and get another dog. Having 1 dog requires time and attention, and having 2 requires MORE not less, simply because there are now 2 dogs to care for, not just 1. Besides, nothing is worse than having 1 dog not getting the attention he deserves than having 2 or 3 or more not getting the attention they deserve.
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IMO if we can give 1 dog plenty of time and attention then i think its fine havign just one dog,BUT if we are gone alot and do not have the time to give that one dog lots of attention then I definatley think two or more is in order ;D
Actually, I REALLY have to disagree with this. If you don't have the time and attention to devote to one dog, I really don't think it's wise for an owner to go out and get another dog. Having 1 dog requires time and attention, and having 2 requires MORE not less, simply because there are now 2 dogs to care for, not just 1. Besides, nothing is worse than having 1 dog not getting the attention he deserves than having 2 or 3 or more not getting the attention they deserve.
Ya know what, Marissa? I totally agree with you. I think that while some dogs benefit from the companionship of another dog, it is certainly no substitute for that of their humans.
While dogs are definitely pack animals, they've also evolved over thousands of years to be "man's best friend". They want to be with their people. If you can't give one dog the attention and time he/she deserves, you have no business bringing another dog into that situation.
Besides, I would be very leery of a situation where the dogs have developed a pack that is separate from the humans. That would make me very nervous, and that is exactly what you'd be doing if you aren't interacting enough with one dog, so you get another.
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Thanks, Nicole. I'm helping my cousins get their dog out of the situation it is in. This sweet little dog of theirs is never let in the house, never played with, or taken for walks, and at one time, they thought getting another dog would be the best answer for her. :( Not at all. :-[ They are finally realizing that the dog deserves a better home, not just a canine companion. :-[
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While dogs are definitely pack animals, they've also evolved over thousands of years to be "man's best friend". They want to be with their people. If you can't give one dog the attention and time he/she deserves, you have no business bringing another dog into that situation.
I agree especially when the dogs are raised as inside dogs. For us, Marley gets a lot of attention no doubt - we don't have kids so he is our little baby boy! My debate whether to get a second dog is not to replace the attention we give to Marley but to add a companion to his life for all the moments we are not with him. Everyone's situation is different however my husband and I both work 8 hour days. We have to leave the house during that time and my debate is whether a independant pyr like Marley would benefit from having a buddy around 24/7 or if solitude while we are away from the house is also ok for him.... I guess it depends on the dogs personality and either way I won't know what he will like best unless I try it. :-\
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Having multiple dogs ha its ups and downs
downs: more money,more pooper scooping, more destruction and less room on the bed (i"m sure theres other things but i cant be bothered thinking to deeply I'll get a nosebleed)
up:Its a lot more funny, and its good for when on of your almost friends who hates dogs come over,if you have one they put up with it but still fuss you has three they don't come over
also i can go to work all day knowing that no-one is gonna do nothin to my wife
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We have 5 dogs one of which is a male Pyr. He beat up my other small male dog and I would not trust him with another male dog because they would have to submit. Generally the pyr is a good dog he just has a strong guarding instinct that can cause problems. No one is allowed to be aggressive with the cat, stay out of his food bowl and NEVER go near his puke (I think he still sees it as his food). I just pity the bad guy who ever has to deal with this guy. It's not always that easy to reverse 5,000 years of guard dog breeding.
He does love to play with all of my dogs and is often found in the bed with all four dogs. He does not allow anyone to pet him on the top of his head, he believes he is higher in the pack than people and if you ever confronted him you would learn he has no fear of humans. His mother and father lived as guard dogs on a farm and his short stay may have contributed to his stubborness.
He is a very good dog with a few hang ups but they can be dealt with.
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We have three very different dogs..and while I agree that time is always important...yo ur dog and how he relates to other dogs but pups as well as grown is important as well..
Your time and interaction with your fur kid is the most important...
example..if things seem fine now..and he is happy and you are as well,,and then a new pup enters the picture and you spend lots more time with it it can cause lots of problems..
This is the 1st time we have had three and it worked out very well..
In the past we have had many more than three,,or just two..three seemed to always end up with problems of one kind or another...but the three we have now are just perfect..
It is really up to you and how you want to do things..but time and attention always has to remain on the top of the list..
Tricia and the fur kids
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We currently have two - one Swissy, one Pyr and I could never imagine only having one again. We are in the process of deciding if we want to add a male Swissy to our pack next fall. We've been offered a pup from an excellent breeder and from an outstanding sire & dam, but we think that the transistion to 3 dogs might be more than we want to tackle. For example, we got a bigger SUV to accomodate two dogs and any possible future children (LIMIT 2) because we like to take our dogs with us as much as possible. A third dog would make all that very difficult, not to mention the added costs and complications. Right now I can easily walk both dogs myself... not sure what a third dog would do to that scenario - afterall, I only have TWO ARMS! Even simpler things like - where do we put another elevated feeder that doesn't stick out like a sore thumb, or how much longer will it take at lunch time to take out a third dog (we don't have a fence and have to take them each out onleash - if we take them both together they want to play and not "GO POTTY!") require careful thought and consideration. We are going to contemplate it for a while and then make a decision.
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We are definately for the multiple dogs! we have three saint bernards now and we are looking for another that needs a
home....2 of ours are rescues and that is what we are
looking for...one that needs a forever home.
They are great...they play together...wal k together...
if one is outside , the other 2 are looking for him.
Before we always just had a single dog....but we have
realized "ya can't have just one"..lol
Our home is full of fun now...always something going on.
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We have 3 wonderful pups. The husky was our first and my husbands choice. Very spoiled. He thinks he is a human. And an ADHD one at that! When Mau was 1yr old we added the 4 month old male mal and then a few weeks later we brought home Jadis, the mals littermate. I wouldn't change a thing. I went from 0 to 3 in 13 months. ALl my friends thought I was crazy. We have only 1 "real" kiddo - my 9 year old beautiful daughter, but now have 3 furry ones. The beginning was rough for the little husky - within 3 months both mals outweighed him. Now they are more than double his weight - but he still claims alpha dog status. We have the occassional sibling arguing over bones and sometimes attention, but they are soooooo coool together. Each has his or her own personality. One gets to go to puppy school, one gets longer car rides and another gets very special walks. We rotate the extra priveleges so each has them at one time. They play wonderfully wild together and wear eachother out!
However - large dogs - large poops. Lots of food! Lots of treats! Lots of bones! Lots of time!!!! (oh - and lots of vet bills if problems crop up)
Payback - unconditional love and endless wet kisses! And the smile on my daughters face when she is lying on the floor surrounded by three furry bears - all cuddling up with her!
Tough decision - good luck - just be prepared!
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Our family had Belle, for 2 years and had thought about getting a second Great Pyrenees for at least half of that time. We were worried about getting a second one, only because Belle was an only girl and she is very Alpha, so we weren't sure how she would take.
Well we gave into the impulse last summer and got General, another Pyr. We introduced them off of Belle's property and she took to him very nicely. General was only 3 months old, so she ended up treating him like he was her own little pup. Belle took him under her wing and taught him the ropes (they are guard dogs) and I know that even though she seems bothered by him most days, she couldn't live without him now. Belle is going to be 5 in May and General will be 1 and she now acts like she is semi retired, now that General will do most of the guarding.
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Hi there 2Pyrs! Welcome aboard! Your Babes are about the same ages or age differences as my two. Rain was 5 in Feb & Whisper will be 2 the end of July. It's wonderful how the Elder teaches the new kid on the block.
Sounds as though you have a Pyrfect Fit with your two. ;) Tell us more and please - please - Pictures!!!! :D
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We need to be a three dog household ... we were down to two for a bit but something was missing ... so we adopted Ozzy!!! Currently we are having some issues (started right before Ozzy joined us), so both 'ladies' will be spayed in the next few weeks. All was fine for two years, but our little rat has suddenly decided that she needs to be the dominant female and has started to be very vicious to Fable (our 8 year old husky mix) ... never a dull moment in our home ... and did I mention the fur EVERYWHERE!!! I wouldn't have it any other way!
Lacey
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:) lol we are crazy people .
Growing up as a kid we usually had no less than 3 dogs at a time , then i left home got married had 3 cats who were fantastic & dearly loved, but i missed not having a dog around.
We decided to get a dalmatian & she was wonderfull !!!!!
When our dalmatian was the ripe old age of 12 we then got ben our rescue golden retriever ( he was an emergency foster ), but he had issues and no where else to go but our dally loved him instantly and so he stayed with us.
At this time we had also been waiting over 12 months for our leonberger pup,but the mating did not work :'(
Then we got a call saying she had been mated on her last season and it had worked , did we still want a pup ?
Thats how we ended up with 3 dogs ! . P.S LOL we only have one child so thats makes things easier ;)
Sadly we lost our dalmatian last July at the age of 14.5 , she was a special girl :) & is still missed every day.
oh and we have decided to get another leonberger later this year :), so we will be back to 3 dogs again .
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In my home it has always been the more the merrier but I have been lucky enough to always have well rounded and well behaved packs so to speak. As far as you travelling goes, it most likley would be easier on your pyr when you had to leave them home to have another familiar buddy to stay with.
However, I would not reccommend getting your pyr a goat or other livestock for it to guard if it has not been previously trained in guarding or you do not have the time to invest in training him. Although they have marvelous instincts it is hard to expect all pyrs to instantly know how to behave once introduced to a brand new species of animal.