Second dog

[Heidi]

The woman and I have an 18 month old Brittany and I am thinking of getting another one and having a hard time convincing her. The current dog is full of energy and I think that it would be a good idea for a play companion. I also would like the opportunity to work/hunt with two pointing dogs. What are the pros and cons of my idea. Thanks for the replies.

[Eric Wettschreck]

I have 2 doggies. One is a 10 year old lab the other is a 10 month old GSP. I can honestly say when the puppy showed up the lab got some spunk back. Not by choice I don't think.

It's really super duper fun hunting over 2 pointers. I've done a lot of that with my neighbors dogs. However, sometimes 2 young dogs in the field are difficult to control if you are by yourself.

[setterguy]

Personally I would wait a year or two before picking up another dog...here is why. First I would want to make sure that my older dog was finished or close to being finished before introducing a puppy. Dogs will absolutley learn from each other and bad habits learned at an early age are difficult to overcome. Secondly, I would want to always have a dog in "prime age" if you purchase a dog now, in 9 years you are going to have two dogs on the decline of abilities. Of course this is a personal decision, just a couple things I have learned in my time....good luck.

[WaveWacker]

Personally I would wait until the first dog is 4 or around there. I like to run one older dog and one younger one. This assures me that I have one "experienced" dog in the field at all times. Unfortunately when the older dog passes away the younger one is still there to fill the shoes and it's time to look for a new puppy to begin the training process. Just what works for me.

[gspman]

I second Setterguy's post. Ideally you'd want one dog coming into it's prime as the other is just coming out of it's prime. One experienced dog can give a young dog some good OJT but you still have to stay on top of all situations so bad habits aren't ingrained.

[leechlake]

I have a ten yr old lab and 8 yr old golden, I just got a new puppy. Three dogs is a bit much, I should have spaced it out 4-5 years, that's what I'll do in the future.

[Heidi]

Good thoughts fellas. The breeder/trainer/friend is telling me that 2 dogs are very fun to hunt behind. Sounds interesting, but I think I will heed your advice. Space them out since you never know when something bad will happen. I'm looking foward to some fishing this weekend!!

[setterguy]

If you want to hunt behind two dogs just call me, we'll get out and chase some birds around...maybe try and talk you into a dog with a little more tail next time..

[HawgMan]

I'm with Setterguy.I'd wait till your first dog is seasond in the field,and well trained.I've got a 9 month old Britt and she's a hand full. Yes I'd like to have two Britts so they could play together,but,that would also mean....Twice the craters in the yard,as many shoes & etc.. chewed up,vet bills,the list goes on...........

Enjoy this one and train it well,then,go for another.

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[Heidi]

Setterguy, do you have a pointer? I will take you up on the two pointers hunting together. Mine has only hunting with a big ole brush busting flushing lab. Have decided to wait a couple of years on number 2 dog.

[setterguy]

I think you will be happy that you are waiting, and yes I do have pointing dogs. Whenever you would like to get out, I'm willing. I am in the grouse woods 15-20 times year, you know where to find me!