Adding a second dog?

[LucNesbitt]

I've long wanted a second dog, preferably a boxer. DH just informed me that a friend of ours is trying to help his boss' son find a home for his pit bull. The son found out he's going to be working off-shore and wants to find a good home for the dog.

I've always wanted our second dog to be a boxer but also want to see this dog go to a good home. According to the son, this dog gets along well with others and with kids. I don't want to fall into the stereotype trap b/c I know that pits can be great family dogs, I've just personally never considered owning one.

How did those of you that decided to add a second dog to your family determine you were ready? Am I selfish or snobbish for wanting our second dog to be a boxer only?

 

[rvngal]

Not at all. I would get what you want. I'm sure they will find the Pit a good home. Nothing against Pits, but I'd much more prefer a Boxer over a Pit.

 

[Louise501]

I personally wouldn't want to own a pitbull, I would always choose a boxer. I got Luka when Ruby was 4 months old, I just could imagine the fun they'd have together and they do, they are great companions for each other

 

[Lola's mum]

Firstly you're not selfish or snobbish for wanting your second dog to be a boxer only, after having Lola I can't ever imagine owning another breed (although I am partial to French Bulldogs or Boston Terriers)

We had a collie for 17 years before we decided to get Lola.
I've always loved Boxers but saw & fell in love with this collie pup (Tuppence) when we saw her at a rescue centre so we got her at 16 weeks old.
For years I'd wanted to add a boxer but knew no one with 2 dogs so was pretty scared about how much harder it would be etc plus we had 2 small children. Anyway years later we all discussed getting one and Tuppence although old was pretty agile and with it so we got Lola, best decision ever for us. The vet reckons she kept Tuppence younger in mind & body
Zebedee followed when Tups was pts then we got Casper.

If you have the time & money I'd say go for it. But it is double the expense, double the poop and double the time & effort (important to give each individual quality time) but so worth it

 

[jeffbotteril]

Charlie loves having another dog around, its a bitch pup but they get very well together. I thought he was happy before but its made a big difference I think to the quality of his life.

It is more work and expense of course.

Personally I would be wary of just taking in another dog from a friend of a friend unless I had spent plenty of time with the dog and had made sure that my boxer was happy as well. Especially if it was a pit bull, I have kids and other kids pop in as well.

But if you are happy with what you see and are not rushed into making a decision it could be good.

 

[lucy the pup]

Well all I can say is when we got quinn, we knew we were ready for a second dog, Lucy was three when we decied upon the fact and we picked him out 3 months later, if your ready for a second dog you will know it. As for what type of breed then that is up for you to decied, as for the pit, remember it any dag can attack anything at any time, it is all in the owner upon how it is brought up, any dog can be a good dog.

P.S. I personaly think all dog are great no matter what breed, if I knew it needed a good home you can train any dog any thing over time, you just have to know what you are getting into before you do.

Oh yeah Boxer rule

 

[Princess3604]

our second dog was a boxer (spike ~rip), and probably about a month or so after i gotten spike my boyfriend brought home hank our pit bull. he is so great with other dogs. all he ever wants to do is play, i say get what ever dog you want to but dont be so worried about what people think if you have a pit. people drive by my home and stare at hank cuz hes a pit but i honestly dont care what other people think about my dogs all that matters is that i love them and that they love me.

 

[LucNesbitt]

Well, DH and I talked and we don't think we're ready for a second dog right now. As much as I feel compassion for this dog, I really do want our second one to be another boxer. Thanks for all the advice though!

 

[SILLY6PAK]

I think you are right to wait. Your heart will tell you the direction to go. I was FIRM when we married 2 of his boxers + 2 of my boxers = a full house. Each addition to our family has felt right. We said no, especially lately, to many but when it is right it is right.

Now with 8 everyone thinks will will say yes. We have even gotten a few drop offs. I know better than to say NEVER nine but it will take a special someone to break my 8 is enough rule.

Long story short. You will know when it is time for number two.

 

[Luvnmyboxer]

I also wouldn't place a stereotype on the dog without meeting him. Pits I've came in contact with who have good owners seem as happy as other breeds around new people. (It's usually the little yappy ones who frighten me). Perhaps you could help to foster this guy until he finds a home- that way you'd be keeping him for the owner and he could supply funds for the feed and vet bills until you find the right home. Personally if I had to give up my dog I'd rather pay to fund him to be safe while a new home was found, rather than surrender it to a shelter or such. Perhaps there is a pit rescue nearby that would take this guy in, just dont want him to end up in the hands of the wrong people.