Are two boxers more work than one?

[boxmom]

It is funny how when you get a second one you think the older one you already have is going to "lead" and teach the new pup, but it ends up your older one reverts back to puppyhood! I just love having two, and three was great too! I think a puppy is a lot of work anyway, with or without the second doggie. I say go for it, just be willing to be flexable and patient. Good luck whatever you decide, hope you will let us know!

 

[boxerlove45]

i couldnt imagine 2

omg 2 cant even see it ..i have 4 and yes more money alot more food..but it is worth it i never thought of friends for eachother but just for me luv them all..they all have there own personality like my children do..The most important word in my house is ...ENOUGH..imagine 4 playing together gets crazy in the house..but wouldnt trade it for nothing..Usually my 4 yr old skin kid starts them on being nuts,he loves them all..What it really comes down to is time..if you have time for 2 go for it...just more to love ..for you that is not for your other pup..

 

[Bufords Pop]

I think it CAN actually be easier

We've had as many as 4, and NEVER fewer than 3, at the same time (that we owned, we've never fostered) and I think it's actually easier.. It's more expensive, but it's not really too much more work.. If you have one that's well socialized, and good with other dogs & puppies you'll be surprised how quickly things will fall into place.. The other one will show the new guy the way- teach him the ropes I guess you could call it..

That's not a guarantee, nor is it to be considered acceptable to replace that with socialization and training from you- but it's been our experience over several years and quite a few boxers that the combination of us socializing, training, & setting (& sticking to) clear boundaries with another dog that has been thru the process with us before it goes pretty smooth..

Sure, we have our situations where the puppy needs to be disciplined, but it seems that rarely does it come from us- at least not as much as when we were raising a single puppy.. Watching a well socialized, adult dog interact with a puppy that is being rude & needs to be reprimanded is something special to see.. Puppies, like most of us, learn pretty much the majority of their life skills on the playground.. They're going to cross the line- they have to, there's no way they can learn what the proverbial line is without actually crossing it.. In my experience it's been easier for everyone if the person meting out the consequences for this rude behavior is a well socialized dog.. They don't hold grudges, and move on without carrying any baggage like us humans tend to do..

My opinion is that if you really want the puppy, can accommodate another dog, and feel that your current dog is well socialized and ready to trade some of his time with you for time with a new sister the chances are pretty good you'll be glad you did..

 

[bree]

everyone mentioned it's double the vet bills, double the food, double the mess, etc. but it's also double the love, double the fun, and double the silliness. my 2 boxer boys are so incredibly close it makes my heart hurt watching them together because it's just soooooo sweet that animals can be as in love as people can. they are always sleeping on top of each other, cuddled up, spooning, paws around each others necks, licking each others boo boos, etc. kingston, our newly adopted boston terrier, is developing a relationship with the 2 boys as well. after a long time at the park when everyone's exhausted, then he'll cuddle up to the pile of boxers. it's cute. also, i don't know if it's just my dogs, but i think as long as your dog is well socialized with other dogs he would be okay with another male. i mean, obviously you know your dog and i don't, but i have 3 (as of right now) intact males, and we never have any fights. only constant wrestling. =) just a lot of love.

 

[rhyswill]

It's funny...

As I sit here reading this post my three are all running laps around the couch, wrestling and carrying on like they always do! One was okay, two were better (as much for us as them) and three is almost too much fun - I would love to know what this kind of entertainment would cost, if there was a way to quantify it...