Puppy Gal Welcomes You To
Judy's Journal....

On the question of having two bullies vs. one:

There are pros and cons to each. I think there is a huge difference between having two babies or having one older dog and adopting a puppy. When one dog in the household is already grown, it will show the newcomer the ropes and help it to potty train etc. The new puppy will be all too happy to emulate the elder's behavior and in this way things progress a little more quickly. Conversely, when you have two who are both completely oblivious... it is one and a half times the work, because you have to have your eye on both of them every second. Definitely not recommended for people with carpeted floors, as accidents are going to happen.

Also, I think the potty training goes a bit slower, because when taken outside, the pups play with each other instead of focusing on their business. We were not successful with taking one out at a time, because the one in the house had an accident every time. I guess if you had two people to take the dogs to different areas every time, it would work out well, but this was not possible for us.

Puppies seem to be like two year olds, they are totally mobile and into everything with no regard for their own safety. They do not 'obey' because they do not know what is expected of them yet. We did not get to sit down in our own house for the first month the pups were here. Obviously two dogs are twice the expense and require twice the amount of space, attention, care etc. A practical point, but one to consider nonetheless.

It takes us about 15 minutes per dog per evening to go through the regular routine of face cleaning and general skin, teeth, and nail maintenance. I enjoy this very much, but realize not everyone would be willing to dedicate a block of time every evening to these menial tasks.

There are some definite bonuses to the dual dog strategy. Most owners go through the separation anxiety blues with just one dog. This is not a problem in the least for us. The dogs keep each other up all day and play very hard, but at night they sleep like babies in their crates. Their crates sit side by side, so they can see each other at all times. When we go to work, the dogs do not whine etc. I am sure of this, because on the weekends, I get up at the regular time and go through our morning routine. When I normally leave for work, I crate the pups and go take a nap. Not a peep is heard from them until 11:00 (lunchtime) when I hear them playing with their toys. Now that the dogs are pretty well potty trained, I can leave them in one area of the house while I do a few chores in another area. They play with each other and are not attached to my hip.

On a more emotional level, we have truly enjoyed watching each kid's personality develop. We were blessed with a boy and a girl who are like ying and yang, each perfect and unique. This has been wonderful! Overall, I think a two person family in which both parties were totally dedicated to the puppies can make the two dog experience work, and really enjoy it. I would not recommend it for one person alone, unless they have a support system of friends or family who would be willing to help. The logistics of getting the pups outside from their crates without having an accident when they could not climb stairs and I was alone was overwhelming! Then again, I am never one to say it CAN'T be done. I just realize it would take the patience and endurance of a saint to go it alone!

One older dog and one puppy is much more do-able. This is probably the best scenario. Thank you again for including us in your survey. I hope this info helps, and would be willing to talk with people over the phone or e-mail any time.

Have a wonderful bully butt wiggle day and give Bob a big squeeze from the Combs household.

Your Friend, Michelle