[LoveMaxwell]

Maxwell just turned 8 months old and on Friday we are bringing home a sister for him. They have the same father. She's 9 wks. old and we're naming her Hannah. We're so excited, but also a little scared. We've been thinking about getting a second basset since we brought Max home, but now we're hoping that we're not crazy. Max is such a playful and happy little guy and we think he's going to love having a full time friend and playmate. However, we're worried two dogs is going to be too much to handle. Any encouragement, advice, etc. would be appreciated.

 

[CharlieSue]

Ohhh that is soo exciting! Can't wait to see pictures posted. That is also neat that they are half-siblings!!

I am sure they will get used to each other. Is Maxwell good around other dogs? If we got another dog for Charlie.. well, I don't know how she would react. SHE ABSOLUTELY LOVESSSS other dogs. She always always wants to play with other dogs when they come over. So much so that she tires them out and has yet to be the one to quit first, ha. It is good that Maxwell is younger.. maybe he will adapt better since he isn't too set in his ways? who knows!

 

[Boopus1965]

I have 3 dogs, 2 basset hounds and a black lab. I wouldn't trade a thing and the 2 basset hounds are adorable together. I love having them all together, my youngest Bella is 10 months old, Lolly is 4 and my Jazz my lab is 5. They worked with me training her and they keep her worn out which is great, my lab plays bitey face, patty cake with her in the house. Lolly keeps her worn out running and romping with her out in the yard. I bathe all 3 of mine every single week due to my allergies and wash a ton of bedding, I am constantly changing their bedding every couple of days, I find it is far more enjoyment and I don't mind the extra work. Don't think you will regret it when you see them together.

Make sure you introduce them right tho, the puppy you should put it's backend towards your other dog and let him get his fill of smelling and such, don't put them face to face when you first get home. Good Luck and keep us posted.

 

[2hounds]

I love having 2 together! They're a blast!

~Heather

 

[SophieB]

CONGRATULATIONS!!! You'll love it and so will maxwell.

Three generations of my family have always had two or three Bassets together and being pack animals, they will be so much happier than being alone and Hannah will feel so much more settled at night having a friend to snuggle up to!

 

[LoveMaxwell]

I'm sitting here smiling reading your replies. I'm so excited!! Thanks everyone.

 

[bubbad]

Two is no more trouble than one. Have fun.

 

[Lightning&Stomps]

I fought getting a second basset for so long, and I really regret waiting. In many ways two is much easier than one. Obviously, though, two will be more expensive. And read through the posts about having two or more bassets for tips on what to do to prevent issues, like feeding the dogs separately to avoid fighting. But I loved having two, and so did Lightning, who's back to being an only child again You will love, love, love it!

 

[Mikey T]

However, we're worried two dogs is going to be too much to handle

The idea that two are as easy or easier than one is not altogether true. It very much depends on the dogs skill of the owner and the leadership demands of the dogs. That is if you current dog is not running you ragged is general well behavied adding a second is not going to be a problem, If it is the opposite utter caos often insues.

If you are new to multidog household I suggest patricia Mcconnell's

It is a small booklet but has a lot of information pack in it. Much of it is intuitive, for experience and good dog handlers. That is a lot of the suggest they do without out ever really being conscious of it. So it is often these simple techniques the more experienced use all the time but never bother to pass down to newbies that could benefit from them. The body blocking technique is high on that list. There is also a DVD for the more visual learner, having not seen it I can not comment on how well the techniques are demonstrated.


for a fair review of the booklet click [url=http://www.kateconnick.com/library/mcconnelloutnumbered.html]here

To their credit, London & McConnell don't focus on identifying and favoring the most dominant dog, nor on allowing dogs to work out their own conflicts.

...
Although brief, this is a very readable, very understandable, practical booklet. The owner who follows through on suggestions it contains will undoubtedly have a more serene household. Many owners of multiple dogs stumble on these ideas anyway, but this book would make a nice gift for an owner of multiple dogs who needs a little help managing the chaos.

IMHO it is better to get off on the right foot then have to correct problems later so I would get the booklet before there is a problem and institute the ideas and techniques it contains right from the start

 

[Kirska]

When you get home, let the new puppy wander around the whole house and get her scent into every room (or every room your existing pup is allowed in) before allowing the pup you already have to go in. This will make her seem like less of an intruder.

Having two dogs is great. I believe it really improves the happiness of the dogs as well to have a canine friend with them all the time.

 

[Tuesday]

Congrats!!! I would love to get another playmate for Gwenny but we can't afford it just yet.