One Border Collie, Not Enough?

[Gadfly]

I see that Linda has a signature strapline that says: "One Border Collie is Never Enough".
Well, that got me thinking again. I'm not sure about that statement but each time I hear from my breeder that Jess's mum has given birth to another litter, it sets me thinking: should I get another one? a playmate for Jess would be good or would it alter that special bond between us? I see in another thread this special bond has been discussed and it certainly does become very special indeed between one man and his dog. I grew up with a BC(not purebred) on a farm until I was 17 but I never had another dog all my working life, as it was not the sort of job that would allow time for a BC and I never thought of getting any other, less demanding breed. After living most of my life without a dog I didn't think there would be such a strong bond. How wrong I was. I've had Jess for almost 2 years now and it really is just me and her together all of the time. I drive a small saloon car and Jess rides by my side in a special box I made for her that goes on the front passenger seat. A second dog wouldn't fit in the front so I'd think she'd feel a little left out in the back seat. I'm very doubtful about changing this special relationship by introducing another dog into our lives but, obviously, I can see that multiple dogs work well for some of you. I'm still working on the pros & cons... what do you think?
   

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[LadyDaniela]

Dogs are social beings and *most* do well in packs. Unless there is past history that cannot be ironed out, I say go for it!

I don't feel (nor recall) that our bond with Freckles was changed when Tucker came into the picture, nor when BennE was introduced. While bonds are different with each dog, they are nonetheless still intense and wonderfully gratifying.

Good luck in your search and decision

[GreensMom]

I think if your dog is "well adjusted" it is a great idea. Lucky hated other dogs. Green, I'm not sure if it would be in his best interest. I think we have done do much work and he is so insecure that it would not be best for him.

[Oenoke]

Each of my dogs is special in their own way, I love them all for different reasons. Sometimes I'll just take 1 dog out, sometimes 2, sometimes all 5, they all get their special time with me. As others have said as long as your present dog doesn't have problems with other dogs and you have the time and resources, then I say go for it, all I'll say is it is harder to go from 1 dog to 2, than to go from 2 dogs to 3, etc.

[joanne/shads]

I take the "1 bc is never enough" as a personal feeling more than for the individual dogs needs. I would love to have 4 or 5 running round training and walking but i dont have house room so i look at it from that point of view. If I won the lottery tomorrow after i bought a nice house with plenty of land the next on my list is another collie.

[only-borders]

For me one dog of any breed is not enough. I think as long as you can afford multiple dogs and have enough room for them why not. If you have to take one out, walk one, train one, etc, why not 2, 3, or more?

It all depends on what the individual can handle.

[Samwise]

By introducing another dog, would this mean you spent less time with Jess? And, if so, are you going to be alright with that and will Jess be ok with that? Another dog would need the same attention, training, grooming etc the Jess already enjoys from you. There are also financial aspects, space issues etc, but I’m sure you have considered those.
There may be times at the moment when Jess is left alone - if you had another dog she would have a buddy and never be alone. Two dogs often play together, but also get up to mischief together.

As you have had Jess for over two years, another dog is not going to damage the bond between you (it may even strengthen it). If the newcomer understands his/her position and place from the start (riding on the back seat rather than the front, for example) they will accept that and not have an issue with that. My oldest dog does not ride in the back seat, it is way beneath her. (If I have a passenger, she rides on the passenger’s lap. If that doesn’t work, she will allow herself to be put in the back and will stay there, but is not impressed.) The other two know that they ride on the back seat and are quite happy there – they have an excuse to stick their tongue in my ear, something they seem to find endlessly entertaining.

[joanne/shads]

Shadow is just the same, he sits on the front seat if im alone or have the grandkids in the back, if my daughter is with me he sits at her feet. But when my friend is with me she is quite a large lady and Shads just gets in the back as soon as he sees her approaching the car then licks us both round the ears. As long as he can touch someone hes quite happy i tried the dog guard and he just wouldnt settle just paced the whole time whereas he'll lie on the back seat only sitting up when i turn off the engine. If i could have another dog im sure they would work it out between them i grew up squashed in the back of the car because my mum had our 2 retrievers sat at her feet with the seat pushed right back.

[Gadfly]

(08-23-2010 07:50 AM)Samwise Wrote:  By introducing another dog.../... they have an excuse to stick their tongue in my ear, something they seem to find endlessly entertaining.

Thanks for all that Sam... wise words.

[CollieDad]

I agree that one bc is not enough. I had storm for 2 years when we added Mist this spring.
After bringing her home, he herded her for about an hour and a half, then he must have realized she was another dog. They have been best buddies ever since. Storm even seems a bit more "balanced".

[Country Girl]

I live by the saying, "Border Collies are like potato chips, bet you can't have just one."

[trickytrip]

(08-23-2010 01:54 AM)joanne/shads Wrote:  I take the "1 bc is never enough" as a personal feeling more than for the individual dogs needs. I would love to have 4 or 5 running round training and walking but i dont have house room so i look at it from that point of view. If I won the lottery tomorrow after i bought a nice house with plenty of land the next on my list is another collie.

My thoughts exactly!!

[Brandon M]

For me, I'd like to have 3. When I get my ranch though, I'll have more money and room and would love to start a BC rescue.

[LJS1993]

Two BC's are definitely better then one. Unless your dog has some major issues it's important to realize that dogs are pack animals and fare very well in a nicely bonded pack. My only advice is to take it slow once you get another dog since it could take a week or two to get a nice little multi-dog routing going.

[Vicky]

(08-23-2010 01:54 AM)joanne/shads Wrote:  I take the "1 bc is never enough" as a personal feeling more than for the individual dogs needs. I would love to have 4 or 5 running round training and walking but i dont have house room so i look at it from that point of view. If I won the lottery tomorrow after i bought a nice house with plenty of land the next on my list is another collie.

Me too!!, i would add an lab and an English Springer aswell but lots of bc's oh well i can dream, i don't drive but when my mum takes me and the girls out they sit in the back on the seats Holly sometimes sits on the floor just because she does, if we go in my dad's van they have to go in the back but they are quite happy still.