[ianamke]

I have a 9 month old Australian Sheperd. Basic training is going well and she picks up on things quickly. She is very affectionate and friendly with everyone and other dogs as well. She is spayed. I live in the country and she has the full run of a small ranch with extensive fenced acreage. It's really dog paradise. Now I have a rare opportunity to get another Aussie, an 8 week old female, who is my first ones second cousin. I'm very tempted but would love to hear from those of you who have had two pups close to the same age. I know there will be challenges but I'm retired so have the time. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Don't do it.
That is my advice. 2 dogs thst young are 4 times the work.

Dogs don't need dog friends and at that age the dogs will bond to each other, not to you.

 

[ianamke]

Don't do it.
That is my advice. 2 dogs thst young are 4 times the work.

Dogs don't need dog friends and at that age the dogs will bond to each other, not to you.

"4 times the work" sounds about right. To be successful I know I would have to spend significant time alone with each.

 

[DaySleepers]

Your pup is only really at the beginning of adolescence, and there could be a lot of bumps in the road from here to when she starts to really mature. It's very common for teenagers to start blowing off cues and behaviors they previously knew well, to go through phases of being anxious or reactive in situations they used to be fine in, to start finding their environment way more interesting than their owner and struggle with focus and impulse control, and just generally go through growing pains, sometimes until they're two or more. My boy will be two this summer and he's still absolutely working through adolescent behaviors. Personally, I would not bring a puppy home at this stage, as your adolescent will still need a ton of attention and dedicated focus. And there's a lot to be said for a puppy being able to come into a home with a mature, settled, adult dog with generally good manners rather than a rowdy teenager who might encourage behaviors that are rude, obnoxious, or otherwise inappropriate.

 

[Lillith]

I would also advise that you wait until your first dog is more mature. Generally 3-4 years old is when many people decide to get a new puppy because their older dog is well mannered, settled, and has a good bond with their handler. They are no longer dealing with adolescent behaviors.

Also, getting two dogs close in age means dealing with two senior dogs who may have elevated vet bills at the same time, or may pass about the same time.