One dog or two for their happiness

I purchased a rescue dog in the beginning of June (Staff/Mastiff cross), she is now approximately 7 months old (they're unsure of actual age), and I was unsure as to purchase another. I have been told that it was better for a dog's social interaction for there to be two or more in a loving home (ok, this was only after receiving a message from 118 saying they answer any question), but I wanted to put it to all the professional dog owners out there. Bella seems a very happy dog in our house hold and settled in from day one, she's got a lovely disposition about her and I don't know if another dog in the household would upset this or make her happier. Also if it is better to have two, would I be better to get a female or male and an older dog or a younger one. Any advice gratefully received. I also have 3 children in the house (youngest almost 10 years old), and two rabbits.

You've still only had her a short while, I'd leave things as they are for now and consider things in a year or so. It makes no difference to her whether she has a companion or not, infact she don't have to share you

At 7 months your dog is still very much a baby and needs a lot of training and input from you. You and she have to survive her adolescence yet, with may go on until she is 18 months. I would concentrate on her for now and consider another dog when she is older and doesn't need so much of your time. But good for you for being so keen to make her happy!

I would agree with the others and wait awhile longer before getting another dog, enjoy her and let her mature to adulthood first, it goes soooooo quick!!

Thank you for all your help, I just wondered if it would of been better to get another one while she was young and new to the house so that she doesn't become possessive of her home and family.

You can make sure she is very well socialised with other dogs and other people. Invite doggy friends over to your house so she accepts other dogs and people in her home. Having another dog when she is so young will be very hard work and you may not have time to train them both.

It could happen anyway taking into account what she is crossed with whether she be 7 months old or 17 months old. I'm not saying it will definately happen it's just something that could.

Personally if your new to dog owning, I'd just leave her be dogs aren't really like us and don't need companionship with another dog in order to be happy. Just love her, enjoy her, carry on training her, get her comfortable being around other dogs, then consider things again in a year or so.

Best of luck

We waited nearly 8 years to get a 2nd dog! Do wish we done it sooner but mum was worried Cheeko wouldn't get along with another dog. Our old 2 boys couldn't even look at eachother without fighting so it put her off a bit but we decided we had coped before so we could cope again if they didn't get along. Luckily they love eachother

I have 2 dogs, I waited till Zeus my Lab was coming upto 18 months before we adobted. Because I wasn't too sure if it was right or not getting a second dog. We fostered for a couple rescues first, Momo was the 5th dog that came to stay. I'm so glad I did it that way, as I had the chance to find the right dog for me and my family. Without getting a dog just to find that I would have to take it back to rescue cause I couldn't cope. Or the dogs didn't get on with each other. I would advise to anyone thinking about another dog to foster first. Great experience and also the kids love having dogs stay here on holiday. Also made me feel useful, helping a dog get a new home. Finding how they were living in a home environment with other animals and children.

I have two dogs and I would never have less if I could avoid it, seeing my two interact is just lovely. I think dogs can be happy on their own, but I do believe a lot of, if not most, dogs are happier with canine company. However, I do agree that your dog is young and new to the home and may benefit from settling in and some more training before you add a new addition. Having two dogs can make things like training harder, and one dog's bad habits can rub off onto the other, so consider it carefully, but you could perhaps look into adopting an older, well-trained adult, maybe in a few months time when your girly has settled down. I decided to go for a slightly older, calmer male to be a good influence on Kiki - I got the male bit right but Casper's estimated to be the same age, maybe 6 months older. In a way it worked out better as they wear each other out with their energy! Casper had been sent to an intensive training class in his previous home - I don't agree with them but it did at least mean he had a lot of the basics down which helped.
I was a bit worried as Kiki is a definately princess, and I was concerned she'd feel left out or jealous, but she still makes sure she gets as much/more fuss than Casper and their personalities suit each other so well, Casper is definately under her thumb and there's never any conflict. A decent rescue should help you match your girl up with the best option, be it a male or female, older or younger, and you could always look into fostering with a view to adopt if things work well.