Two dogs? Some would say crazy!
So here we are, one month into being a dog mum to two crazy cockers! Safe to say its been a fun but busy and tiring month! We are still very much in the adjustment phase but we have now established a routine that works well for both dogs and are running with it! We really did hit jackpot with Reggie and thankfully him and Rocco truly are the best of friends and get on so well.
How did Rocco adjust?
Rocco has adjusted better than I ever imagined and has been the best big brother to Reggie; so gentle and kind! If I am being totally honest, like for most people, you always worry how your first will adjust and if it will change your bond with them. We have been so lucky and if anything Rocco has become an even more affectionate dog than ever before! One thing I feel really has helped is we do make sure to spend 1:1 time with Rocco (when Reggie is napping etc). We really can see how much Rocco appreciates that 1:1 time as we spend the majority of it on the sofa being showered in kisses by him! Its given him a sense of 'normality' in this big change.
How do you choose?
We done ALOT of research to make sure we were picking the perfect second dog for Rocco and us, we even considered other breeds! But we came to the conclusion that for us, sticking with the same breed was best; we felt finding a dog that could match Rocco's energy and had the same characteristics as him would make him happiest (plus we ADORE cockers so how could we say no). We did however decide this time we would go down the show cocker route rather than working cocker as typically they tend to be slightly calmer and a bit more calmness never goes a miss! We also made sure that Reggie's parents had good temperaments which I would always say is crucial when choosing your second or your first!
When is the right time to get a second?
In all honesty as cliché as it is... when you know you know! In the months prior to even considering a second dog, we saw a noticeable shift in Rocco's demeanour. He went from being a puppy to an adult and suddenly matured! We could really sense he had grown up; he became calmer and more obedient, he was doing better than ever with his listening and training and we could tell that he was ready! Rocco is also very well socialised with other dogs and goes to creche twice a week which he ADORES beyond belief, he loves seeing his friends and playing with them so we knew introducing a new dog wouldn't be too much of an issue for him.
Which jump is harder?
I would say the jump from no dogs to your first dog is harder without a doubt. Doing it the second time has really just been doing what we already know but all over again! The benefit of getting to do it again though is that with Rocco it was very much a 'trial and error' scenario and we learnt what did and didn't work for us so we have done some things a bit differently this time as a result which has definitely made our lives easier!
Do we regret it?
The answer is... not one bit! Getting a second dog was the best thing we done (aside from getting our first of course). I'm not naïve to the fact that this isn't the case for all people but I really do like to think our research and thought that went into making sure everything could be as smooth sailing as possible is what made this experience as positive as it has been! Getting to see the boys together and their bond daily and in particular knowing that Rocco, who once only had us, now has a companion for life makes our hearts so content! If you're thinking of getting a second dog and have considered all factors, then do it! What are you waiting for?!
Our 3 Top Tips when getting a second dog -
1. Do your research - consider factors such as size/breed differences, genders, age and temperaments and how well this will work with your current dog.
2. Be prepared - to enter an adjustment phase and if getting a second puppy; re-entering the puppy phase! It takes some getting used to again and requires patience!
3. Make sure the time is right - consider your lifestyle, whether you have the time/expenses to accommodate a second and if your first dog is ready for this change.
To Conclude...
A little disclaimer that we are no experts and are still very much learning for ourselves! It can be a very daunting decision so we hope sharing our personal experience makes that somewhat less daunting for you! If you have any questions for us, our mailbox is always open! We will keep you posted on how the boys continue to adjust over the upcoming months!
With Love,
R&R
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