Getting a second puppy?

[Richest]

We have a 5 month old puppy who is doing really well with training etc. We go to puppy classes, puppy socialisation, daycare a couple of times a week etc and also work with a puppy behaviourist.
A few of the people in these professions have suggested that our current puppy would benefit from having a dog companion at home. He seems to love the company of other dogs and also people.
We have been looking at older dogs from rescues, but have just seen that the same breeder we got our puppy from has a puppy retuned to them that needs a home. What would be the pros and cons of getting a 12 week old puppy as well as having a 5 month old one?
I imagine training could potentially be more difficult. But being the same age their energy levels should match up for both playing and rest times?
Anyone with experience of a small age gap?

 

[JoanneF]

Generally it’s recommended to wait until your current puppy has gone through adolescence before getting a puppy. His personality may change and he may become more reserved with other dogs. And dealing with a puppy and a stroppy adolescent brings its challenges.

it is quite uncommon for someone to suggest getting another dog ‘for your dog’, most people would say by all means get one for you; but there’s no guarantee your dogs will be best friends. If they can tolerate each other and rub along nicely, that’s a bonus.

Another issue is that at the other end of the life span, you will have two elderly dogs together. That could mean twice the health issues, vet bills, insurance hikes simultaneously. And of course, the likelihood of losing both within a short timescale.

 

[Tinytom]

If you really want another dog ...i would get a bitch if you have a dog and vice versa ....it will be hard work but i guess you already know that ....as long as you have the time energy and finances for a second pup ....i have always had multiple dogs and had 2 pups with no problems if you put the work in ...

 

[Hemlock]

Also be aware that a few weeks old and a few months old are as different as a just-crawling human baby with a 4 year old child. Not at all the same developmental stages at all (and a 5 month old pup has adolescence on the horizon, which is no picnic with most of them) so they may dislike each other for a very long time, and you will have to be careful that the big pup doesn't play too hard with the baby pup, and the baby pup doesn't annoy the hell out of the big pup.

It certainly CAN be done, but as has been said, it's constant work, supervision and separating. You don't get a lot of opportunity to do much else.

Be very careful of unqualified "advice" from fellow dog owners. If they knew that much they wouldn't be at training class!