So this came up in another thread. I just want to discuss it more and didn't want to derail that thread.

I hear many people say we should have "[insert magical number here]" years between the age of our dogs. "Never get 2 puppies at the same time."

Why? What's the magical age difference? Does it really matter?

Whatever bad things you've heard about getting two puppies together is true!!! Until they're about 4 or 5 years old!

Jan, help me out. Pretend I haven't heard a thing and have never owned 2 puppies at the same time. You are experienced and want to talk me out of my craziness - what would you tell me?

I am no expert but I'd ask if you have time to train and exercise and spend time with them both. I know lots of people do it, but puppies are so demanding. I cannot imagine having a second (active) dog until Saber is like 5 or 6 MINIMUM, and actually I am thinking when she is a senior and slowing down is when I'd be up for another puppy.

It depends on how thin you are already stretched, at least partly.

After losing my two senior dogs within 3 months of each other, both after extended illnesses, I am going to try to get two dogs as far apart in age as I possibly can. They were two years apart but the older dog was a small breed and the younger one was a larger breed.

Ideally I'd like a 4 year age spread in order to avoid having 2 seniors at the same time. However, I lost a one year old dog and a 6.5 year old dog so that doesn't guarantee anything...

The youngest pairing I've had (where I've had to train both) was a 1 year old and a 2 year old. That worked out fine but the one year old was already really well trained when the 2 year old came into the picture.

There is a 4 year age difference between Ivy & Mason.

I couldn't imagine having 2 puppies at once, so I will always have atleast a 2 year age difference between each of my dogs. I like to give my puppies one on one attention, training, socialization and having 2 pups, close in age would make it very difficult to give proper one on one that I feel is very important in raising a puppy and bonding. For Mason's first year, becasuse of the way Ivy is/can be, he was never walked with Ivy, socialized with Ivy around, or trained with Ivy present, everything was done seperately. I wanted him to develop into his fullest potential, and to develop his own personality, without the negative influence of Ivy (as she has some bad habits, that I would never want a puppy to pick up on). I have seen too many times people getting puppies and then the puppy will pick up on all the adult dogs bad habits, including reactivity in certain situations. (I know all dogs are different and this isn't always the case). And it was good for Ivy as she still got that one on one time with me that she had always been used to.

I didn't even think about getting a puppy before Mason, as I wasn't satisfied (if thats the right word), with where Ivy was in her training and behavior. I wasn't ready yet to take time away from her. But, when Mason came along the timing was perfect, Ivy was at a good spot with her behavior and I finally felt that I could comfortably add another to the pack. I won't get another pup for awhile, until I am happy with where I am with Mason in his training. Yes, he may be 19 months old but another puppy is not even on my mind right now. He still has so much ahead of him, in his future and I want to reach that before getting another pup as I do not want to take away from him.
Puppies are a lot of work, and take up a lot of time.

Hope that all makes sense....

Actually – that’s not as easy as I thought. Simply because they are grown now and are the light of our lives. However…

Puppies naturally do not listen – they are not conditioned to listen. Mama dog indicates her displeasure, but only for about 8-12 weeks. Then you get them.

Everyone knows how a puppy can go off in all directions at once. Times that by 2. I guess you could compare it to twins, except that puppies know how to walk and run and chew and tear and nip and…

1. Potty training. No two dogs are going to have to go at the same time. So while you are busy scooping up one dog to take outside, the other one has already left a puddle. Of course you are going to take them out together, but never, and I mean NEVER, do they go at the same time. Bring them back in, and one invariably piddles on the floor. Out they both go again.

2. Feeding. I have no words other than separate them. If you have crates, use them. If not, put collars and leashes on them and make sure they stay away from each other’s bowls. Preventing food issues is way better than dealing with full-blown problems. Fortunately, I have never had issues with allergies or intolerances, but that is, indeed, a possibility with two dogs. One dog may tolerate everything; the other one can’t.

3. Training. One dog HAS to be crated, kept with another human, or secured in another room. Puppies simply have no desire other than to be with each other. There are no rules playing with each other. Even simple clicker or treat training is difficult because the one you are with is still looking for his brother/sister. You really have to turn yourself inside-out to make yourself the best thing your dog has ever seen or been around. You have to make the dog want to be with you when you are with it. Make it not think about the other one crying not too far away. As they get older, the training changes. You must now train one dog to wait its turn while you are working with the other dog. Extra work on your part to achieve two well-behaved, obedient dogs that you can, hopefully, take out in public together.

4. Personalities. It really is a box of chocolates. If one needs a calmer hand, you need to adjust. If the other one is full of stuff and vinegar, you need to adjust.

5. Expense. It goes without saying that everything is double.

I know I have not covered everything, but I think the most important thing to remember is that puppies are just that – puppies. They won’t listen and they will get into everything. However, with all that said, it is still a special time. They won’t be puppies forever. Just make sure you take some time – any time you have left – to enjoy that wonderful, precious stage.

They will be the terrible twos before you know it!!!

Did I forget to mention potty training?

I think you can't just look at the age of the dogs/puppies, but also the people living in the house too.

For us, most of our current dogs are 18 months to 2 years apart in age. But, we have had 2 shepherd puppies at once, 2 aussie puppies at once, and 1 aussie puppy and 1 shepherd puppy at once. It worked for us. But the bigger picture which I think makes a difference, is my husband is just as much involved with the dogs as I am. He feeds, trains, exercises, entertains and vets them, just as I do, so except for when he is at work I have them during the day by myself, but we have such a routine here that it just works.

I'm the odd one out though and feel puppies are easy and love the puppy stage.

Oh forgot one, we also had 1 aussie and 1 newfy puppy at once too!