A dog simply let out in a fenced area will rarely exercise himself properly. Providing him with a playmate will not do the trick either. While they may enjoy themselves, without proper supervision and training they will still be rambunctious and unmannered. You can pretty much bet on them quickly picking up each other's bad habits, with very little chance of either becoming better behaved. There is simply no substitute for proper training, and exercise and your people shouldn't consider getting another dog until they are certain that you are well trained and that they have time to meet the demands of a second dog.

This brings us to your second question. Although it seems like it would be twice the fun, raising two puppies at once is not a good idea. Pups remain together in their litter for about the first seven weeks of life and then it is time for them to begin life as members of a human "pack." Two pups together will always be more attentive and interactive with each other than with their humans and tend not to bond as successfully with their owners. During this crucial socialization period of a pup's life, he needs to look to his owner for all instruction, correction, praise and encouragement in order to mature into a well-adjusted dog who will be a pleasure, rather than an annoyance, to have around. Having enjoyed raising a pup and being happy with the results of their efforts, many owners do decide to add a second canine to the family and make the choice at that time as to whether the new member should be a pup or an adult.

I hope that YOUR family will devote the time and energy to completing your "education" and providing you with proper exercise before they think about taking on another dog.

Volume 12, No. 2, Summer, 1995