Experiences with Two Dogs

Our Aussie mix (now nearly 13) was a wild man until we found a dog in the woods. His anxiety level decreased exponentially. Our two forest-find dogs are digging, nose-driven turds, but the pack works well together. Two dogs can be easier than one.

( Three is fine except travel is a pita. We figured with two old dogs we’d keep the latest stray. )

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Experiences with Two Dogs

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Used to carry it at the bar I worked at. It was really good.

Quit selling it after the family that owned it sold it. Quit being imported.

The lemon was shite.

The orange was fantastic.

opposite sexes tend to work better than two females. Especially in a herding breed- one will try to be dominant which is fine if the other accepts it quickly, but of they both want to be dominant, then you are going to have fights.

We got two dogs and it was the best choice ever. Other dog has a pal to play with and sleep with. Anxiety of our dog dropped tremendously. Used to chew stuff up when we were gone due to separation anxiety but that completely went away. Only downside is buying extra dog food but for an OT baller that ain’t no problem.

I would have the pup come over for a few days to see how they do with each other. It won’t take long to see. If they play and sleep together, then keep it. If not, bring it back.

There can only be one alpha female. Maybe some Aussies will accept it in another, but our's sure would not. That said, Aussie fights are mostly shock and awe. They are very quick and loud, but they aren't killers.

Get a male puppy, not another female

I have 2 Aussies, same parents, different litters, about 9 months apart, so your situation is similar to what mine was. How does your current dog do around other dogs? Is she super protective of you? Territorial at all over your property from other dogs? All of that matters when deciding for a 2nd Aussie.

My older one is a female and she's super Alpha bitch. Very protective of me and my property and very high strung, even after hours of playtime outside. She was NOT thrilled when I brought her younger brother home. It took her quite awhile to warm up to him and she still asserts her dominance even though he's about 20 lbs heavier and I think he's autistic. In hindsight, I probably should've waited until she was a little older, probably 3 or 4, to bring home another.

However, if your dog has a great temperament around other dogs, and would be willing to share your affection with another puppy, go for it! They are such a fun breed

ETA: I also agree with whoever else said go for a male. Alpha aussie females can be a bad combination living together

My 2 YO is an absolute sweetheart around other dogs. Our pet sitter came by one time with another female Aussie about a year younger and they immediately were best friends and are like long lost sisters. She shows no aggressiveness at all. Doesn’t bark or growl and just plays hard. Honestly she’s the best damn dog I’ve ever had, and kinda afraid to get back into the pup stage, but I’d love for her to have a companion

Two female heelers. Brought a puppy home when the old one turned 12.

Old one is blind, so they don’t play much, despite the young one’s best efforts. Old one is 14 now and runs the show.

When I have to board them, they can’t put the blind one with the whole pack of dogs. Then it turns out the young one won’t leave the blind one, she’s very protective when other dogs are around.

Overall I don’t think the old one cares about having the second dog, but it’s been good for the young one to live under the old one’s rule.

I wish I had added the second dog before my first dog went blind.

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Our pet sitter came by one time with another female Aussie about a year younger and they immediately were best friends and are like long lost sisters. She shows no aggressiveness at all. Doesn’t bark or growl and just plays hard.

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That's a great sign. I'd still suggest going male as they overall are alot more docile and calm, but if you get lucky and get another female who isn't very dominant, then you hit gold