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Better To Have One Or Two Aussies?

by Dianne
(Pflugerville, TX)

We currently own one Aussie, an 11 month old male. We may eventually want to get another dog but weren't sure if this is the right time. When is a good time to get another dog? Is getting another Aussie a good idea or should we get another breed? Do Aussies do better with a companion? Thank you for any advice you can give!




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Better To Have One Or Two Aussies?

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yes, do
by: Wilda

this is a great time to get another Aussie, he's 11 months you say, so he's still a pup, but still playful enough, and house trained. Also, he wil be the Alpha(or big brother) so he can help you teach/train the new one; wether you get a new born pup or a year old. Yes, a companion is always a good idea for most animales, especially dogs, unless you see that yours prefers to be alone(isn't social). If and when you do, keep us posted. do you have a picture of your boy now?
Yes
by: Anonymous

We had a Mini-Aussie who died a year ago. It was unexpected and very traumatic. She was one week shy of her first birthday. I thought I would never get over her. I cried for weeks. One thing I knew for sure was that I would get another Mini-Aussie as soon as I could.

When we decided to get another one I searched for a breeder near us. I found a great breeder in our state. She is terrific.

We got only one as that is what we had before. However, in just a few months, we could see that she was getting bored and needed a companion. At the time, we could not do that, so we just exercised and played with her more. A month or so later, we were able to get her half sister. Our blue-eyed, blue merle Mini-Aussie, Bailee, is now 15 months old. She weighs about 30 lbs and is 17" inches at the shoulder. Our black-tri Toy Aussie, Maggie, is 14 months old. Maggie weighs about 18 lbs and is 13" at the shoulder.

They play together all the time. It is so fun to watch them run side by side from one end of the yard to another, and chase each other, play hide and seek and "wrestle" on our bed. We love them so much!!!

I hope you decide to get a second one. If you live in Texas check out Southern Star Aussies.
http://www.southernstarcattle.com/
She lives in Winona Texas and has an ad on this site under Breeder Directory: Mini-Aussie Breeders.
Update on Question
by: Dianne

We ended up deciding to get a 12 month old female aussie companion for our current aussie. We have had her for almost two months now and I have no regrets with getting the second. With two dogs now with similar age, weight, energy level, and temperament the first dog is a completely different dog. He no longer has behavioral problems (chewing, constant need for attention, etc.). I am able to come home from work now and they are already worn out from running and playing all day. I think this situation worked out well because they are the same breed and similar in age. They can keep up with each other all day! While I was worried that getting a second dog would be more work, it really hasn't been.

Anyway, just wanted to give an update! Thanks for everyone's advice! We are so happy to now have two aussies!
congratulations
by: Anonymous

that is awesome, so glad it all worked out for you and them.
We got our toy Aussie after our [Australian Shepherd] boy, Luke , died at age 5 from Epilepsy. Unfortunately. we thought it woul be good for our 2 ear old Chi, but not so much. I guess inpart because its not the same breed, and its 2 boys(not to mention the Chi is very dominant)its not going as well. I'm hoping and praying that it will get better eventually. it's been 3 months, and our Aussie is only 5 months old, so he is extremely playful, and teething.
Two Aussie Puppies
by: Cheryll

Wanted to get folks to weigh in on getting two aussies a month apart. We are experienced with Aussies and very structured on housebreaking, training and excercise. These will be a male and female - they will be spayed and neutered - and my husband is retired but active and can spend time swimming and hiking with both. That's the good side - I've heard about agression, seperation anxiety, and also where the puppies don't gain their own personality. Help! We have the first puppy and he's coming along well - now I'm torn about moving ahead with the second puppy.
Similar Situation
by: Ethan Gilham

Hello all, me and my family came across someone selling Aussie puppies that were 10 weeks old and we ended up getting two. My sister was getting ready to move from California to Texas at the time. So she took one of them (a boy) with her. And we took the other one with us (a girl).

They are both about 3 and a half months old.

However, my sister (due to some issues) had to come back home and live here. Now after being away from each other for about a month and a half to two months (not sure exactly). They are reunited. We love having pets, but aren't extremely experienced as dog owners. (We had a Golden Retriever when I was young; died of old age/and a German Shepherd mix that got cancer)

Anyways, the two puppies SEEM to be doing fine. They are constantly playing, and wrestling around.

This is what I am unsure about though. While it looks playful I am wondering if anything else is going on. I feel like it might be possible that the girl that has been here the whole time is trying to express her ownership of the home. They both are biting at each others ears/neck/hips/paws.

Not growling at all or anything that seems like they are actually mad at one another. Occasionally the boy will yelp and that's what makes me think the girl is being very aggressive.

I made this post long enough so I'll just please ask for your opinions and questions.
Puppy Playmates
by: Anonymous

We have regular playdates with one of the other puppies in the litter, and have seen all the same behaviors you described - it's normal, if not a little disconcerting at times. The only caution I've heard re having two puppies is that they bond with each other more than with you, so training / obedience may be an issue.
Two aussies
by: Anonymous

We went for two. Big brother is doing the biting and jumping for attention but so far so good. Lots of work but think we will be ok.

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