[Iosina]

Hello, this is my first time posting on this forum. I've been thinking about this for a long time and just don't know what to do.

I have a 14 year old husky-lab mix (Benzo) and a 1 year old basset hound (Pixel), both neutered males. They get along fine, however Pixel often wants to play and I end up having to split them up as he accidentally hurts Benzo (who has arthritis). Pixel weighs upwards of 66 lbs whereas Benzo only weighs around 37 pounds anymore and can't take the weight.

Of course I've tried to distract my basset to get him to play with me instead but he really wants to play with another dog.
I take them to the dog park, but Benzo can't go in because he's gotten aggressive towards some dogs he doesn't know in his old age. So I stay outside with him and walk around the park a bit, keeping an eye on Pixel. But of course Pixel then keeps coming after us, I dunno maybe he thinks I'm gonna leave him?

So, that's why I was thinking of getting a third dog. So Pixel can play and Benzo can get some rest. Also, Benzo isn't going to be around forever unfortunately and Pixel is not going to do well alone. I know Pixel will get along with a new dog as he loves everybody, human or dog. I am worried about Benzo, I don't know if he would be aggressive or accept the new dog into the pack.

By the way, I don't have children and do have the room for a third dog. My friends are all saying I'm crazy for even considering it.

 

[Moonstream]

I would strongly suggest you do not continue to attend the dog park in the way you currently do. There is no way to monitor your dog in the park if you're outside the park with your other dog. Also, if anything were to happen, you can't enter because your other dog is dog aggressive. IMO, it's an exceptionally bad situation to put yourself in. I'm personally not a fan of dog parks for a number of reasons, but if you must continue to bring the Basset, leave the older dog at home.

I personally have 2 dogs (2 year old Boston, now 6 month old field bred Lab). I also take in a third dog from my school during the year (Goldens, Labs, crosses of the two, between 4 months and 2 years old). Going from 1 to 2 dogs is not quite double the work. It's still relatively easy to walk 2 dogs, it doesn't feel like a huge imposition on space. Going from 2 to 3 dogs is a much bigger jump, IME. Suddenly, there's dogs everywhere you look. Walking 3 dogs is much more difficult than walking 2, and if any of the three isn't well trained on lead can be nigh on impossible.

I would maybe try taking in a dog from a friend for a day or two and see how it feels before taking the plunge. Definitely don't go into it thinking it won't be a huge amount of work. It will.

That said, I do understand your reasoning and think it's somewhat sound. I would caution you against getting another dog just for your younger dog. If you don't really want another dog, getting a third dog is IMO going to feel really overwhelming.

 

[Shadowmom]

If you do decide to get a third dog, I'd recommend considering getting a female as I know a lot of dogs get along better with the opposite gender dog than the same gender dog. Three males might be too much for your older dog to deal with and he might become too aggressive.

 

[IloveTinkaStubbie]

I agree with the above commenter in regards to the dog park. It scares me to think of if something was to happen. That being said - I think you really should get a third dog. I think it would be best for Pixel in more ways than one. What I suggest? Contact a rescue and do a foster to adopt situation - that way you can try it out and see if the dog is the right fit in your family.. and you'd be helping out a rescue at the same time.

 

[Iosina]

I would strongly suggest you do not continue to attend the dog park in the way you currently do. There is no way to monitor your dog in the park if you're outside the park with your other dog. Also, if anything were to happen, you can't enter because your other dog is dog aggressive. IMO, it's an exceptionally bad situation to put yourself in. I'm personally not a fan of dog parks for a number of reasons, but if you must continue to bring the Basset, leave the older dog at home.

I personally have 2 dogs (2 year old Boston, now 6 month old field bred Lab). I also take in a third dog from my school during the year (Goldens, Labs, crosses of the two, between 4 months and 2 years old). Going from 1 to 2 dogs is not quite double the work. It's still relatively easy to walk 2 dogs, it doesn't feel like a huge imposition on space. Going from 2 to 3 dogs is a much bigger jump, IME. Suddenly, there's dogs everywhere you look. Walking 3 dogs is much more difficult than walking 2, and if any of the three isn't well trained on lead can be nigh on impossible.

I would maybe try taking in a dog from a friend for a day or two and see how it feels before taking the plunge. Definitely don't go into it thinking it won't be a huge amount of work. It will.

That said, I do understand your reasoning and think it's somewhat sound. I would caution you against getting another dog just for your younger dog. If you don't really want another dog, getting a third dog is IMO going to feel really overwhelming.

Thank you for your reply. From now I'm only taking them to the park if it's empty and they can both go in.

I actually know someone who has to go to hospital for a few days next month and needs a place for their dog to stay.

As for wanting a third dog, if I could I'd keep as many dogs as would fit in my house but that's not very practical.