Corgi socializing

[bajoiner]

My husband and I have a difference of opinion going on the fact that I think our Sassy needs a brother or sister for socializing, playing, etc. I feel she is lonely sometimes as she has no playmate other than me and she can simply out last me by a long shot. My husband feels that since she has been an only child for the 16 months we have had her and had ALL of our attention that to bring in a puppy now would not be fair. She is 18 months old now so I thought maybe this would be the perfect time to get a puppy. Please let me know your opinions on this.

I must tell you that Sassy is spoiled rotten but she is just soooo darn cute (as all Corgis are to me) and knows it. We take her everywhere with us. If dogs are not allowed then we do not go. We live rural and there are no dog parks or such where she could socialize.

[tandemgal]

deleted by T-Gal

[Michael Romanos]

Your question rekindles an age old dilemma. Here is how I would answer it. I think my Taylor is probably happier with the bond he has with me than he would have if another rival for my affection appeared.

Getting another dog places a lot of extra burden on the owners. Not the least being holidaying. Two Corgis are hugely more difficult to be accepted at places where one little dog may be able to be accommodated.

Should I get a second Pem it will be with a six year gap in mind between the newcomer and Taylor. That way, there is going to be a considerably younger dog around for some years and there is a continuity of interests, such as agility.

Corgis and all dogs should be socialising with other dogs as regular as possible. That is the beauty of dog clubs - all breeds, specialist sports, specialist breeds. Though you wouldn't say these clubs met too often unless they have a training element associated with them. Taylor gets to socialise with other dogs at agility training once a week almost every week of the year - and he could go twice a week if I wanted. If you can't join one of these, start up an all breeds small dog walking/picnic group or one for small and medium size dogs. You would be surprised at the interest it would create - especially in a rural area where there are a lot of dogs and dog owners.

[Chip's Mom]

I had 2 corgi mixes for years and I traveled all over the east coast with both of them without any problems. I also would not go where my furbabies were not wanted. I now have a new corgi, Chip and we found Maybelle, australian shepherd mix, in a field about 3 months after we got Chip. It has worked out very well now that they are both housebroken. They run and play and are best friends. I cannot tire Chip out when I play with him myself either. I would say go for it if you truly want another pup. I think you will be glad you did. Chip also goes to obedience class but it is not the same as having a best friend in your own home.

[Checkers]

I love having two dogs... even though we had that "issue" with them the other day I know Cheyenne gets lonely when we don't have another pup in the house. Maybe see if there are any corgis in a rescue that need a home near you if you are interested... that way you would have a better idea of the other dogs tempermant before you brought it in. Also you can then take you current dog to visit first and make sure the two are going to get along okay. For a while it was just me and Cheyenne (before hubby came into the picture) and I know she was lonely when I would leave for work. The neighbor would tell me he could hear her howling through the walls (very old trailer hehe). I decided to get her a friend... found an older dog that would be closer to her energy level and the neighbor said she stopped howling immediately. Since then I have never had less than two dogs and I don't think I will ever go below two again, but that's just my personal preferrence. I'm sure Sassy will do great no matter what you choose.

-Cheryl

[sweetlychee]

Bajoiner - Good thread. In my opinion, I agree with the others on that it would be difficult for you and your corgi to have a new puppy. More work for you and it might be seen as a threat to your corgi right now. At first I thought of the same thing - get another corgi to play with Milo. But, he likes the attention to himself. So, I rather give it all to him until we have children one day. I think a great thing about Corgis are that they are friendly to children!

[Jespah]

Well, as most of you know I was a two Corgi gal and then went down to just Rupe and I.
I knew I was a two dog person and that Rupe really was a two dog dog, I had a case of puppy fever. When the breeder I got Jem from told me she had a six month old - I wasn't interested. I wanted a baby. But, Jemma has come to us ready to walk on a leash, house trained for the most part, doesn't need all of my attention all of the time, etc. Perhaps an older puppy or even young dog might be an answer. Jem's breeder only sells on a 30 day trial basis - if she doesn't fit in (yeah, right) then she goes back to the breeder and I get my money back.

Just a thought. I adore having two dogs and we rent cottages and go to lots of friend's houses - it hasn't stopped me from living the life I lead pre-dogs

[darci]

I also have 2 corgi's a male 5 months Egan and female 2 1/2 Darci.

I will say that having a puppy again was hard work and although Darci has adjusted well to having another dog in the house, I still see times where she longs for the one on one time and she and I have to go off for a playtime.

With that said I have really enjoyed having two dogs, watching them play and interact with one another is a hoot.

Good luck.