After much consideration, we decided this spring that it was time for dog no. 2 at home. Frida turned 6 in April, and we wanted to have a puppy while she was still healthy so they could get a lot of joy from each other. And a dog that in a few years could take over her place as my running partner when Frida retires.
I heard many different opinions about having two dogs. Probably mostly that it's not nearly as much work with number two, that the two dogs quickly become best friends - and that the adult raises the young one. However, these things also made me a little reserved about the idea, because I really wanted another dog that was just as attached to me as Frida and not two dogs that just had enough of each other. At the same time, I was also very excited about what Frida would say to a puppy, because she is a bit reserved and definitely not the type to play with everyone.
When little "Vilde" came home at the end of May, Frida was also very reserved towards her. For the first few hours she ignored her completely - not exactly like the dog videos you sometimes see on social media, where the dogs immediately become best friends. So I was glad that I was a little prepared in advance that this could happen, because otherwise I think it could have been taken very seriously. Later in the day, however, she "surrendered" and played with her a bit.
The following weeks and months have gone by in much the same way. Frida plays with Vilde occasionally, but is otherwise quite reserved towards her. And Vilde tries to "win over" and gets on with Frida. I'm glad that I read in dog books that it could actually be an advantage with dogs that react like this: Because then the puppy would bond more with you than if the two dogs became best friends right away. On the other hand, a lot of doubts can also arise in you: Is Frida happy enough now - or would she just like Vilde to be returned?
It is touching to see how she still takes a lot of care of her: When we go for walks and Vilde plays with other dogs, Frida comes over and checks that everything is OK, if the other dog gets a little too aggressive, for example. And I can also see that she is increasingly accepting when Vilde wants to lie close. At first she quickly ran away. We try to give Frida the space she needs. And make sure she is not bothered too much when Vilde wants to bite her ears or gets too wild. So I believe and hope that they will quietly become really good friends. And in the meantime I am happy that I have had the opportunity to become Vilde's best friend and have not lost my close contact with Frida.
The myth that dog no. 2 doesn't require nearly as much work, I don't think I recognize it yet! Yes, I can see that Vilde is learning some things from Frida and just "following along". But especially in the beginning I think that there has been at least double the work. They have had very different needs, and Frida has demanded extra so as not to feel overlooked. Especially because they have very different personalities, with Frida being the type who withdraws and is easily overlooked. Separate walks, separate training, separate cuddle time - all of this has been part of it, although of course they have also been aired and cuddled at the same time. The floors at home are probably at least twice as dirty! But of course there is also double the joy in many ways - and more and more of it. Seeing them play or enjoy themselves by lying close together; yes, it melts your heart to see them enjoying each other, which was one of the reasons for getting no. 2.
So the beginning as an owner of two dogs has certainly not always been easy. And I'm glad I was well prepared that it wouldn't necessarily be "love at first sight" between the two of them or for the puppy.
Another part of the process of getting another dog has also been giving the puppy time and space to settle in with you. And that it's OK that it doesn't happen in a week or a month. Many people, like me, probably have a very close and loving relationship with their "only dog" - and a new dog can't immediately fill that. But fortunately, feelings develop slowly as you get to know the little new creature and have experiences together.
All in all, it has been a learning, exciting - and at times quite tough - time - these first 6 months with two dogs. We are well on our way, and I am delighted to see how day by day we become a better and better team together as a threesome.
Photos: Tails by Ragno
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper at the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to running. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, for example when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Frida and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower
Dog No. 2. Double the joy or double the work?
After much consideration, we decided this spring that it was time for dog no. 2 at home. Frida turned 6 in April, and we wanted to have a puppy while she was still healthy so they could get a lot of joy from each other. And a dog that in a few years could take over her place as my running partner when Frida retires.
I heard many different opinions about having two dogs. Probably mostly that it's not nearly as much work with number two, that the two dogs quickly become best friends - and that the adult raises the young one. However, these things also made me a little reserved about the idea, because I really wanted another dog that was just as attached to me as Frida and not two dogs that just had enough of each other. At the same time, I was also very excited about what Frida would say to a puppy, because she is a bit reserved and definitely not the type to play with everyone.
When little "Vilde" came home at the end of May, Frida was also very reserved towards her. For the first few hours she ignored her completely - not exactly like the dog videos you sometimes see on social media, where the dogs immediately become best friends. So I was glad that I was a little prepared in advance that this could happen, because otherwise I think it could have been taken very seriously. Later in the day, however, she "surrendered" and played with her a bit.
The following weeks and months have gone by in much the same way. Frida plays with Vilde occasionally, but is otherwise quite reserved towards her. And Vilde tries to "win over" and gets on with Frida. I'm glad that I read in dog books that it could actually be an advantage with dogs that react like this: Because then the puppy would bond more with you than if the two dogs became best friends right away. On the other hand, a lot of doubts can also arise in you: Is Frida happy enough now - or would she just like Vilde to be returned?
It is touching to see how she still takes a lot of care of her: When we go for walks and Vilde plays with other dogs, Frida comes over and checks that everything is OK, if the other dog gets a little too aggressive, for example. And I can also see that she is increasingly accepting when Vilde wants to lie close. At first she quickly ran away. We try to give Frida the space she needs. And make sure she is not bothered too much when Vilde wants to bite her ears or gets too wild. So I believe and hope that they will quietly become really good friends. And in the meantime I am happy that I have had the opportunity to become Vilde's best friend and have not lost my close contact with Frida.
The myth that dog no. 2 doesn't require nearly as much work, I don't think I recognize it yet! Yes, I can see that Vilde is learning some things from Frida and just "following along". But especially in the beginning I think that there has been at least double the work. They have had very different needs, and Frida has demanded extra so as not to feel overlooked. Especially because they have very different personalities, with Frida being the type who withdraws and is easily overlooked. Separate walks, separate training, separate cuddle time - all of this has been part of it, although of course they have also been aired and cuddled at the same time. The floors at home are probably at least twice as dirty! But of course there is also double the joy in many ways - and more and more of it. Seeing them play or enjoy themselves by lying close together; yes, it melts your heart to see them enjoying each other, which was one of the reasons for getting no. 2.
So the beginning as an owner of two dogs has certainly not always been easy. And I'm glad I was well prepared that it wouldn't necessarily be "love at first sight" between the two of them or for the puppy.
Another part of the process of getting another dog has also been giving the puppy time and space to settle in with you. And that it's OK that it doesn't happen in a week or a month. Many people, like me, probably have a very close and loving relationship with their "only dog" - and a new dog can't immediately fill that. But fortunately, feelings develop slowly as you get to know the little new creature and have experiences together.
All in all, it has been a learning, exciting - and at times quite tough - time - these first 6 months with two dogs. We are well on our way, and I am delighted to see how day by day we become a better and better team together as a threesome.
Photos: Tails by Ragno
About the blogger:
Karoline lives in Birkerød with her boyfriend and their two golden retrievers, Frida and Vilde. Karoline is a trained veterinarian and dog trainer and is co-founder of the dog running club Dirty Paws, where she is also a trainer/rope keeper at the local club in North Zealand. Frida and Line love running canicross together and have participated in many competitions at home and abroad, including the European Championships and World Championships. Their most important motto, however, is "Better together" - that the trips are about teamwork and understanding for each other. And that everyone can join in. In addition to canicross, they also participate in K9 biathlons (obstacle races with dogs) and do dog fitness. And hiking both in Denmark and around Europe is also a hit.
Frida is a super fast runner when it comes to running. And can hike for hours in the Alps. But she also just loves to be petted on the stomach and sleep for a long time. She can be stubborn as a donkey if there is something she doesn't like. On evening walks, for example, she is the one who decides the route. And she "talks" a lot by purring, for example when she thinks she has earned an extra treat.
Frida and Karoline can be found on Instagram with the profile @teamgoldenpower