Would getting a FOURTH dog make me the 'dog' lady?

It took getting the FIFTH dog to earn me the title "dog lady" (usually prefaced with "crazy"!)

Seriously, it sounds like you are a responsible pet owner and could easily handle another one. Dogs are pack animals and most like having "friends" around to play with. I think Cash would love having a friend. I don't know about your chihuahuas, but mine are snobs! They prefer their own kind. That's why I had to get another shih tzu. The 3 chis ignored the first one and hurt her feelings something awful!

Good luck and blessings to you, your husband and all the fur kids!

Please don't take anything as hurtful or hateful but I just have a few questions:

1. Do you work? Where are these 3 all day? Are they all out back in the yard playing together? If so that sound fine. If they're all crated then I would think 3 is enough.

2. Can you financially afford another dog? Each dog is a big responsibility and medical problems that could crop up could be big problems if you're low on cash.

3. Can you give the three dogs you have now all enough attention?

If you feel you are financially ready and have enough time to make sure the dog has a good home then sure. If not then wait until you are. Try petfinder.com to find a great dog who needs a good home. Any breed that is well-socialized can get along with any other well-socialized dog. There may be female weims or weim mixes on petfinder- if not consider another breed who needs a great home.

I don't think the idea of a fourth dog is crazy as long as you maintain the level of care you give your current dogs to the new dogs..maintain shots, licensing, LOVE, etc. I have three Min Pins and I'm single..so I'm way out numbered BUT since you are married and your husband is deployed currently I definitely wouldn't add another dog without getting discussing and being in agreement on it since he'll have to live with and love the dog when he returns.

But if you both want to have another dog than great...adding a female to a pack of male dogs would be best for least aggressions and fighting over alpha status...but I'd recommend getting her spayed even though your boys are all neutered.

Do you have adequate time to give each dog attention?

Are you stable where you are living?

When your husband returns will the dogs suffer a lack of attention?

Is this a cure for lonelyness? Substitute some human companionship instead?

IMPORTANT--many communities limit the number of dogs you can keep in a residential neighborhood.

I love dogs but it's very easy to reach a situation where you can become overwhelmed.

Instead, provide foster care for a breed you admire or the local animal shelter. Expand your interaction with your present dogs through training, showing or as contact dog to a rest home or hospital.

Remember, getting a dog is a life long decision.

Don't rush it.

Hope your husband returns safe and soon.

in case you are able to commit a minimum of an hour of workout an afternoon, i'd circulate with a border collie, they are extremely clever and actual knowledgeable. despite if, they choose workout or they lose interest and that's once you run into destroyed shoes, etc. they are enormous recommend no longer easy looking canines, they seem to be a astonishing medium length and extremely beautiful looking. I surely have a Border Collie, Collie blend and she or he's the main suitable canines I surely have ever had.

I have 3 dogs and my sisters kind of make fun of me but they are only kidding. I thought about getting a 4th but I decided I have my hands full with the 3 I got.

If you want to get a 4th dog go for it! Especially where your husband is deployed dogs make great company and best friends. And who cares if anybody calls you the dog lady? As long as you and your dogs are happy thats all that counts. :)

It depends on you.. For some people 1 dog is too many.. If you can handle four dogs, and the change in the dynamics when you add a female.. And the extra time and attention another dog would deserve, extra vet, extra everything else.. Then be a dog lady.. If you struggle at all with 3, then don't do it.

I have 4 dogs as well, and I don't think I'm the 'dog lady!" If you want 4, then go for it, and who cares what people think!!!

If you have all males, then a female would be great. Just read up on how to introduce the new one to the old ones. Introduce them one at a time, so they don't gang up on the new one, and do it on neutral territory. Good luck!

I don't think there is any problem with getting a fourth dog as long as you have time to spend with all the dogs and the money for food and vet bills. I have two cats and two dogs plus a salt water fish tank and a snake....I have a lot of animals but I have the time, energy and money to care for them. I hope you get the puppy and everything goes well with introducing them to your other dogs. Good Luck!!

If you have the room, the energy and the financial security to get another dog, go for it! (Of course, make sure it's legal in your area to have that many dogs; some communities have restrictons on that.)

How about rescuing one from your local shelter? Then you'll be happy AND you will have saved a life!

I have 6 small dogs of my own... and I work in a no-kill dog shelter... so I guess I'm a "dog lady", too.