Having had multiple dogs for decades, I can offer the following advice:
Don’t have expectations. Some dogs love each other. Some are indifferent to each other. Some really dislike each other (I have had to rehome a couple because the dynamic was just awful). Just like people.
If what your dog needs is exercise, do something rhythmic and long. An hour of trotting will relax her and tire her out a lot more than three or four ten minute episodes of fetching. There are bicycle gadgets that make it safer to ride with your dog leashed alongside.
Two dogs are in fact a lot more work than one. Each needs your undivided attention every day, and will get some ailment or quirk and recover just as the other dog develops something.
I never have found that I had enough juice or time to put into two or three dogs that I had with a single dog. Some things I would have done with a single just had to be let go, and I always felt stretched a little thin. Right now I have a 17 year old, a 13 year old and a 7 year old. When the two old ones go, I will have one dog for the first time in 40 years. I think I’ll really like it.
Just to bring this full circle: Many, many thanks to everyone who contributed their experiences and suggestions. You raised valid concerns about extra expenses, especially vet expenses. With two horses, – the most expensive animals to “take” to the vet – this is something I’m quite sensitive about. Some time ago, in 18-month period, I spent $14,000 at various vets for a cat (lymphoma), the dog (who swallowed a rock and needed surgery), and a horse (who developed colitis and, amazingly, beat the odds and survived). Don’t judge; they are my kids.
At this point, we’ve decided to manage Riley by increasing her exercise with multiple long walks in the pasture and limiting her access to her toys, especially her favorite balls. So far, it’s worked quite well. So, no new animals will be joining the family right now. Thanks for all your help.
In terms of the walk, it might be best for your situation to allow her lots of time and freedom to sniff and explore all the things she finds interesting. This will give her lots of opportunity for mental stimulation and she’ll probably be more relaxed at home. If the walk is more about her just walking by your side to tire her out, she may still be wanting more stimulation at home.
I live on five fenced acres. She is always off leash out there, running and sniffing and doing doggy stuff. It’s her personal dog park, complete with yummy fresh horse droppings and, in the Spring, a shallow creek to splash around in. The only drawback is that she won’t play out there by herself. She wants at least one of her “pack” to be there too. She won’t just go out and entertain herself. But that’s okay; it’s good exercise for me to hike around and up and down with her.
