Maybe your doggo is at their most adorable when they’re romping around with another dog or perhaps you’ve got a whole list of dog names that are just waiting for the perfect pup. You start to look around your home and think to yourself that there’s plenty of room for another furbaby! But is adding a second dog the right decision?
Ultimately, you have the final say over whether you should add another furry friend to the family. To help you navigate the decision, this article will share some challenges and benefits of two dogs so that you can make the best choice for your lifestyle. And, in the case that you are ready for pupper #2, we’ll include some tips about training and finding the right local Pet Sitter to make the transition a success!
Con: Not all dogs get along
You may have an image in your mind of your two dogs sharing a doggy bed, playing a friendly game of tug in the backyard, and walking side-by-side on matching leashes. And this is certainly a possibility! But it’s important to consider that not all dogs get along.
Not only will you need to be careful and deliberate about introducing a second dog to your home, but you may also find that your doggy duo won’t become the best friends you imagined them to be. In this case, you may be spending quite a bit of time on safe relationship-building.
If your dog is afraid of other dogs, possessive about food or toys, growing grouchy in their old age, or suffering from a medical condition, they may be less enthusiastic about welcoming another family member.
Pro: A well-matched pair is an unstoppable team!
Whether your two dogs were instant friends or took a while to warm up to each other, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the benefits of a multi-dog household.
For one thing, dogs are excellent at keeping each other active and mentally stimulated through play. Let them loose in the backyard and watch them tire each other out much faster than you would be able to on your own.
And, if you enjoy the secure feeling of having a watch dog at your feet, just wait until you have two pairs of eyes and ears in the house. Sure, they may wake up the neighbourhood with a few false alarms, but you’ll never feel unprotected in a two dog household.
Con: You may have to fight for some peace and quiet
Multi-pet households tend to be some of the more boisterous homes on the block, so get ready for your days to be more rowdy than restful.
To be sure, that doesn’t mean that your puppers won’t need some downtime. In fact, when you invite a second dog into your home, you’ll want to be more deliberate about giving your dogs time to relax and recharge. Crate training or scheduled alone time could be the key to taking back your quiet moments while your dogs get a much-needed snooze.
Pro: Two dogs will keep you active
Studies show that one of the ways that dogs improve our health is by encouraging us to get moving. And with two dogs in the house, you can be sure that you’ll be on your feet more than ever before!
If you’re looking for another reason to lace up your running shoes or strengthen your frisbee throwing arm, adding a second dog to your workout routine offers some clear physical health benefits!
Con: Two dogs can get into plenty of trouble
No matter if you’re thinking of bringing home a brand new puppy or an adult dog, you should expect that your fur babies could get into some trouble when you’re not looking. Whether they decide to play tug with your socks or teach each other all the best digging spots in the backyard, it can be a real challenge to manage two clever canines at once.
What’s more, you’ll want to set aside time for individual training with each doggo. Dogs are experts at knowing when their beloved Owner’s attention is divided, which will make your training sessions less effective.
Pro: An older dog can teach a puppy good manners
If your current dog is well-behaved, that could be a boon for you as a Puppy Owner. Of course, you’ll still have a whole lot of training to do on your own, but an older dog can be helpful in socialising your puppy before they ever step foot in a dog park.
Dogs with good recall and fetch skills can also be helpful in teaching your second pup the ways of a well-mannered pet!
Con: Adding a second dog may not solve separation anxiety
Many Owners with anxious doggos ask themselves, “Should I get a dog for my dog?” After all, having a furry friend during the day could make them feel less lonely.
Unfortunately, separation anxiety isn’t so easily solved, and throwing another dog into the mix could sometimes make things worse. While many dogs do appreciate the company, it’s a better idea to work on training your dog to be comfortable alone.
Con: A second dog is an added expense
It may be more fun to talk about playtime and cute cuddle pics, but it’s important to consider the added cost of a second pet. From supplies to food to vet visits, adding a second dog is an expense that you’ll need to plan for.
Pro: The satisfaction of growing your pack is unbeatable
We all know that dogs are social animals. But so are we humans! And that means that growing our furry family gives us a profound sense of connection and community.
Adding a second dog to your home is absolutely something that deserves careful, realistic consideration. But, if you’re able to dedicate the time and effort, you might just find that a second dog makes your pack complete!
Still asking yourself “Should I get a second dog?” Here are a few final pieces of advice
If the logistics of getting a second dog are still making you hesitate, here are a few tips that could make the transition easier:
- Opt for dogs with similar or complementary personalities. Consider the personality of your current dog when selecting a second one. An easily-overwhelmed older Pug, for instance, may not enjoy sharing space with an overly energetic Border Collie. Scheduling a few playdates with a potential second pet is a great way to gauge whether the two can learn to become a furry family
- Share the exercise with a dedicated Dog Walker. Being able to rely on a local Dog Walker is fantastic for a few reasons. For one thing, it can give you a much needed break when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your double-trouble puppers. But, you may also book a walk for one dog while you spend some one-on-one time with the other. This is a great way to ensure that both dogs get dedicated attention and training. And of course, the added exercise is a brilliant way to manage the energy levels of both doggos so that they’re calmer at home
- Look into multi-pet insurance discounts and buy in bulk. While having a second pet may seem like a huge expense, many insurance plans, meal plans, and even doggy day cares offer multi-dog discounts
Don’t hesitate to hit the online forums and ask other Dog Owners in your neighbourhood for tips and tricks on caring for a second dog. You’ll be amazed at the wisdom of your dog loving community!
Will you be adding a second dog to your home?
Now that we’ve covered some of the drawbacks and benefits of two dogs, how will you answer the question, “Should I get a dog for my dog?”
