You can keep them safely separated using a crate, ex-pen areas, or gating off separate rooms. It's wonderful to be able to trust your dogs while they're alone together, and the company they provide for each other is an added bonus!
There is some wiggle room, provided that your pooch has access to enough food and water, as well as a place to go potty if they need to. However, even if their basic needs are met, you shouldn't leave your pet alone and unsupervised for more than 8 hours a day.
Other pets might bring some comfort to your anxious dog, but they won't cure their separation anxiety. Unfortunately, the short answer to the question “Will getting another dog help my dog with separation anxiety”, is usually no.
The short answer to this question is yes, it's generally better for each dog in a household to have his own crate. There are, as always, exceptions to this rule. Littermates tend to be more receptive to sharing a crate, for example, as are small dogs.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Is it OK for My Dogs to Share a Bed? It sure is! Again, your dogs are in a pack, and cuddling up together can be practical in terms of warmth, or can be comforting as dogs enjoy company and might settle together in a knot with their best furry friend.
Many people are hesitant to adopt a second dog because they assume it will be twice the work and twice the money. But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount.
Dogs are inherently social animals that live well together in groups, but that does not mean that all dogs get along. Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing. The furry family member you have now will face many changes when a new dog enters the picture and may feel a bit displaced.
It's An Individual Choice
For some people, one or two dogs is the right number. For others, especially those who compete in dog sports, the right number of dogs might be more. More dogs can mean a lot of fun, but also a lot more responsibility.
Allocate the Time and Resources for Another Pup
You also have to keep in mind that you'll need to invest extra for essential gear — collars, leashes and crates, to name a just a few items — as well as unexpected vet visits, potential boarding and possible pet sitters and dog walkers.
If left alone, the dogs will often use posturing and threats to end encounters without injury. If one dog backs down, the problem may be resolved. However, when both dogs are equally motivated to challenge, assert and posture, fighting will usually result.
If you're looking for dog breeds with low separation anxiety, consider the traditional Greyhound, Basset hound, French bulldog or Maltese. While there are no dogs without separation anxiety, these breeds are less likely to suffer from distress when you have to leave them alone.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
It's our only Down Dog rule – that when dogs meet and greet each other that time should be limited to three seconds, then you call your dog away and praise them for their wonderful manners. It does depend on the breed, and, most importantly, you only allow your dog to meet and greet if both dogs are happy to do so.
Gender: While there is no set rule that a female dog will be a better friend for a male dog, if you have never had two dogs at the same time it is generally easier and often safer to have dogs of the opposite sex. Same-sex combinations can be tricky to manage as dogs work out their dominance or pack order.
Introduction of a New Pet
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
Benefits of Having More Than One Dog or Cat
Your pets will have the opportunity to socialize and play together, which means they won't get bored if you're working, sleeping or out of the house for a few hours. They'll never have to be alone except when they want to be.
The most challenging time of raising a puppy is the adolescent period. Dogs become “teenagers” and seem to forget everything they have ever been taught. This period is individual to each dog, but it may begin when he's about eight months old and continue until he's two years old.
Dogs are pack animals, and being so close to their littermates makes them feel warm and safe. Even when they get older, dog “siblings” often like to sleep curled up against each other for comfort and security.
Many older dogs will be upset, jealous, or even angry with a new puppy, especially if the older dog has been an only dog. It's going to be important to make sure the older dog gets lots (more than normal) of attention to alleviate potential hurt feelings.
Sharing a bed with a pet at night is a common feature of nighttime routines in the United States. According to the 2021–2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 43 percent of pet dogs in the United States and 49 percent of pet cats sleep on their owner's bed.