A second dog will keep both of your furry friends occupied when you're elsewhere. Plus, mutual companionship with your two pups helps with their separation anxiety. Training is easier. Young dogs will imitate the actions of older dogs.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
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.
A pair of dogs can love to play and help entertain each other. If you have a dog that struggles with separation anxiety or is destructive when bored, adding another dog can eliminate behavior problems.
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 can keep each other company, entertain each other, and learn from each other. Whether or not you should have two dogs depends on the environment you live in, your capacity to care for them, and how any pets already in your home would deal with additional dogs.
Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, they may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.
And “because dogs are highly social creatures,” Dr. Borns-Weil says, in most cases, “getting another dog is the right thing to do. Dogs in isolation are not happy.” Even if you are home with your dog much of the day, a second dog in the family might very well be the right choice.
Most experts agree that, as a rule, male and female dogs get along better than two females or two males.
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.
Two dogs can be a lot to handle on their own, and adding young children to the mix can add additional responsibilities and stress—not to mention it could mean less time for your pups. Of course, plenty of families have both kids and multiple dogs, so it's not like it's impossible to manage it all at once.
Make sure your lifestyle is prepared to welcome a new energetic pet. If you look forward to the new life you can give a dog and feel ready to move forward then you might be ready to start looking for your new pet. When you begin to look for your new furry friend don't get discouraged if you don't them right away.
So, if you get a 2nd dog, please make sure and socialize them on their own. Walk them on their own, take them to new places alone, and especially take them to the dog park without your other dog so they can be taught appropriate behavior by new dogs and not just rely on interactions with their sibling.
Canine Companionship
One benefit of having two is that they'll keep each other company. If the dogs get along well, the companionship will prevent boredom. They'll be occupied, which means the dogs will have less time for bad behaviors, such as chewing things they aren't supposed to.
You've probably heard that an older dog becomes revitalized and may actually live longer, if you bring a younger dog into the family. In our experience, whether this is true depends on the dog and the family. Most older dogs don't like change, and some just won't adjust to having another dog around.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
Most dogs are physically mature when they hit the age of 2. Large-breed dogs like Great Danes can be an exception; they usually need another year until they are completely out of adolescence. But for most dogs, 2 is a milestone that signifies entry into adulthood.
When do puppies start to calm down? Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
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.
While most dogs are social animals and will enjoy a pack member and playmate, two dogs will still mean twice the work. This can create a situation that feels overwhelming.
Experts agree that dogs get lonely when they spend much of their time alone because they are pack animals. Descended from wolves, who live and work in groups, dogs are social beings, and we have become their pack members. If they are deprived of companions—both canine and human—they suffer.