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.
Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.
Pets Help Each Other Get More Exercise
In addition to boosting their mental health, having a fellow animal companion can also improve your pets' physical health. As dogs and cats grow older, lack of exercise can lead to various medical problems. Pets often play with each other throughout the house.
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.
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. This is because dogs will often share toys, beds, etc.
What's the age of your current dog? Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
One to three year-old pups can be very energetic, hardly staying still for a single minute. As they age, however, they will begin to take longer and more frequent breaks between spurts. Most dogs will lose that seemingly abundant energy as they pass the three-to-four-year mark.
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog. While you should consider the gender of the second dog when adopting another dog, it's not the only thing that matters.
Before bringing another dog into your home, evaluate whether you can dedicate enough time to meet the needs of both your existing dog and the newcomer. If you have a well-established routine and can provide individual attention to each dog, it's a promising sign that you're ready for the added responsibilities.
After getting a new dog, you may find that they quickly become jealous after you bring them home. Finding a new forever home can be a very emotional time. Sometimes, a newly adopted dog becomes jealous because they crave your attention, touch, and voice as a comfort during this time of change.
It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required. But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. It's just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.
Balancing the Needs of Both Dogs
Even if you find the perfect pup to add to your family, there will be an adjustment period. And when the house's vibe feels off-kilter, some guilty feelings can creep in. “I believe dogs have a rich emotional life, and they feel very connected to their people,” Plymale says.
It's quite common for dog owners to get another puppy when their resident dog is over a year old. Generally speaking, this is a good move as by then the dog should be well-trained and solidly bonded to you, which makes life easier when you bring in the new addition.
One of the most important rules of dog training is the two second rule. This is because dogs always live in the moment so TIMING IS EVERYTHING! Feedback must be given to your dog within two seconds of the behavior in order for him to understand what you are correcting or rewarding.
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.
For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.
Introduce on neutral territory.
Each dog should be walked separately on a leash, and each walker should have a bag of high-value treats or food broken into small pieces. At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other's presence.
However, that being said, I've known many households (including my own) that successfully have two of the same gender dogs without any problems at all. It is also generally safer to have dogs nearer in size; they can be better matched as playmates and there is less risk of accidental injury.
The bottom line on adding another dog
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.