Many families need time to process the loss of a pet before they make the decision to get a new dog or cat. There is no perfect way of knowing when the time is right for a new pet. Sometimes it will take weeks, months, or even years because people grieve differently.
Some things to consider before adopting a second pet include your finances, how much space you have, and whether or not your pet seems ready to welcome a new animal. If you have a lot of free time and your pet seems lonely, adopting a second animal could be a rewarding thing.
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.
While the majority of dogs will get along well with their new sibling, your first dog may not be happy having to share their toys, space, territory, or even their owner's affection. This makes it important to prepare and do your research when getting ready to bring home a second dog.
I think a good age is around 2 years old which generally means the current dog is (hopefully!) trained to a standard that you are ok with so you can concentrate on the puppy/new dogs training (and maybe the current dog can be a good influence!).
If you want to have another dog and your only hesitation is the fear that you won't love them the same as you do your first dog, let me tell you this: you will not the love them the same - you will love them differently, but equally.
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.
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.
Before settling on a breed, think about the gender of the dog. 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.
There will be additional costs to consider for veterinary care, boarding, food, bedding, and toys. Sibling rivalry can occur if the dogs feel there is competition between them over resources. This can include feeling competititve over food, toys, attention, and space, as well as the humans in their lives.
Keep introductions short by following the “three second rule”; count to three as the dogs sniff each other, say thanks or nice to meet you to the owner, and then excitedly call your dog away and continue your walk.
It's An Individual Choice
Only you can know what feels right for you. 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.
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.
Causes of Dog Depression
Beaver said major changes in a dog's life could lead to periods of depression. Those include moving into a new home, a new spouse or baby in the household, or adding another pet.
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.
Thus contrary to expectations that a dog with a companion will be calmer, having another dog in the house seems to actually increase separation anxiety symptoms. These signs of anxiety are greatest in the first hour after the owner leaves, but then seem to taper off over time.
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.
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.
Benefits of getting a second dog
You can double the fun and silly antics in your home. your first dog's anxiety. Younger dogs can become playmates for each other. entertain each other instead.
Of course there are exceptions, but most experts agree that adopting a second dog of the opposite sex is a better choice for your fur family. Opposites tend to work best, as dominance sometimes is a factor when introducing a new dog. In a two dog household, there is almost always an alpha dog.
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.
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.