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.
While some dogs are completely fine playing by themselves, others prefer to play with other dogs. If your pup appears to be bored or even depressed, adding a new dog to the family could help brighten their spirits. Some dogs find comfort in other pups and some dogs just need a playtime buddy.
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.
More dogs enforce the “pack” feeling, and help your dog feel secure. Some dogs do get lonely without a friend, and a second dog will alleviate this loneliness. If your dog has separation anxiety, having another dog there may help.
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.
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.
So, while another dog might make your dog less lonely, it's not likely to cure your dog's anxiety when you're away. If your dog has separation anxiety the presence of another animal in the household is unlikely to ease the distress he experiences during times of separation.
When you have a pair of dogs, they provide each other with companionship and mental and physical stimulation. That can help avoid obedience issues when you have a single dog. Many dog owners wonder whether having two dogs is better than one. The answer to that depends on your abilities and needs.
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.
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.
Of the dogs the researchers examined, those who lived with another companion animal were rated "significantly healthier than dogs with fewer household companions."
Beyond finances, the biggest challenge for many people owning multiple dogs is having enough time for them. While many dogs enjoy engaging and playing with other pups in the home, that doesn't diminish the amount of time each dog needs and deserves from you.
Dogs do NOT think the same way humans do. If you are taking your puppy somewhere that you KNOW your 1-year-old dog doesn't enjoy going, your older dog isn't going to be mad at you. That being said... your 2 dogs may benefit from being in the same places together so that they can learn acceptable behavior together.
Dogs that continue to attack each other, even after training, should be separated permanently. Some dogs simply cannot abide other dogs and are happier being the “only child”. This is not the fault of the dog, only a special consideration that makes a dog unique.
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.
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.
Dogs alone all day suffer from separation anxiety, boredom and extreme loneliness. "From my own research and personal experience living with dogs, between three and five is an optimal number, going up to numbers of eight or nine depending on the breed or type of dogs and the management ability of the homeowner."
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.
Dog behavior changes with age, but it is a gradual process. For example, a 2 year old dog behavior change is a common milestone, which is the age many dogs reach adulthood. Later on, some senior dogs may display irritability due to things like arthritis pain or loss of vision.
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.