Your Dog has a Playmate 24/7 One of the best things about having two dogs is that your dog always has a playmate. If you work long hours or travel often, it can be difficult to find someone to take care of your dog. But if you have another dog at home, they can always keep each other company.
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.
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!
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. He may not like sharing his territory, toys, food, resting places, or humans.
Depending on their past experiences, their temperament, age, and health, adding another pup might be stressful--for both your dog, and for you. Training two dogs can be tricky.
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.
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.
Dogs are capable of feeling lonely, and as they are a social species this is a very valid concern for owners. Although the ideal situation would be a fellow doggy to keep them happy, there are lots of other ways to keep them calm and content!
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day. But, many dogs are good at adapting to being alone for 8-9 hours while you are at work if they are provided with enough space to comfortably move around.
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.
Conclusion: If you work full time but want a dog, go ahead, but make sure to proceed with care. Try to get a more independent breed, the younger, the better, or a rescue that's used to being alone.
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.
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.
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.
Having a multi-dog home can be great, but it's not for everyone or every dog. Many dogs thrive in a home with other pups, but not all can adjust. For example, if your dog isn't comfortable around other dogs, bringing home another puppy might not be the best choice.
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.
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.
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.
Having two dogs can increase the risk of aggression and resource guarding, which is challenging to train and correct. Similarly, two dogs may get jealous of the other – and behave badly because of it. Double the costs – it's one of the biggest disadvantages of two dogs.
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. “So there can be friction (for everyone) when a new dog comes into the picture and the dynamic of the house changes.
Having a rest day is often beneficial for the human-dog relationship as you tend to focus more on your time together, rather than completing the “chore” of a dog walk.