yes and no. 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.
Benefits of Having More Than One Dog or Cat
Your pets will have the opportunity to socialize and play together, which means they won't get bored if you're working, sleeping or out of the house for a few hours. They'll never have to be alone except when they want to be.
Two dogs can share toys, beds, grooming products, water bowls, larger bags of food, and treats. Safer for you and your furry family members. Two dogs protecting the home are better than one. Also, when you have two pups, they will take care of each other.
By having two dogs, it provides companionship while you are away. Both dogs are less likely to get lonely, and instead, have someone to sleep with, play with, and socialize with while you are gone.
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.
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.
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, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.
Allocate the Time and Resources for Another Pup
You also have to keep in mind that you'll need to invest extra for essential gear — collars, leashes and crates, to name a just a few items — as well as unexpected vet visits, potential boarding and possible pet sitters and dog walkers.
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.
It's very common for dogs of certain breeds to be 100% loyal, devoted, and attached to “their person”. They may be friendly and happy to be around different family members, but they always see that one relationship as elevated far above any other.
All canines need individual focus, attention, play, and training daily, in addition to regular grooming. Having multiple dogs means an increase in the daily time spent playing and working with your dogs to make sure each is getting enough attention.
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 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.
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.
A second dog could bring changes in your dog's personality. The two dogs could really bond and might prefer being together, ignoring you, except for food and treats.
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. Even a change in the dog's schedule, for instance a stay-at-home owner who takes a job, can cause a dog to get down.
Whether you rescue an older dog or a puppy, a lot of dogs tend to follow the 3-3-3 rule when getting acclimated: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous. 3 weeks of settling in. 3 months of building trust and bonding with you.
It's our only Down Dog rule – that when dogs meet and greet each other that time should be limited to three seconds, then you call your dog away and praise them for their wonderful manners. It does depend on the breed, and, most importantly, you only allow your dog to meet and greet if both dogs are happy to do so.
Getting your dog a companion usually doesn't help an anxious dog because their anxiety is the result of their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.
You are NOT taking away any love from your other dog.
You're simply adding even more love into your life. In fact, adding a new love to your life may grow the love you have for the dog you've lost because that dog taught you so much about love. I also like to think that Lilly helped bring our 2 new puppy-girls to us.
Yep, it's fairly normal to regret getting a puppy or dog. You're not a bad person! If you've recently added a new dog or puppy to your family and you're wondering if you've made a mistake, just know that others go through the same feelings.
Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. (Then give them a treat.) Having two dogs can be more than twice as much work as having one, and having three can require way more than three times as much effort.