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.
It's good to have a friend
Dogs are social animals; generally speaking, they like having friends. While every dog should be able to take part in some relaxing alone time, many would appreciate the company of a canine pal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The key to keeping your beloved dog healthy could be adding another furry friend to your home. A recent study by the Dog Aging Project found that dogs who get routine social interaction from living with another canine are associated with "better health" outcomes than dogs with access to less socialization.
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.
time to a second or less but the idea is to wait for the. animal to ask before you touch them, then at most 5. seconds of petting, then hands off and wait for them to. ask again.
The is to – Place the back of your hand on the surface of the pavement/road for 7 seconds. If you struggle to hold it down then it's too hot to walk a dog……..
When your new dog enters your space, be prepared to keep it separate from other animals for at least 24-48 hours. Move your current pet's essential items to a defined space and restrict access to that area. Keep your new dog near you during their first couple of days.
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.
Female dogs are often said to be easier to house train than male dogs. "Many pet owners report that female dogs are easier to house train and are more attentive to their owners than male dogs, with male dogs being more aloof," Johanna Reel, registered vet technician for NHV Natural Pet, told INSIDER.
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.
Your dogs must be fully comfortable around each other while humans are present before being left alone together without supervision. If you notice that your older dog doesn't always appreciate your puppy's crazy energy, don't assume that your puppy will be able to stay away from them when you're not there to intervene.
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.
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.