Two dogs in the family can provide each other with companionship while you are away at work or play. Multiple-dog owners see a strong bond form between the dogs since dogs are essentially pack animals and are naturally attuned to pack living. Moreover it is good for a dog to have a companion of his own species.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs that exhibit relaxed, playful body language during playtime at the dog park are more likely to get along with a new furry friend at home. And, if your pup is sad to leave their friends at the park, it's a good sign they'll benefit from a fur sibling.
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog. While you should consider the gender of the second dog when adopting another dog, it's not the only thing that matters.
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.
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.
Introduce on neutral territory.
Each dog should be walked separately on a leash, and each walker should have a bag of high-value treats or food broken into small pieces. At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other's presence.
Even if you are home with them for most of the week, the amount of quality time you're spending together may not be enough for a needy dog. That's why for some households, introducing another pet can be a great idea. Loneliness can quickly lead to stress and anxiety in dogs if ignored, and it's not always an easy spot.
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.
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.
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.
Some dogs are territorial and will much prefer a home without other dogs, while other types of dogs will happily welcome new members of the group. Know the personality of your dog and the one you might adopt before forcing them to live together.
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.
Many people do not give two dogs time to adequately adjust to one another before deciding that having two dogs will simply not work. 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.
Renaming your dog is easy and you can do it when she is any age, young or old. She does not really care what you call her, whether a classic name or a more outdoorsy dog name—as long as she understands you are the source of all good things and that she belongs to you.
When do puppies start to calm down? Most puppies start to calm down as they approach their maturity age, which is usually around 12 months, but for larger breeds it can be more likely to occur between 18 months and 2 years.
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.
For example, if you get a new pet and start paying it more attention than your dog, the dog will not feel betrayed in the true sense of the word. However, it may show signs of distress and disappointment because it is suddenly being treated differently or being deprived of something it is used to getting.