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.
Whether you are considering adding another pup to the family, a totally different kind of pet, or if you are expecting a baby of your own, it is quite possible that your doggo will feel sad and even replaced at the presence of a new family member.
They enjoy friendly interactions with familiar humans or other animals and tend to avoid isolation. That being said, every dog is different has its own temperament and preferences. Some dogs prefer to live alone with their owners, while others prefer having another dog friend in the house.
Canine Companionship
One benefit of having two is that they'll keep each other company. If the dogs get along well, the companionship will prevent boredom. They'll be occupied, which means the dogs will have less time for bad behaviors, such as chewing things they aren't supposed to.
If you want to have another dog and your only hesitation is the fear that you won't love them the same as you do your first dog, let me tell you this: you will not the love them the same - you will love them differently, but equally.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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. Below is info to help you decide whether this step is for you and if so, how to make it successful.
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.
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.
Bonk told The Dodo. “If a dog is taken care of by a female, they're more likely to prefer females, [whereas] if they're primarily taken care of by a male, they may prefer males.” And in some cases, these associations can be negative.
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.
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.
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. Another dog can be a valuable companion so your dog doesn't miss you as much while you're gone.
Will you ever be ready to share your life with another dog? There is no way to say for certain when the time is right to get a new dog. This is a very individual decision that often happens organically. Some people only wait days to weeks, possibly because they cannot bear to go long without a canine companion.
The bottom line on adding another dog
A pair of dogs can love to play and help entertain each other. If you have a dog that struggles with separation anxiety or is destructive when bored, adding another dog can eliminate behavior problems.
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.
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.