Many dog owners wonder if having two dogs is better than one.
The answer depends on your skills and needs. And about the dog’s personality.
When I got my first dog, the woman at the Humane Society tried to convince me to adopt two.
I realize they were trying to save another dog. Since he was a little nervous about taking on the responsibility of one dog, there was no way he was prepared to take on two.
Browning was a very energetic beagle-Labrador puppy. He was a chewer, a digger and a scratcher.
My sister stayed with me that first summer, which meant he was only alone for a few hours a day. That made it easier to train him.
When she left, he hated being left home alone in the laundry room for long periods and became destructive.
It chewed and scratched the door frame, scratched the paint on the wall, and even put a hole in the vinyl floor covering.
Become the owner of two dogs
Then, a few months later, I got a second dog when a friend needed to find a home for an abandoned puppy.
It was the best decision I have ever made. Finley was a sweet and gentle beagle/cocker spaniel mix. And his destructive behavior stopped once Browning had a partner to run and play with during the day.
Dogs are pack animals; Some dogs, like Browning, need the convenience of at least a small backpack. Sometimes getting a second dog to keep the first dog company can solve many problems such as separation anxiety or boredom.
Their pairing worked because the dogs got along well. Determining compatibility with the second dog is crucial.
You will often see people who find a breed they like and then adopt several dogs of that breed, often overlapping to always have at least one dog.
Like my Sydney, an Australian Shepherd/Corgi mix, other dogs are perfectly content being only children.
She was intelligent and independent. She liked to play in doggy daycare or be with other dogs in agility training, but our home is her castle and she didn’t want anyone else to occupy her throne.
Nutmeg, my Pembroke Welsh Corgi, also likes to be an only dog. Although I have reflected on the advantages of adding another Corgi puppy to our home before he gets too big.
Before adding another dog, consider the benefits of having two dogs and weigh the pros and cons. Then, if you decide to add a second dog, here are some tips for a two-dog household:
the age of dogs
To successfully introduce a second dog into your family, the best time to add it is when the first is between 2 and 3 years old. In a multi-dog household, it is best to add a younger dog.
You can add another dog when the first one is older, but it will probably require more work. You may also have difficulty if you have intact male or female dogs. Therefore, spaying and neutering are essential.
Not only will you be working on training the new dog or puppy, but you will also need to make sure you have enough time to spend one-on-one with the older dog and make sure he or she still feels loved and unloved. Don’t get nervous thinking he’s losing his place.
Can you leave the dogs alone? Yes, if they both behave. You don’t want to put the dogs in a situation where one could hurt the other.
Adopt littermates
Most experts recommend not having more than one dog from the same litter.
Littermates are more likely to bond with each other than with their owner. They are also more likely to exhibit bullying and aggression.
Most experts recommend not having more than one dog from the same litter.
Littermates are more likely to bond with each other than with their owner. They are also more likely to exhibit bullying and aggression.
Analyze costs
Start by recognizing that owning a dog is expensive. From adoption fees to vet fees, food, toys and more.
Calculate how much it will cost to own a dog for at least 15 years. Then double that amount if you plan to have a second puppy.
Gender of the second dog.
If you are adding a second dog to your family, experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex. Two male dogs are more likely to compete for food, toys, and the affection of their owners.
It also helps if the new dog is younger. A puppy is less likely to challenge an older dog. But there is always the possibility of a conflict arising. Neutered dogs are more likely to get along.
The end result of adding another dog
Trust your instincts. And analyze your dog. A couple of dogs 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 behavioral problems.
Would adding a second dog improve your dog’s life? If so, and you have the time, patience, and financial means, go ahead and get a second dog.
Sara B. Hansen He has spent more than 20 years as a professional editor and writer. She is also the author of The Complete Guide to Cocker Spaniels. She decided to create her dream job by launching DogsBestLife.com in 2011. Sara grew up with dogs in a family and, since she bought her first home, she has had one or two furry companions who helped her turn it into a home. She shares her heart and her home with Nutmeg, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Her previous dogs: Sydney (September 2008-April 2020), Finley (November 1993-January 2008), and Browning (May 1993-November 2007). You can contact Sara @ [email protected].
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