Thinking about a Second Dog: Points to Consider

Are you thinking about bringing a second dog into your household?  It
would seem that it is an easy question, after all, what is one more
pup? 

On the other hand, the answer may be more difficult than you
think.  To add to that thought, perhaps you are already a two dog family
and want a third?  Just how hard could that be?

The joys of owning more than one dog can be incredible. There will
always be double the puppy kisses, double the love, double the fun and
so forth. 

However, with all that comes extra expenses for food,
veterinary care, grooming, boarding, bedding and so forth.  Here are
five lifestyle questions to consider before saying yes to those
irresistible big eyes and happy wagging tail that is waiting to join
your family.

Five Questions to Ask Yourself Before Getting a Second Dog

1. Do you have the financial means to provide for a second dog? 
   Sure some expenses can be shared such as toys and supplies, but just
   like the second child, the second dog comes with his set of needs that
   can be costly.  Consider how much you currently spend on vet bills,
   food, grooming, and boarding, then double it.  Does that extra amount
   fit well within your budget?
2. Do you have the time it takes to
   train another dog?  It is the lucky owner who discovers their current
   dog is capable of taking on some of the training tasks.  For the
   majority of owners, it is the human that trains the new dog.
3. Are you reasonably healthy and fit to take on the demands of a new
   dog?  Two dogs means walking two dogs instead of one, cleaning up after
   two and keeping the peace if and when you experience a little canine
   rivalry.
4. How will a second dog fit within the framework of your
   current family situation?  Will the addition of a second dog just add
   more chaos to an already busy household?  There are times when even two
   is a crowd.
5. How often do you travel?  Will you be taking both
   dogs with you when you travel or having to board both dogs?  Boarding
   can get expensive, and even some pet setters charge by the number of
   pets.  Traveling with one dog can be a breeze, but how do you stuff two
   dogs under that airline seat?   

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There are definite reasons why you should consider a second dog.  There
are also reasons why bringing in a second dog could spell disaster to an
already harmonious household.

Before you make that decision, it is best to consider the needs of everyone in the home including your current dog. 

By Bela Slvakumar Flickr

Company for Your Dog

An “only” dog who stays home alone while you work may enjoy the
companionship of another canine.  Dogs are social creatures and do not
enjoy being alone for extended periods of time. 

You might even think that bringing home a friend will help with your current dog’s separation anxiety issues.  Think again, as this is not likely to cure that problem.

Satisfying Your Dog’s Social Needs

How social is
your current dog?  Some breeds are just more social and need more
interactions with other canines. The dog that searches out other dogs in
the neighborhood or makes friends quickly on a casual walk may truly
enjoy the companionship of a live in best bud.  

On the contrary,
some dogs need nothing more than the love and attention they receive
from their human family. Adding a second dog will only add stress to an
already happy canine.

Boy Meets Girl

What about the gender of the new dog?  This is a question many
people ask.  Should you add a dog of the same or opposite gender or does
it really matter?  Most experts agree that gender is usually not an
issue so long as both dogs are altered (spayed or neutered). 

In
my experience as a breeder, girls tend to fight with other girls and the
same is true for boys.  Little fighting occurs between members of the
opposite sex. Spaying and neutering changes this entirely.   Neutered
dogs find little to fight about unless one or both have other behavioral
issues that should be addressed.  

With little evidence that same
or opposite gender pairs are superior, it is a matter of personal
preference.  Two neutered males do just fine together and can become
lifelong buddies.  The same is true of the girls.

Read More about Choosing Gender

Sticking With the Same Breed or Diversifying

The choice of breed is another matter.  Many people fall in love with
a specific breed, whether it is a pure breed or a hybrid and stick with
the breed throughout their life.  Others are not particular.  How
important is the choice of breed when considering a second dog?

Many
small breed dogs are very comfortable with dogs like themselves and
will get along best with dogs of the same or similar breeds.  For
example, Yorkies and Maltese tend to get along just fine, and two
Yorkshire Terriers are even more likely to bond easily.  

That is
not to say that a Chihuahua and a Rottweiler cannot not be best friends,
but it is less likely to happen.  Two very different breeds can live
harmoniously in the same house without being best friends.  

The
safest route to take would be to have two dogs of the same breed living
together.  If you want to improve the odds even more, get two related
dogs.  Having related dogs does not mean you must purchase or adopt two
dogs at the same time.  Give the first dog a chance to acclimate to your
home and give yourself time to enjoy and train one dog before you take
on the responsibility of two.

Puppies and Seniors

Age plays a role in compatibility as well.  Two young dogs will
become friends faster because they enjoy playing.  When there is a large
age gap between the two, say a senior and a tiny puppy, a lot will
depend on the personalities of both dogs. 

Many people think that
getting a puppy will make their senior more active.  This does happen
upon occasion, but there are factors that must be weighed when assuming
that senior and puppy will become best friends.  Is the senior in good
health?  Has the senior had experience being around puppies?  Is the
puppy respectful of the older dog?

Compatibility Issues

All puppies are different.  Well socialized puppies can be an asset to an aging dog, but don’t assume that bringing a puppy into the household will solve all your problems.  

Having two or more dogs can bring added love and richness to your life.  A two dog household requires just as much planning and soul searching as you did when you adopted your first dog.  A well thought out plan for that second dog can result in  a “match made in heaven,” as the saying goes.

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