When is the Best Time to Get a Second Dog?

December 23, 2014

by Natalie Secretan

If you love dogs as much as I do, your natural response would be to have a house full of dogs. But before you decide to add another dog to your family, there are a few things to consider.

First of all, coming home from the breeders with two dogs from the same litter may seem like a good idea at the time, but be prepared for a lot of aggravation. It takes a professional to be able to train more than one dog at the same time. So wait until your first dog is well settled and properly trained before you decide to introduce him to a new companion. Give it at least a year before making a decision.

Spending some time with your first dog will not only help seal the bond between the two of you, it will also reveal any personality traits that you’ll need to consider when looking for another dog. For example, a dominant dog will not tolerate another dominant dog. How your dog reacts to other dogs when you’re out walking or at the dog park will give you a glimpse into what kind of dog he is: dominant or submissive.

Most importantly, make sure you’re financially able to support the addition of another dog. Having two dogs means twice as much food and daycare and vet bills, etc. Having two dogs also means more work – more poop, more grooming, more hair around the house and a lot more noise.

Despite dogs being social creatures, some dogs prefer to be the top dog in the household. While they may enjoy playing with other dogs in the dog park, notice how they react when you pay any attention to other dogs. Are they jealous or accepting? Get one of your friends to visit with their dog and see how your dog reacts. Introduce them slowly at first, then try longer periods and eventually try an overnight stay. They may get along fine in neutral territory like the dog park, but back at home, it’s a whole different story.

One bit of advice I will give is that if you are a one-dog household and that dog is now getting on towards retirement, introducing another dog now will help ease your grief when the final hour arrives. Some older dogs enjoy the presence of a younger dog and feel energized just being around such a bundle of joy. Older dogs can be great role models for younger dogs too and it makes training junior a lot easier.

No dog will ever replace another dog in your heart, but having that constant canine companionship will bring you closer together and help in the healing process.

References: http://pets.webmd.com/dogs/features/adding-another-dog-to-your-home

Photo credit: Theilr: Tango and Grace