Should You Get A Second Dog?

Getting a dog is a big decision – there are so many factors to take into consideration before you bring a new pet into your life. You have to think about why you want to get your new companion in the first place, and then take into account factors like size and breed characteristics to make sure that the dog will integrate successfully to your lifestyle.

If getting your first dog is a big decision, then deciding whether or not to get a second one is perhaps even bigger. Introducing another pup to the mix has a huge impact on the dynamics of your household, and can affect the happiness and wellbeing of the dog who is already a member of your family – for better or worse.

If you’re thinking about getting a second dog, but aren’t sure of the factors to weigh up, you’ve come to the right place – this article will outline the pros and cons for you.

Why do you want a second dog?

There are several reasons why pet owners often want to add a second (or a third, or a fourth, or a fifth…) dog to the mix. However, as owning a dog is a big commitment often lasting a decade or longer, it makes sense to take some time to assess the reasons why you want an additional dog. Some of the common reasons may include:

Getting a dog for a specific purpose. You may intend to train the new dog for a specific purpose, such as a dog sport like agility or scent work.
Interest in a particular breed. If you have a deep knowledge and interest in a specific dog breed, this may motivate you to acquire a dog matching that breed.
Companionship for your existing dog. You might feel that your existing dog is lonely and needs a friend to play with.
Freshen up the household dynamic. Perhaps you feel that the time is simply right for a new dog to bring new energy into your home.
You love dogs, and want more of them. You’re simply a dog lover at heart – and you may see the rising numbers of animals in shelters, and feel that you can give a good home to one of them.

Reasons not to get a second dog

Just as there are compelling arguments for getting an additional dog, there are also counter-arguments that could convince you in the opposite direction.

Believing that getting a second dog will solve the behavioral issues of the first dog. This is one of the most common reasons for getting another dog – and it also usually never works out as expected. For example, if a dog displays fearful or nervous behavior, some owners believe that bringing another dog into the mix – particularly if they are ‘friendly’ – will help to eradicate the fear or anxiety of the first dog. In fact, introducing a second dog in this situation makes it more likely that you will have two nervous dogs to deal with, rather than the anxiety magically disappearing.
Your kids won’t stop asking you for another dog. It can be hard to say no to children, but don’t allow them to convince you that they will do the heavy lifting and do all the feeding, walking and training for the new family member. Even if they are well-intentioned, you’ll instantly regret your decision when the shine of the new dog wears off after a couple of weeks, and suddenly the new dog is yours to look after. Every family member should be on board with this decision.
Thinking that the cost won’t be a factor, because you already have a dog. While there are a few cost efficiencies in owning multiple dogs, remember that your new dog will need their own veterinary care, their own toys, and their own leash and collar. The costs will not be exactly double, but they won’t be far off.
Thinking that time won’t be a factor, because you already have a dog. You may be able to feed and walk your two dogs at the same time, but there will be occasions when the new pup will need one-on-one attention. They will need individual training time and socialization, not to mention times when they may be sick or injured. A new dog is a huge time commitment that should not be overlooked.

Questions to consider beforehand

Here are some of the key questions you and your family should consider before committing to acquiring a second dog for your home:

What is the reason for bringing a new dog into our home?
Does our current dog have behavioral issues or quirks that could be exacerbated by bringing another dog into our home?
What could be some of the unintended consequences for our existing dog of bringing another dog into our home?
Can we afford another dog?
Do we have the time to care for another dog?
Do we have the space for another dog?
What will the new dog’s schedule look like, and how does this impact our current schedule, and the schedule that our existing dog has?
Is every member of my family in agreement with this decision?

How to select a second dog

If you’ve answered all of the questions and considered the consequences of getting another dog, the time will arrive for you to choose the new dog for your home. You obviously want to select a dog that will complement your current dog and fit seamlessly into your current household.

For the most part, you’ll want to make sure that you pick a dog who – if not identical – has similar traits to your dog, in terms of physical characteristics and energy levels. Pitching a larger, energetic breed like a German Shepherd with a tiny, lower-energy breed like a Pomeranian is unlikely to result in harmonious interactions due to the significant size and energy differences.

You’ll also need to decide whether to adopt a dog from a shelter or purchase one from a breeder. While the number of dogs in animal shelters is overwhelming, it is also worth noting that if you’re adding this dog for a specific reason (ex: take part in dog sports, or training for service dog work), a reputable breeder can help you to select a dog that is tailored to your requirements.

Introducing your new dog

Once you have selected your new dog, you’ll begin the process to assimilate them into your life. Crucially, that includes introducing them to your entire family – including the existing four-legged members.

When you pick up your new dog from the breeder or shelter, resist the temptation to bring your existing dog along for the ride. This is going to create an overwhelming situation for both dogs, and is not a great basis for starting their new relationship.

Try to stage their first interaction in a neutral setting, such as at a park where there is plenty of space. Have both dogs on-leash, ensuring that both handlers are relaxed and holding the leash loosely. Walking the dogs parallel to one another – close enough that they can see the other, but not so close they can directly interact – is a good way to get them familiar with one another. From there, you can gradually decrease the distance, until you feel they are comfortable to approach one another. Maintain loose leashes, and allow them to walk up to one another and sniff. Redirect any growling or negative body language cues and slowly walk away, before trying once again. Do not force the dogs to interact with one another, and be positive with your praise for both dogs throughout the interaction. This may take some time and practice until both dogs are comfortable.

When at home, constantly monitor and supervise how the dogs behave around each other. Make sure you provide additional toys and chews to eliminate the potential for resource guarding. Both dogs do not have to be out all of the time – using a playpen or crate can be a good way to rotate the dogs, especially as they become accustomed to one another.

In conclusion

Bringing a second dog into your home comes with its own set of unique challenges. It isn’t as simple as deciding you want another dog and hoping for the best – preparation can help to set yourself and your dogs up for success.

If you have struggled with introducing a second dog into your home, we are here to help! With Highland Canine’s Private Lesson programs, our professional dog trainers come to you and can help work on building a strong relationship between your dogs. Reach out to one of our trainers today for more information.