What is second dog syndrome? A Complete Guide

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Benefits of Having a Second Dog

Having one dog is wonderful, having two dogs – even better!

Well, there’s some truth to that if you’ve made the right preparations and have the space, time, and money to care for several dogs.

Two dogs and Second Dog Syndrome

Second dog syndrome is a common collection of issues that can arise when you get a new puppy in the household. These can include:

  • A puppy can spend most of their time with the older dog and learn most of their bad habits, such as fence aggression, playing too rough, or misbehaving on the leash. Remember, your first dog is not a puppy-sitter!
  • Pet parents may forget how much work their first dog was as a puppy and neglect to put the work into proper socialization and training in the second dog. This can cause the second dog to become fearful or aggressive. If your puppy is showing signs of anxiety and aggression, you can read our article here.
  • Your older dog may be domineering or aggressive with the younger dog. This can create friction as your second grows older and cause your puppy to grow up insecure and anxious. Adult dogs may begin to fight, especially if they are of the same sex. If your older dog is depressed with the new puppy around, be sure to read Older Dog Depressed with New Puppy.
  • The first dog may already be part of the household routine and has already settled into maturity. This means that a puppy entering the home with needs like potty training or boundless energy can upset the dynamic in the household and place stress on everybody involved.

    • Sometimes pet parents make one of two mistakes. Firstly, a wonderful first dog that fit perfectly with their lifestyle, and expected that the new puppy would be the same. This can be a shock to the system when the new arrival is nothing like the first dog.

    The second possibility is that the first dog is exhausting and demanding, so one may consider a puppy as a playmate or to keep your first dog company. While most dogs are social animals and will enjoy a pack member and playmate, two dogs will still mean twice the work. This can create a situation that feels overwhelming.

    Further down I share my own experience with the trouble I had with my second dog. And if you’re unsure how to have your two dogs sleeping together, be sure to read our article Second Dog Sleeping Arrangements.

    Pros and cons of two dogs

  • Two dogs are double the joy and love (if they get along!).
  • Playing together is great exercise, so two dogs can help keep each other physically fit.
  • They can keep each other company if you are away.
  • They may have an easier stay at a kennel when you go away on holiday.
  • The affection and playtime between two bonded dogs reduces their stress and improves their mental health.
  • If you go through a difficult time with one dog, such as an illness, having a second dog might help reduce your stress.
  • The expenses of food, vet bills, gear, and maintenance will increase with two dogs.
  • There is more poop to scoop!
  • You need to put in more time and effort if they don’t get along, but even if they do, you still need to make sure each dog gets some alone time with you. This makes two dogs a bigger demand on your time.
  • Each dog will have less space in the yard and home.
  • In the event that one of them passes on, the other one may have a difficult time getting used to life without them.
  • If your first dog has behavioral issues or is not social with other dogs, a second dog can cause a big problem.
  • If you are currently expecting a baby or have very young children, a second puppy may be too demanding.
  • Pet parents who work long hours may not be suited to the demands of a second dog.
  • A second dog that comes from a more active background can be more destructive as a young dog, causing stress in the family due to destructive behaviors. Likewise, a second dog could be inclined towards dog aggression and cause conflict with your first dog once they reach puberty.

    • It may come as a surprise, but many owners can face regret when coping with a second dog. In my early twenties, I had an English Bull Terrier that was both dominant with other dogs and incredibly easy to train. We had spent several years together and gotten to know each other well, and we were settled in our ways.

    I had several reasons for getting a second dog, but unfortunately, I made several rookie mistakes. For instance, I did not properly research my new puppy’s breed. A Bouvier Des Flandres is the opposite in every way to a Bull Terrier.

    My second dog simply did not work the way my first dog did. He was not motivated by food or praise, and he had spent too long in the kennel with his siblings. This meant he was not inclined to bond with people, even me.

    He had boundless energy and couldn’t be left alone for a second without doing something problematic, like swallowing my socks whole or raking the bin.

    What’s more, my first dog, Amy, was not a happy camper. She viewed the youngster as an interloper and jealously guarded her toys and bed. Her behavior toward the puppy made me feel guilty and consider rehoming the puppy, Jeremy.

    Getting a Second Dog Pros and Cons

    Sometimes things don’t work out as planned and getting a second dog can be one of those times. You may even regret getting a second dog! With dogs, it’s not always “the more, the merrier”. In fact, you have to carefully consider whether or not getting a second dog is the best decision for you and your current dog. And if you are having issues, what can you do to make the transition better.