A Second Dog Is Not a Cure For Separation Anxiety
In theory getting another dog to help with your current dog’s separation anxiety makes perfect sense. Your second dog will keep your dog company when you’re away & alleviate all that extra stress and anxiety, right?
In practice it’s not so simple.
When you get a second dog because your first is experiencing separation anxiety one of three things is likely to happen:
The problem is there’s no guarantee that the third option is going to happen.
Dogs with separation anxiety get anxious anytime their owner leaves, regardless of how many other animals you have in the house. Other pets might bring some comfort to your anxious dog, but they won’t cure their separation anxiety.
Dogs learn from one another, and there’s a possibility that your current dog will teach your new dog that being anxious when you leave is “normal.” This is especially true if the second dog you’re considering is a highly impressionable puppy.
Getting a Second Dog is Great, But Do It For the Right Reasons
Unfortunately separation anxiety is a rather complex behavioral issue, and it often takes multiple methods to get under control. The anxiety comes from the separation from you, the owner, not just being alone. So while another dog might make your dog less lonely, it’s not likely to cure your dogs anxiety when you’re away.
If you’re planning on getting a second dog that’s wonderful, but don’t make that decision just because you hope it will help your current dog. When you add another dog to your family you’re making a 10-15 year commitment. Get another dog because you want one.
If you do choose to add another dog to your home and want to make sure it’s a nice fit I suggest finding a local rescue that has a foster to adopt program. That gives you the chance to make sure your new canine companion is a great fit for the whole family.
If you decide you’d like a second dog make it easier on yourself by waiting until your current dogs separation anxiety is under control. Don’t let that anxiety spread; it’s much easier to manage one anxious dog than is is to manage two.
A second dog to ‘exercise’ the other
Dr Starling has seen clients who are keen to get a second dog because they dont have time to exercise or entertain the first.
“On one hand dogs that play together can burn up energy, but we shouldnt assume that will happen.
“They might not be compatible, or they might co-exist but dont play.”
On top of that she says your dog still benefits from being socialised and stimulated outside the home.
So if you dont have time to do that for one dog, you are going to struggle with two.
“If your idea of dog ownership is watching them play ball while you sit on the lawn, then fine, but they do need that one-on-one attention, they still need to be socialised, go to the vet, be a good canine member of society.”