Your Will getting a second dog calm my dog down? Expert Advice

Having two dogs at once could seem like a lot of work, but there are a few reasons two dogs in one home—whether it’s two older dogs, or an older dog and a puppy—could have benefits for you and the dogs. Dogs can keep each other company, entertain each other, and learn from each other. Whether or not you should have two dogs depends on the environment you live in, your capacity to care for them, and how any pets already in your home would deal with additional dogs. Read on to learn the benefits of having two dogs and why two dogs could be better than one.

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Reasons NOT To Get a Second Dog

If any of the following scenarios sound familiar you may want to delay or reconsider your decision to get another dog.

If you’re expecting a baby. Both babies and dogs require a lot of time and it’s just not fair to either the new baby or the new dog to have them both arrive in your house at the same time, or within weeks of each other. You’ll have enough on your plate adjusting your existing dog to your new baby.

If you can’t walk both dogs together. Unless you’re retired or unemployed, if you can’t walk both dogs together then walking them separately will take up several hours every day, which is hard to fit in around the demands of work and family.

If money is tight. The cost of purchasing your second dog is just the start. All of your ongoing expenses for your first dog have now just doubled: pet food, boarding fees, unexpected medical expenses leashes…perhaps even buying a car big enough to accommodate your family and both dogs.

If you work long hours or travel a lot for work. A second dog will not necessarily make up for your absence—in fact you might just be doubling your trouble, with two dogs who pine for you and become destructive when left alone.

If your first dog isn’t ready. If your first dog is still not well-trained, or is suffering from an illness it’s really important to get that sorted first so you have the time available to train and settle in your second dog.

If your other family members are not on board. A second dog, regardless of age or breed, is extra work and you’ll need everyone in your family to help both dogs adjust to the change.. A second dog, regardless of age or breed, is extra work and you’ll need everyone in your family to help both dogs adjust to the change.

Is having 2 dogs easier than 1?

Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.

Many households find that both dogs are happier with a canine companion, but the transition from a single to a multi-dog household takes a little effort. Here are a few tips to foster a good relationship between the old and the new dogs.

“Should I get a SECOND dog to keep my dog company?” (Dog Trainer Answers)

Will getting another dog help my dog with separation anxiety is one of the most common questions we are asked. Read on to learn more or contact us for help!

Getting a second dog is great, but make sure you do it for the right reasons!

Dog separation anxiety is a complex behavioural issue. Your dog’s anxiety comes from being separated from you, not just being left alone in the house. So, while another dog might make your dog less lonely, it’s not likely to cure your dog’s anxiety when you’re away.

If your dog has separation anxiety the presence of another animal in the household is unlikely to ease the distress he experiences during times of separation. If your dog suffers from separation anxiety you need to address this problem before bringing another dog into your home. To learn more about dog separation anxiety, you can read our other articles here and here.