When to Get a Second Dog?
As a dog lover, the idea of getting a second dog obviously feels exciting. The more, the merrier! But can you handle it, and is it the right time?
Getting a second dog has its benefits and could be twice the fun. But as dog parents, we can agree that having a dog is a big responsibility. At the end of the day, you want to be sure that both your fur babies are happy. So, before you go through with adding a second doggo to the mix, there are several things to carefully think through.
Is getting a new dog really the way to go? Would your pooch truly thrive with a companion dog? Or is just one dog enough for now?
Lucky for you, we’re here to walk you through what you need to consider about getting a second pooch. We’ll even throw in some helpful tips on how to run a two-dog household—should you settle for two.
Is Getting a Second Dog Really the Right Choice?
We know you’ve probably already given this a lot of thought, but we just want to make sure you’re doing it for the right reasons before we go any further. Here are a few wrong reasons to get a second dog and why you should reconsider:
The new dog is really for you.
A second dog will not just affect you. It will also affect the rest of your family, especially your first dog. It’s important to find out whether your current dog will be okay with another dog. Dogs may be social animals, but not every dog will get along with other dogs. If your doggo is happier solo, another dog is probably not the best idea, especially if the whole family doesn’t support you.
You’re away a lot.
You have a busy schedule, so you want to get a second dog to keep your current one occupied. While this may work to some extent, keep in mind that two fur balls mean double the time and effort in caring for them. If you’re barely able to make time for one dog, making time for two will be even harder.
To fix your current dog’s behavior issues.
If your current dog experiences separation anxiety when you’re not around, it may only get worse when a new dog is in the picture. Aggressive and neurotic behavior can also be easily transferred from your first dog to your second one, giving you double the headache. First work on your current dog’s behavior problems, ideally with an expert, before considering a second one.
When is the Right Time to Get a Second Dog?
Okay, so you’re sure you want to get a second dog, and it’s for the right reasons. Great! Now when is the best time to bring this new pup home? Truthfully, there is no “perfect time.” The right time is unique to your situation.
As we mentioned earlier, two dogs are twice the responsibility in terms of feeding, training, playtime, walks, vet visits, and so on. So, first and foremost, you need to be prepared to be a dog parent of two. If you’re financially able and have the time and energy to care for two dogs right now, then now is as good a time as any.
In case more people are living with you, you need to discuss this decision with them as well. The whole family getting involved could lessen the burden of the added responsibility. So, it’s important to only proceed with getting a second dog once your whole household is on board.
When it comes to your first dog, we already mentioned that it’s important to find out whether they would be happy with a new puppy in the house. Socializing them with other dogs of various breeds and sizes in different situations can give you a pretty good idea of what to expect. For example, you can monitor how they behave with other dogs, be it in the dog park.
Even though your dog seems okay around other dogs, it’s one thing to interact with other dogs for a few minutes outside, and another thing to live with another dog. You still have to ensure your current pooch is properly trained before you consider bringing the new dog home. This will be beneficial for both you and the dogs.
Training the newcomer will be much easier since they can also learn from the older dog’s good behavior. Plus, when your older dog is good at obeying your commands, you’ll have more control over how they interact and ensure their introduction goes more smoothly.
What is the Best Age to Add a Second Dog?
Most experts recommend introducing a new puppy when your first dog is at least a year old. Your first pooch needs enough time to get used to their home, create a bond with you, and get trained and socialized first.
That’s also why it isn’t a great idea to bring home puppies of the same age, especially young pups from the same litter. Young dogs may end up bonding more with each other than with you. Their bond could also bring up several behavior issues like separation anxiety. Training them would also be difficult because they would be more focused on one another instead of your cues.
You can also read What Age to Introduce a Kitten to a Dog?
How to Choose the Right Second Dog?
Most dogs may be happier with a new doggo, but not all dogs are guaranteed to get along. So, aside from timing, it is important to carefully select the best match for your current dog. Here are the major factors you should consider:
Breed
Going for the same breed may be an ideal choice because you’re already familiar with their needs and know how to train them. However, that’s not always a guarantee, that dogs from the same breed will always get along. Similarly, it doesn’t mean that dogs from different breeds won’t.
The trick is to understand your current dog. Look at their temperament, energy levels, and play style and pick a dog that matches them in all those areas. It would also be helpful to observe how your first pooch interacts with different breeds to know which breed it is friendliest with.
Gender
If you’re going to have two dogs, it’s recommended you get opposite-sex dogs. They’re less likely to fight to establish dominance. For extra precaution, though, you may want to get them spayed and neutered before either of them gets to a mating age.
But having dogs of different genders isn’t a hard and fast rule. Getting a same-sex dog can also work if they are trained and socialized well from a young age. However, two male dogs will tend to fight less than two female dogs.
Age
The age difference between your two dogs matters a lot. The ideal age gap would be between two and three years, to a maximum of around five years. Introducing a new puppy to your adult dog may seem easier, but remember that young dogs can have a lot of energy. An older dog may not always appreciate the puppy's energy. Try to match their age and energy level.
Size
The difference in dog sizes also matters. Pairing large dogs with smaller dogs may lead to serious unintentional accidents during “playtime”. Try to get a dog that is about the same size as your current doggo, or one that will grow to a similar size.
Care needs
Depending on the age and breed, different dogs have different needs. For example, some dogs need to be groomed more often than others. Even the diet may sometimes vary depending on the dog and their health condition. When selecting a second pooch, you have to consider what the new dog’s care needs will be, and if you can meet their needs without compromising your first dog’s.
Helpful Tips to Manage Two Dogs.
Handling two dogs will take more effort, but at the end of the day, you need to make sure both your dogs’ are happy and well taken care of. Here are a few tips;
Keep the dogs separated at first.
Give the new pup time to adapt to its new environment. Also give the older dog time to adjust to having a new housemate, before introducing them physically. You can use crates, playpens, or baby gates to separate them. This is where crate training comes in handy.
Also, read How to Crate Train a Puppy at Night
Gradually introduce and socialize them.
Don’t rush or force your dogs’ interactions. Take it slowly and be patient, ensuring both your fur babies are comfortable with the process at all times.
Keep your eyes on them at all times.
Until your two pups are comfortable around each other, be sure to supervise all of their interactions. You need to be able to read their body language so you can stop any dogfight before it even starts.
Don’t make them share.
Yes, sharing is caring, but not for two pups that are just starting to familiarize themselves. You must have separate feeding bowls for them, as well as toys and sleeping areas where they can have their alone time.
Shower each one with love and affection.
The presence of a new pup shouldn’t reduce the affection and care you give to your adult dog. Make sure you spend enough time playing with each of them individually.
Conclusion
Getting a second pooch can be a rewarding experience, but only when it’s the right time for both you and your current dog. You need to be sure you are mentally and financially ready for a new puppy. Even more important, you need to be sure your first doggo can handle having a new housemate. Luckily, you can prep your dog with some patience, proper training, and the right tools.
To celebrate your newly expanded family, why not try Spark Paws’ cute matching hoodies, P.J.’s, and more to enhance your bond further? Check out our vast collection today for the perfect match!