Thinking about getting a second dog? Read on. (Photo: a Corgi and a Terrier running toward camera)
A lot of people think that getting a second dog will help:
-tire out their current dog
-“fix” their current dog’s separation anxiety
-their current dog over their leash reactivity
Getting a second dog will not help with these things. Training will help these things. One-on-one training, not a basic obedience class with other dogs.
Adopt a second dog when your current dog is balanced (that means they have no behavioural issues.) If your current dog barks out the window all day and you add a second dog to tire him out, you will likely end up with two dogs who bark out the window all day. It happens all the time.
Adopt a second dog when your current dog has no behavioural issues (Photo: Boxer with his head and arms hanging out an apartment window beside a “Beware of Dog” sign)
Get a second dog when you have the time and money to exercise and train two dogs. You should be walking and training your dogs separately so that you develop and nurture a bond with each dog as an individual.
Remember that dogs are expensive. There’s veterinary bills, training, boarding fees if you go out of town, food costs, grooming costs, toys, crates, leashes, beds, bones, and much more.
If you are getting a second dog to tire out your first dog, you now have two dogs who need to be exercised and trained every day. Owning two dogs is more work — not less. Do you have time to commit to both of these dog’s welfare?
Before you get a second dog, do you have double the time and enough money to provide to all of your dogs/pets? (Photo: an hourglass sitting beside a bunch of coins)
Let me let you in on another little secret: many people adopt their dogs using their emotions. They pick the dog based on coat colour, oftentimes signing adoption papers for a dog they have never met in person. A word of caution: the energy level and temperament of that second dog matters immensely in whether or not they will be a good fit for you, your family members, your current dog, and your other pets (cats, bunnies, etc.)
Bring in a higher energy dog, and you may end up with constant fighting, crate rotations, and stress.
Bring in a fearful dog to help your other fearful dog, and you’ll end up with two fearful dogs who feed off each other and stay stuck in fear. This isn’t fair to the dogs.
Coat colour doesn’t matter. Health, temperament, and energy matter. (Photo: seven Australian Shepherd puppies with different coat colours)
Think a puppy will be easier? The puppy’s energy and temperament matter. Puppies are a lot of work and need one-on-one attention from you. Your other dog also needs you to set boundaries so she isn’t harassed by the puppy’s relentless energy all day long. Don’t expect your current dog to train your puppy. It’s not her job — it’s yours. Owning a puppy is a full time job.
Raising a puppy is a big job…and it’s YOUR job, not your other dog’s job (Photo: a dog walking with a puppy on the beach)
When you add another dog into the mix who is the wrong fit for you and your other dog it can quickly become a nightmare. I have helped families with dogs who are literally trying to kill each other. Please take your time to prevent this from happening to you, your family, your dog, and the dog who you hope is a good fit because it looks cute in the photo.
We help people navigate the process of how to choose a dog that suits their lifestyle.
When you schedule this session, you will learn:
-which breeds will best suit YOUR lifestyle
-how to select a puppy with the right temperament for you and your family
-how to narrow down which rescue dog is right for you
-what energy level and temperament would make a good match for your current dog
Schedule your free call and get help making this decision. Whether you’re looking for your first dog, or want to do right by the dog you currently have and find him a compatible friend, we’re here for you.
Have a wonderful weekend, Dog Leaders!
Alyssa
Photo: Alvan Nee @alvannee (a Corgi and a Terrier running toward camera,) Don Agnello
@donangel (Boxer with his head and arms hanging out an apartment window beside a “Beware of Dog” sign.)Ricardo Díaz @rdiazcaris (an hourglass sitting beside a bunch of coins,) Jametlene Reskp
@reskp (seven Australian Shepherd puppies with different coat colours,) Divya Agrawal
@divya_agrawal (a dog walking with a puppy on the beach,)