- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
There comes a point in many pet parents lives after successfully raising their first dog where they ask themselves, “Should I get a second dog?”
We’d love to say that there’s a direct correlation between the number of dogs at home and the level of happiness in life. More dogs = more fun, right? Unfortunately, adding to your fur family isn’t always that straightforward. While there are many good reasons for a second (or third or fourth) dog, there are plenty of reasons to stick to solo-pup life, too.
In this article, we explore both sides of the conversation, addressing whether you should bring another dog home and what you should know before you do. We also consulted with pet adoption expert Courtney Bellew, the founder of SNARR (Special Needs Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation) Northeast and the Hub Veterinary Group, to get her input. Here’s what we found out.
The Pros: Why You Should Consider Getting Another Dog
There are lots of positives that come with getting a second dog. Here are a few reasons why two dogs might be better than one:
- A second dog can offer companionship for your current pup.
- Multiple dogs can help keep each other entertained, enriched, and exercised.
- You’ll have double the canine enjoyment for you and your family.
- When you adopt, another pup gets to find a forever home.
Dogs are social animals, and bringing in a second compatible companion can enrich your current dog’s life in many ways.
Another dog can give them a buddy to keep them company while you’re away, especially if you work long hours away from home or travel frequently. If your dog is a high-energy breed and needs a lot of exercise, having another dog at home to play with can help release some of that energy.
Some dogs might also find it comforting to have another dog around if they get nervous or bored from being alone. (However, getting a second dog should never be considered a primary solution for separation anxiety or other behavioral issues.)
Finally, adding another dog to the mix can bring joy to your entire household while also freeing up space at your local shelter if you adopt a rescue.
The Cons: Why You Might Not Want To Get Another Dog
And what about the flip side? Before making the leap and adding another pup to your household, here are a few things to consider:
- A second dog can add significant expenses.
- Having another dog will be more work and take more time.
- A new dog will bring new challenges, since no two dogs are alike.
- A second dog could exacerbate your current dog’s behavioral issues and challenges.
Let’s be honest. The cost of dog parenthood goes up when you add more dogs to your home. Even if you’re already set up with gear and supplies from your first dog, a new dog will add more expenses for food, vet visits, training, and pet sitting.
Beyond the added cost, caring for two animals can be challenging. You’ll have to ensure both your dogs’ individual physical, emotional, and mental needs are consistently met—and those needs might be different. For example, if one dog likes slow, sniffy walks while the other prefers to go full-tilt, you might not be able to walk them together.
It’s also important to note that a new dog is never a quick fix for your current dog’s existing problems. For instance, a second dog won’t cure your dog’s reactivity or help you socialize them. In fact, if not done properly, introducing a new dog could worsen your current dog’s behavioral issues or teach your second dog unwanted habits.
Similarly, a new dog will come with their own personality and perhaps new behavioral challenges. It can be especially devastating if your first pup has always been an “easy” dog. It happens so often that it’s called “second dog syndrome,” which is when a pet parent unintentionally compares their second dog to their first, leading to frustration.
Sviatlana Barchan via iStock
How Will My Dog Feel About Another Dog?
Are dogs always happier with a second dog, or do some get sad? According to Bellew, it depends.
“Dogs are just like people, and each one has a different personality, and what might make one dog happy might make another dog miserable,” Bellew says. “Generally speaking, if you have a friendly, well-balanced dog who enjoys the company of other dogs, they probably will enjoy having a canine sibling.”
It’s impossible to know exactly how your dog will react to another animal in their home. But you can make a good guess by observing your dog’s behavior around other animals in a variety of situations.
Your dog’s past behavior in public or at dog parks can be a helpful indication of how they’ll do with another pup in the house. Do they welcome other dogs in their perceived space, or do they get anxious or aggressive in response? Do they guard their resources? What happens when you have friends’ dogs over?
If you decide to introduce another dog, remember that it’s going to be a slow process. It can be helpful to schedule a meet-and-greet at the shelter or with the breeder. Let your current dog meet the potential new pup to see how they interact.
Even after you’ve brought a new dog home, take it slowly. A gradual introduction can help both of your dogs adjust. Make sure the new dog has their own bed, crate, and their own toys, too. Gates and playpens can temporarily section off areas of the house as they get comfortable.
The bottom line? Some patience will ensure a smoother transition for both dogs.
What Kind of Dog Would Be Best for My Dog?
Before adding a second or third dog to your home, it’s a good idea to think about what kind of pup would best suit your current pets.
Whether you’re thinking about gender, size, breed, or another factor, it all comes down to each dog’s individual behaviors and preferences. “Some dogs get along great with anyone and everyone, and others are much pickier,” Bellew explains.
But how do you make sure your dogs get along? For most dogs, it’s not a matter of “all-or-nothing.” It’s about finding the perfect fit. As a pet parent, you get to play matchmaker between your first pup and potential sibling. A laid-back dog may not mind a bossy newcomer or a rambunctious puppy, while a super-attached cuddle bug may struggle to share their humans.
Activity level is another crucial factor to consider. “If your current dog is super playful and energetic, you would want a playmate that might have the same style,” she says. “If you have an older or calmer dog who might not appreciate puppy energy in the home, you would want to look for a calmer personality as a second dog.”
Adding a Third or Fourth Dog
And what about even more dogs—is adding three dogs too many? What about four or even more?
It would be great if there were an easy calculation to determine the perfect number of dogs for each person or family. The truth is, it depends on every person, their situation, and the dogs themselves.
Cost and space become especially critical when you consider adding a third or fourth dog. Do you have enough room in your home or yard to house two, three, or four dogs? If the dogs are small or are a combination of sizes, the answer may be different than two or more large-sized dogs.
Also, as you add more dogs to your family, you’re adding more personalities to the mix. While you might be fortunate and have two pups who instantly become best friends, each dog is unique. When considering a third dog, consider the temperaments of both existing dogs and the potential new addition, and be prepared for any conflicts that may arise.
Is it the right time for another dog?
If you’re waiting for the perfect moment to adopt a second dog, you might be waiting forever. Bellew says the “right” time doesn’t really exist. “If you feel you can commit to the financial responsibilities of a second dog and the time it takes to train, socialize, and love them, then you are ready!”
When it comes to getting another dog after losing one, it’s important to ensure you’ve had enough time to grieve. Filling the void too soon could project unfair expectations on both you and your new pup. Instead, wait until you feel a sense of peace about losing your previous dog. That way, you can welcome a new pup fully into your life.
