Getting a Dog For Your Dog

So you are wondering if it is time that you got a second dog. Maybe you have been scrolling the adorable dog pictures online feeling the itch for new puppy love? Or maybe you think your dog is bored and needs a playmate? Whatever the reason, it’s important to carefully weigh the possibilities of what to expect prior to making that leap and how to maximize the chances of having successful addition.

Potential benefits of having two dogs are: A second dog can encourage the first to play which is good for increasing exercise levels and decreasing boredom. A second dog may help with separation anxiety, if that is an issue with your first dog.

Consider the costs and energy involved

Have you considered that a second dog will mean twice the vet visits, twice the food, shelter and boarding costs? It will also be twice the poop pick up, and bathing/grooming/cleaning.

Matching dog energies

Consider the energy of your current dog with the planned second dog’s energy level. For example if you have an older dog, with a laid back lifestyle, that dog may not be too happy to have a younger dog jumping on it and begging to rough house play. If you have a real clingy dog, that dog may not appreciate sharing you and your lap with another dog.

Space and resources

Do you have the indoor space and yard to accommodate another dog and all that comes with it? To help prevent fights over food and water, each dog should have their own separate water and food bowl and be fed far enough away from each other that they do not feel they need to compete for food. Each dog should have their own separate crate. You can have each of them go into their own separate crate for meal time or separate rooms if needed as If the first dog has favorite toys, those should be put up while the dogs get used to each other to prevent fighting.

Realize that while certain dogs may coexist wonderfully, others dogs just may never get along

Things you can do to make the transition to two dogs smoother (and of course understand there could be a few weeks of adjustment while they get to know each other).

• Have your home set up with additional (crate, toys, food, water/food bowls, blankets) ready for the second dog, prior to bringing the second dog home.
• If possible, introduce the dogs in a neutral environment (someone else's home, yard or a park) prior to bringing the dog home. When you bring the new dog home, let your current dog (be the dominant dog). Let someone else bring the second dog to the yard for another introduction outside first to sniff (let them sniff each other's rear ends as they would naturally do) and roam the yard, and eventually enter the house with the first dog inviting the second dog to enter.
• Supervision will be needed for the first couple weeks while they establish a relationship, do not leave them alone together until you are very comfortable that they are getting along well.
• Give generous praise to both dogs when they are behaving well.