Thinking about dog two
Is getting a second dog a good idea?
The picture of two dogs napping together on the couch is real, and so is the picture of two dogs barking at the window together. Which one you get depends mostly on the dog you already have and the time you can give.
Start with dog one
Your first dog's training and temperament decide whether a second dog works.
A new dog learns the household rules from two teachers: you and the dog already there. If your first dog comes when called, settles on its bed, and walks well on a leash, the newcomer has a good model. If your first dog barks at every passerby and bolts out the door, the newcomer will often join in.
Temperament matters just as much. A dog that enjoys calm play with other dogs and shares space easily is a good candidate. A dog that guards its food bowl, stiffens when other dogs approach, or simply prefers to be the only dog may be happier alone.
- Your first dog responds reliably to basic cues
- It plays well with other dogs and recovers quickly from squabbles
- It does not guard food, toys or people from other dogs
- It is healthy and has the energy for a companion
The wrong reasons
A second dog will not cure separation anxiety, boredom or reactivity.
One of the most common reasons people add a dog is to keep the first dog company while they are at work. For some dogs that helps. But true separation anxiety is usually about the absence of a person, not the absence of a dog, and a second dog does not solve it.
The same goes for a dog that is bored, destructive or reactive. Those problems need exercise, structure and training, and adding a second dog adds another set of needs to the same tired household. Fix what is in front of you first, then decide.
- Separation anxiety: work on it before adding a dog
- Boredom: more exercise and structure
- Reactivity: training before a companion
- Destructive chewing: management and supervision
The real costs
Two dogs double the food, vet care and walks, and they add a training job of their own.
Budget for twice the food, twice the routine veterinary visits, twice the boarding or pet sitting when you travel, and possibly a bigger vehicle. Check your lease or HOA rules if you rent or live in a managed community, since some limit the number of dogs.
Time is the cost owners underestimate. Each dog needs individual training and some one-on-one walks, especially in the first months, so the new dog learns to listen to you rather than simply follow the first dog around.
Test the idea
Test the idea with a few honest trials before you commit.
You can learn a lot about whether a second dog will work without bringing one home. Try these over a few weeks.
- Walk your dog in parallel with a calm friend's dog, side by side at a comfortable distance, and watch your dog's body language.
- Arrange a supervised visit in a neutral yard and watch whether play is loose and takes turns or becomes one-sided.
- Notice how your dog reacts when the visiting dog goes near its bowl, toy or favorite spot.
- For one week, schedule two separate walks a day as if you already had two dogs, and see whether it fits.
- Talk with everyone in the household about who will handle feeding, walks and training for the new dog.
Choosing well
If the answer is yes, choose the second dog to suit the first.
Match energy and play style before looks or breed. A gentle, older Cavalier may be overwhelmed by an adolescent herding breed; a sturdy, playful Lab may love one. Size, sex and age gap all play a part, and each has its own considerations worth thinking through before you go looking.
When the decision is made, plan the first meeting and the first weeks carefully. Our introducing a new dog consultation is $99, and covers proper introductions, the first greeting and a smooth transition.
The programs
Plan dog two with a trainer.
A $99 virtual session by phone or Zoom, anywhere in the US, to decide and plan the introduction.
$99per session
Phone or Zoom, anywhere in the US
Virtual consultation with our head trainer
One-on-one guidance for behavior, a new dog, introductions or a new puppy.
Will a second dog help my dog's separation anxiety?
Usually not. Separation anxiety is typically about being apart from a person, so a dog with true separation anxiety often stays distressed even with a companion. Work on the anxiety first. A second dog can be considered later, once your first dog copes calmly with being left alone.
Is it harder to train two dogs at the same time?
Yes. Two dogs distract each other and can feed off each other's excitement. Train each dog separately first, with short individual sessions and walks, then practice together once both know the cue. That keeps the new dog focused on you rather than on the first dog.
How do I know if my dog wants a canine companion?
Watch how your dog acts around other friendly dogs. Loose, bouncy play with turn-taking, quick recovery after a squabble and easy sharing of space are good signs. A dog that avoids other dogs, stiffens or guards things may prefer being the only dog, and that is fine.
Should I get a second dog if I work long hours?
Only if both dogs' needs are covered. A second dog does not replace walks, training and time with you, and two dogs left alone all day can develop problems together. If you work long hours, plan for a dog walker or daycare before adding another dog.
Can a virtual session help me decide on a second dog?
Yes. In a $99 session by phone or Zoom, our head trainer will ask about your first dog's temperament, training and health, plus your routine, and help you decide whether a second dog fits and what kind of dog to look for.
Virtual session, $99
Talk it through before you add dog two.
Book a $99 virtual session by phone or Zoom with our head trainer. Decide whether a second dog fits, then plan the introduction.