“The more is, the merrier” is maybe the first reason that comes into your mind when you’re considering getting a second dog. But you might be still unsure whether it’s a good idea or not to get a second dog. To help you out, I have written these top 6 reasons to get a second dog.
6 Reasons Why Getting a Second Dog is a Good Idea
1. The More is The Merrier
A second dog means a livelier household especially if you adopt a different dog breed than the first one. Two different dog breeds at home can add variety and spice up your life even more. There are more fun and enjoyable things that await your family: more playtime, more game, more companionship when traveling. To sum up, you will have more adventures that you might have never imagined before.
2. Another Friend for Your First Dog
If you leave your dog alone at home throughout most of the day while you are at work, then it’s a good idea to get a second dog to keep him company that can keep him busy and prevents your first dog from getting boredom or separation anxiety.
The ability to keep your dog from getting separation anxiety alone is a huge plus point to consider a second dog, for like we all know, separation anxiety can turn into many nasty behavioral problems such as destructive chewing, excessive barking, and whining.
3. Healthier Life for Both of Your Dogs
Having two dogs at home can make them exercise more (good news if your current dog doesn’t get enough exercise because you are busy at work). With two dogs at home, they can play a lot more—fighting, chasing, wrestling, rolling, and resting together—which means more exercises and more exercises equal a healthier life for both of your dogs.
Speaking about fighting, you may want to consider adopting a female dog if you already have a male dog and vice versa to avoid dog-to-dog aggression. Two dogs of opposite sexes tend to grow and live better and harmoniously than dogs of the same sexes.
4. More Friends for Your Kids
A second dog is fun both for you and for your kids. According to studies, there are many benefits that your kids can get from growing up with dogs. Mentally, kids that grow up with dogs are known to be more responsible, have a healthy relationship, have more care and empathy, become better parents, are far less stressed and anxious, have a better emotion, and more.
Not only just mental benefits, but your kids can also get health benefits too. According to Marshall Plaut, M.D., chief of the allergic mechanism section at NIAID (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases), “….high pet exposure early in life appears to protect against not only pet allergy but also other types of common allergies, such as allergy to dust mites, ragweed, and grass.”
5. Socialize Better
A second dog can help your first dog socialize better this is especially true if your first dog is still just a young puppy. By introducing your first dog to his new friend from a young age, he will naturally learn many critical social cues and roles needed to get along well with other pups. So later on, your dog will grow up to become a social and friendly dog that everybody loves to play.
6. Dog Training is Easier
While getting two young pups at the same age may provide a benefit of socialization, picking an adult dog as a second dog can provide many great benefits as well (assuming your first dog is still a young puppy).
An adult dog that is well-trained and well-versed in obedience and house training can help you to train your first dog by becoming a role model that he can follow.
6 Reasons Why Getting a Second Dog is a Bad Idea
Getting a second dog sure can double the fun in your home, but it can also bring more headaches with all the extra works that come with it; you need to feed, socialize, and play with two dogs. Here are several factors to consider before getting a second dog:
1. Are You Financially Ready for a Second Dog?
As you may already know from your first dog, the cost of pet ownership is not cheap. According to finder.com, the average total cost of owning a dog in the first year is around $2,000, followed by $1,500 every subsequent year.
Having a second dog means double the expenses: twice the foods, extra dog supplies, double the vet/groomer bills, and all the other additional extra costs. Take a quick look at your budget journal and see if you have enough extra to spend.
2. Does Your Dog Have Health Problems?
If your first dog is still in treatment, it may not be a good idea to bring a second dog to your home. Taking care of a sick pet is a time-consuming process that can take away all of your time and energy that leaves you with no time for your second dog. And adding a second dog may also cause stress that can worsen his medical condition.
3. Is Your First Dog Well-Trained and Well-Behaved?
If not, you may want to consider to train your first dog until he is well-trained and well-behaved before your second dog comes into your home and decides to copy your first dog’s misbehaving behaviors and make matters spiraling out of control quickly.
4. Is Your First Dog Ready for a New Friend?
How does your dog respond toward other dogs at a street or a park? If he often reacts aggressively towards other dogs or suddenly turns scared and time, then perhaps it is not your buddy’s best interest to get a second dog. If you insist on getting a second dog anyway, then be sure to talk with a dog trainer first to find the right training option for your resident dog.
5. Do Your Travel a Lot?
Your new dog will require extra time and attention which could be difficult if you work long hours or travel a lot. Many dog owners think it is a good idea to bring a second dog because they can play with each other, but the thing doesn’t usually work out that way.
Let’s say both of your dogs have destructive chewing problems; then you will have to spend an extra effort to deal with each of them which means you have to set aside enough time in the middle of your busy schedule. Can you?
6. IS YOUR FAMILY READY FOR A SECOND DOG?
How is your family’s (or partner) reaction toward your decision about getting a second dog? Adopting a second dog requires a family commitment, therefore, you will want everyone in your family to be on the same page with you to make it work.
So, are you ready to take your second dog?
