The decision of whether to add a second dog to your family is an important one, and the process of research and forethought should not be undervalued. A second dog adds a whole new dimension to your life and you should take the time to really think about all these potentially life-changing aspects before you commit to your decision. Here are some of the ways that your life may change:
1. A second dog will change the relationship that you have with your first dog
For better or for worse your second dog will change the dynamic between you and your first dog. You may not be able to dedicate as much one-on-one time with your original dog once you have another dog jumping in between and competing for your affection.
If your two dogs become friends, they will play with each other and seek less of your attention. The second dog will play with your first dog and they will keep each other occupied, freeing up more time uninterrupted time for you to do things around the house. This could be a good thing, or maybe you will miss your single dogs undivided loving attention.
You may notice that your first dog's temperament changes after the addition of the second dog. He could become more independent and aloof from you, or conversely become more needy and insecure instead. Generally the first dog adapts to its new companion and finds that life is more interesting and diverse with another friend upon whom to bestow its love and affection. You may feel that the secret communication between you and your dog expands to include the new dog, and in fact you might discover that you can't imagine life without your second dog.
Either way, the connection you had with your original dog will change when you add a second dog. Usually this simply means that your love will be spread around more liberally and that your original dog will, in turn, have more happiness and love to give as well.
2. The way your first dog interacts with other canines may also change
My first dog, Aleida, always got along wonderfully with all other dogs. She was happy to greet and play with any dog she met on our walks and at the dog park. When I got my second dog, a slightly smaller and more nervous male named Alfie, I noticed that Aleida started to become aggressive and protective at the dog park. A strange dog running towards her no longer brought out her playful instincts, instead she felt a protective instinct towards her smaller companion.
Usually these sorts of temperament changes are temporary and will abate with time as the social structure between your two dogs solidifies. It is important though to consider your current dog's character. Is your pet well socialized with other dogs, cats and children? Is he fearful, aggressive or dominant with other dogs? If there are any social issues with your present dog, consider how the addition of a second dog might change or affect these issues.
3. Training becomes more difficult
It is hard to enforce rules like "no dogs on the bed" with one dog, and it only becomes harder to enforce with two, especially when they're cuddling together adorably on the bed. Getting time alone with your new dog is difficult, and training is complicated when the new dog is distracted by their already trained companion competing for the treats. If your first dog has bad habits such as barking, or refusing to come when called, or listen to your voice commands, then it will be virtually impossible for you to train your second dog to do any better.
For this reason I highly recommend socializing and training your first dog for at least a year before adding a second dog! Dogs are great mimics and your new second dog will immediately pick up all the bad habits and incomplete training of your first dog.
4. However, some things become easier to train and enforce with two dogs
Where one dog goes, the other follows, what one dog does, the other copies. This is a double edged sword when it comes to bad behavior, (i.e. digging, barking, inappropriate urination etc.) however, "mirroring" is a blessing when it is coupled with good behavior.
For example, if your first dog is well trained they can easily teach your second dog how to sit for treats, wait for their leash to be clipped on, come when called, and jump up into the car.
5. Two dogs really do cost twice as much
I read this statement numerous times when I was doing research before adopting my second dog. But the reality of this statement didn't fully sink in until the end of my first month with the second dog. We had gone through a 25 pound bag of dog food in less than a month, and my monthly supply of Advantix flea and tick medicine and Heartgard tablets was dwindling fast!
Add to that the considerable expenses associated with a first-time vet checkup for my new second dog, his new harness and leash, food bowl and bed, as well as the increased rate at which two dogs chowed through my supply of training treats!
It all adds up quickly and this is not a factor to take for granted when you are considering adding a second dog to your household. Can your income support a second pet? Can you pay the yearly fee for pet insurance, and if you choose not to use pet insurance, how will you pay for medical bills in the event of an unexpected emergency?
6. Two dogs still need the same amount of exercise as one dog
Just because your two dogs (hopefully!) love to play together all day long, they still need to get out on that long walk or run that you used to take with your single dog. Two dogs have each other for company, but they still love going to the dog park to socialize with other canines. Maintaining a good, regular schedule for daily exercise is important. It stabilizes the dogs energy, builds muscle, burns off dangerous fat, strengthens bones and joints, encourages play, and lets off steam that might otherwise come out destructively at home (i.e. shredding open the trash, barking at squirrels through the window, gnawing on furniture.)
Something else to take into account is that your two dogs may have different preferences when it comes to exercise. A friend of mine has a five year old border collie and a three year old greyhound. Her border collie loves to run, jump, play, chase and take part in competitive agility games and contests. She loves going to the dog park and needs at least three walks a day in order to remain sane. The greyhound, although younger, prefers a peaceful amble through the park. He doesn't enjoy games and avoids the other dogs at the dog park. As a result of their different needs and preferences, my friend has a hard time walking them at the same time, and often takes them separately to their preferred locals.
When you are contemplating breeds and individual character in your second dog, take time to think about the compatibility of your first dog with the second dog. While they may enjoy each other's company, will they enjoy the same kinds of entertainment and exercise?
7. Your second dog may introduce your first dog to some new habits
The arrival of a second dog brings all sorts of new changes to your family and your first dog. While your first dog may be an angel, there is always the possibility that your new dog will unravel that image.
When I brought my second dog, Alfie home from the shelter, we quickly discovered some negative traits. He became a nervous wreck whenever anyone new entered the house and he would bark and bark incessantly and hysterically. Anything suspicious that moved outside the windows inspired another round of hysterical barking, and soon our lovely, quiet first dog, Aleida joined in! They egged each other on into louder and louder rounds of barking.
On walks though, Alfie is much quicker to come back to me when I call, and Aleida doesn't want him to get all the treats, so she comes chasing after him. But keep in mind that if your first dog likes to go chasing rabbits and squirrels, this may only be exacerbated by the addition of a second dog. They back each other up and validate each other's behavior, for good or bad.
8. Having two dogs will double the enjoyment and entertainment you receive from one dog
There is no doubt that adding a second dog to my household has brought its share of complications and hard work. However, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. There is nothing as satisfying as watching your two dogs tussle over a toy, sleep curled up against each other, or run up and down the beach together chasing seagulls. I have a wonderful sense of relief knowing that they will always be there for each other in times of boredom, play and fear. And my own life has been enriched immeasurably by their loving affection and loyalty to me.
Katrina Nevin - I have the great fortune to live on the beautiful Island of Martha's Vineyard. In the summer this sometimes seems like a great ...
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