Should You Get a Second Dog?

Dogs love nothing more than attention and affection, whether it be from you or their fellow dog friends. They can be perfectly happy with attention just from their owner and family, which means getting another dog is not always essential. Getting a second dog can be a wonderful decision, but it also comes with responsibilities that need thoughtful planning. Here are the key things to consider before bringing a second dog into your home.

Dogs With Similar Energy Levels 🐾

Consider your current dog's temperament. Getting a new dog can be a great way to give your current dog some canine company and a new playmate, however if the new dog is significantly younger or older than your current dog, they may have different energy levels for exercise and play. This can result in the older dog getting annoyed or stressed. Take extra time tiring out the younger dog so they behave themselves with the older dog. If you are able to do this, the older dog will gradually accept the younger one and may even adopt a parenting role.

Separation Anxiety 🐕‍🦺

Separation anxiety is when a dog gets stressed from being left alone for too long. It is often thought that adopting another dog will instantly solve all problems associated with your first dog’s separation anxiety, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case. When adopting a second dog you must consider a number of different variables, including gender, temperament, energy requirements and size. Take time to that you think about these variables when buying a new dog, otherwise they might not get along. 

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