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 essential. However, if you feel like you would like another dog for a little extra company, read on to find out how to choose a suitable new dog.

Dogs With Similar Energy Levels

Getting a new dog can be a great way to give your current dog some canine company and a new playmate can even boost a lazy dog’s energy levels. However, if the new dog is significantly older or younger than your current dog they may have different levels of play and energy. This can result in the older dog getting annoyed or pushed around. You will need to take extra time tiring out a younger dog so they behave themselves with the older dog. If you are able to do this, the older dog will gradually begin to 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.