Second Dog – Yes or No? What to Consider? The Ultimate Checklist with 14 Tips

Everything’s going great with your first dog – or maybe not? There are many reasons why someone might want a second dog. Either way, a second dog comes with both advantages and disadvantages that you should know before making a decision. This ultimate guide to getting a second dog covers all the essential points.

Second Dog – Yes or No?

Thinking about getting a second dog brings up a lot of questions. But before you dive into details like breed, gender, or age, you should understand the general pros and cons. This second-dog guide gives you the answers and tips that most people don’t consider beforehand.

Advantage 1: Being Alone Becomes Easier

Your dog struggles when left alone? A second dog means they’re no longer truly alone when you’re away.

But: If that’s your main reason, things might backfire.

Because: Both dogs might bark excessively when you leave, turn on each other, or team up to destroy your home.

Having two dogs isn’t a guarantee for peace and quiet in your absence.

Advantage 2: Training Gets Easier

Dogs living together learn a lot from each other. This can simplify training. For example, I haven’t actively taught a dog to “sit” in 20 years – each new dog just copied the behavior from the others.

But: Dogs copy all kinds of behavior – including stealing shoes, tearing wallpaper, or unpacking groceries. Be ready for a lot of repetition.

Advantage 3: Interaction and Companionship

Dogs need interaction with their own kind – or so they say. But dog park encounters are often stressful rather than helpful. Casual walk buddies or visiting dogs can’t replace living with another dog.

But: That only works with the right second dog. If they don’t get along, they’ll become a burden, not a benefit.

Advantage 4: Double the Fun

If the two dogs get along, there’s no “but” here. Running, exploring, playing, and sleeping together – it’s more fun for both you and them.

Advantage 5: Shared Attention

Sounds like a downside? Not necessarily.

If one dog is always in the spotlight, that pressure can be too much. With two, your attention naturally gets divided, and you focus more on what really matters.

Often, this leads to a more relaxed approach and more effective training.

Advantage 6: More Security and Confidence

Is your first dog anxious or nervous? Maybe scared of fireworks or other dogs? A confident second dog can be a great role model.

But: The opposite might happen too – the confident dog could pick up the fear, feel annoyed, or even see the anxious dog as a problem. In such cases, the advantage quickly turns into a major disadvantage.

Advantage 7: Faster Learning for You

Having one dog already teaches you a lot. Two dogs, especially at the beginning, are a challenge that can accelerate your learning. Managing two leashes, reading their communication, and tailoring your behavior to each one – your growth as a dog owner speeds up significantly.

But: It’s more work, more focus, and can be exhausting.

Disadvantage 1: Higher Costs

Gear, vet visits, taxes, insurance, food – one dog is already expensive. With two, vet bills and taxes especially can skyrocket. In many cities, dog taxes increase per dog.

Also consider grooming, equipment, and vacation pet care costs.

Disadvantage 2: More Work

Two dogs bring in more dirt, need twice the grooming (fur, nails, teeth), training, exercise, and mental stimulation.

Be honest with yourself – do you truly have enough time?

Disadvantage 3: Management

Even if your dogs get along, conflicts can happen. Be cautious with food, chew toys, and play items.

Also, consider the pack dynamic – even a duo can wind each other up, bark in sync, chase things together, or clash. Training and management become more complex.

Disadvantage 4: Space Requirements

Two beds, more bowls and leashes aren’t the issue. Think about your car and – if they’re office dogs – your workplace.

Disadvantage 5: Physical Strength

You’ll need to hold two leashes – even if they pull – and possibly carry both dogs when needed. Size, weight, and your own strength matter.

Disadvantage 6: Apartment Hunting

It’s already harder to find a rental with one dog. Two dogs raise the difficulty. Even if legally allowed, most landlords aren’t big fans of multiple dogs.

Disadvantage 7: Separation During Heat Cycles

An intact female and intact male? You’ll need to separate them 1–3 times a year to avoid unwanted puppies and all the risks that come with it.

Two intact females? They often become more irritable during heat, leading to fights – even between the best of friends.

Two intact males and nearby females in heat? Be ready for humping, indoor marking, and fights.

Getting a Second Dog – What to Watch Out For

They say: You don’t get a second dog for your first dog, but for yourself.

Still, when choosing the right second dog, your first dog absolutely matters. If they don’t get along, no one benefits, and everyone ends up stressed.

In that case, you’ll be doing a lot of management work – and little actual enjoying.

How to find the right second dog? Check out the guide:
“Choosing the Right Second Dog – What You Need to Know”

You’ll find helpful tips, options, and everything to consider.

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