Are you considering adding a second dog to your family? While having two dogs can be twice the fun and love, it also comes with challenges.
Before deciding, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of having two dogs.
Two dogs may seem like a dream come true. But it’s essential to consider how it will impact your lifestyle, finances, and the well-being of both dogs.
This article will explore the pros and cons of having two dogs.
With this knowledge, you can decide to expand your furry family. Follow along!
Pros and Cons of Having Two Dogs
1. Your Dog Will Have a Companion
One reason it’s beneficial to have two dogs in the home because one can provide companionship that a pet owner can’t give.
Many dogs struggle with separation anxiety if they are left alone for too long, which can result in unwanted behavior.
But having a second pup around will help reduce this anxiety and provide your furry friend with someone with whom to do things throughout the day.
Also, two dogs have their style of interacting with each other that humans can’t understand or fully replicate.
While your pup may love and adore you, there’s no replacing their species regarding communication and playtime.
If the two get along and are appropriately monitored, this could keep them mentally healthy and free of boredom-induced stressors.
2. Training Becomes Easier
Puppy training can be a complex process. Yet, it gets a lot easier when you have another dog to help show the ropes, especially an older one.
Dogs are highly pack-oriented and tend to follow the behavior of their pack leaders. In this case, it’s your household’s more senior canine member.
When you introduce a new puppy to the family, they will look to your senior dog for behavior guidance.
They’ll be able to understand basics like housebreaking much faster since they have someone who has already mastered it showing them what to do.
Moreover, having another dog helps with potty training. Dogs go to places other dogs have already gone to as a matter of comfort.
So, if your older dog is going outside for their business, your little four-legged friend will pick up on it and follow suit.
This might even help prevent accidents indoors!
3. There’s More Love to Share
The joy of having a pet goes far beyond the unconditional love we get from these lovable creatures.
With two pets, you’ll experience even more of that particular kind of nonjudgmental adoration that makes our hearts grow fonder.
You will have a second tail to wag when you come home, a second set of ears begging for belly rubs, and an extra set of smooches anytime you feel like getting some smooch love in return.
This kind of unconditional love is hard to find, and it’s clear why so many of us become addicted to it.
Then there’s also nothing quite like being at the bottom of a literal dogpile.
They can lounge around with one pup on either side, cuddle up, and share each other’s warmth on those cold winter nights.
4. Socialization Becomes Better
Socialization is a critical component in responsible pet ownership.
It’s the process of teaching your cherished companion how to interact with people and other animals without aggression or anxiety.
For many pet owners, teaching their pets how to socialize correctly can be difficult if they are only around dogs of their age or similar size.
However, having two canine city companions, one older and one younger, can help ease this process considerably.
When living with two dogs, an older animal will naturally teach the younger pup critical social skills.
These include bite inhibition and confidence when approaching strange people and animals.
With an older dog, your puppy can learn by example, which is more effective than any obedience training class can provide.
On top of this, it will also encourage positive socialization between the pets themselves.
Thus, there’s more playtime outside with plenty of opportunities to socialize with other pets or people!
Older dogs that are used to this kind of activity tend to understand that meeting new four-legged friends isn’t something to be scared of. It’s usually something fun that both parties want to do!
5. No More Boredom
Having a second canine companion can be a great way to keep your dogs entertained and out of boredom while you’re away.
Dogs are, by nature, social creatures and love interacting with their furry friends.
When there is another puppy in the house, your pup will always have someone to play with when you’re too busy to hang out.
While it won’t necessarily replace all personal interaction time with you, they will still get some human-like companionship from their four-legged friend.
Plus, most dogs get very excited when meeting other doggies during walks or on play dates.
That improved enthusiasm can ensure that your pups don’t become bored during the day while allowing them to stay active and build strength through physical activities together.
Beyond physical benefits, another dog in the family can help build strong mutual relationships between them.
Pros and Cons of Having Two Dogs
While having two dogs is great, it has its cons. Thus, this next section discusses the cons among the pros and cons of having two dogs.
Read on!
1. Aggression Risk
The risks associated with introducing a new pup into an existing dog’s home can be high and don’t always guarantee that the two will get along.
Aggression issues can arise when trying to integrate the two, and this requires significant resources.
Fights between dogs are also dangerous for them and us as we try to break them up or separate the two.
Resource guarding is a common problem between two dogs living under one roof.
Arguments and physical fights might ensue if either one feels a need to protect their toys, food, space, or other prized possessions from the other.
Training may help reduce these behavior issues, but success is not guaranteed.
Ensuring all animals receive equal attention in such cases is also challenging.
Ultimately, you could find yourself having to choose which doggo gets rehomed due to their aggression towards both humans and other pets.
This could lead to a heartbreaking situation where you’ve become fond of one animal only to have the other bond broken apart.
2. Cost is Higher
The initial cost of buying or adopting another pup is just the beginning.
Ongoing costs associated with having two dogs will quickly add up.
You’ll need to account for double the amount of food, toys, veterinary care, and other necessary supplies such as bedding and flea treatment.
And don’t forget about the extra training classes your furry friends may need.
The financial commitment can be adamant in a one-income home.
Budgeting for an extra dog could mean giving up vacations or downsizing your wardrobe.
This way, you can keep up with vet bills, heartworm preventives, and all those other expenses that come with canine companionship.
Plus, if something were to happen to both of them at the same time, the medical bills alone could be astronomical.
This is why it’s essential to think carefully before adding another four-legged member to the family and ensure you have enough saved up for any eventuality.
3. Bond Becomes Different
It’s not always easy when a second pet is added to your household. For starters, you may have mixed feelings about the change.
You might be excited about the new furry family member and also be anxious about how things will transition for your existing pet.
Adding a new pet might change the bond you have with your current pet.
In fact, it can be pretty overwhelming and, at times, upsetting for them as they can no longer rely on receiving all of your undivided attention like before.
When introducing another animal into the home, it’s essential to keep in mind their needs—especially those of your resident pet.
Spend time slowly and gradually bringing them together, ensuring they are both well-fed, and providing plenty of designated playtime with each pet.
This way, no one feels left out or neglected.
Conclusion
So, here are the pros and cons of having two dogs. While it can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, it also comes with its own set of challenges.
The pros of having two dogs include companionship for each other and a built-in playmate for exercise and entertainment.
However, the cost of food, veterinary care, and other supplies increases.
Ultimately, the decision to have two dogs should be based on careful consideration of your lifestyle and ability to provide for their needs.
