“The success of a second dog depends less on the dog you choose and more on the time and consistency you invest.”
Mon / Fri 7:30 am - 7 pm | Sat 9 am - 4 pm
Well, the honest answer is…yes and no. Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Ultimately, whether it is the right thing to do or not is up to you, but to help you make the decision, here are some reasons why a second dog may or may not be a good idea for you, your existing dog and your family.
What is your reason for wanting a second dog?
“I want a companion for my dog to stop her barking or destructive behaviours when I’m not a home.”
“I work long hours and a second dog will stop my dog from missing me so much.”
“My dog is anxious or aggressive and a second dog will teach him to relax around other dogs.”
Any of these sound familiar?
These are the most common reasons clients tell me when I ask them why they want a second dog. And while a second dog can potentially help in some regard with all of the above problems… they can also exacerbate them.
For example, the companion dog:
may bark too or be even more destructive;
will never be a substitute for your time spent with your dog and will mean you have even less one-on-one time available for your dog; and
may totally dominate your existing dog, making them even more anxious or aggressive.
So, how do you know if a second dog is right for your family?
Reasons NOT To Get a Second Dog
If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, you may want to delay or reconsider your decision to get another dog.
- If you’re expecting a baby. Both babies and dogs require a lot of time, and it’s just not fair to either the new baby or the new dog to have them both arrive in your house at the same time, or within weeks of each other. You’ll have enough on your plate adjusting your existing dog to your new baby.
- If you can’t walk both dogs together. Unless you’re retired or unemployed, if you can’t walk both dogs together then walking them separately will take up several hours every day, which is hard to fit in around the demands of work and family.
- If money is tight. The cost of purchasing your second dog is just the start. All of your ongoing expenses for your first dog have now just doubled: pet food, boarding fees, unexpected medical expenses leashes…perhaps even buying a car big enough to accommodate your family and both dogs.
- If you work long hours or travel a lot for work. A second dog will not necessarily make up for your absence—in fact you might just be doubling your trouble, with two dogs who pine for you and become destructive when left alone.
- If your first dog isn’t ready. If your first dog is still not well-trained, or is suffering from an illness it’s really important to get that sorted first so you have the time available to train and settle in your second dog.
- If your other family members are not on board. A second dog, regardless of age or breed, is extra work and you’ll need everyone in your family to help both dogs adjust to the change.. A second dog, regardless of age or breed, is extra work and you’ll need everyone in your family to help both dogs adjust to the change
Reasons TO get a second dog
- Your dog is mourning the loss of another dog. If you previously had two dogs who got on well and have recently lost one, your dog may well be pinning the previous dog and would benefit from another adult dog, or perhaps a puppy.
- You have the time and the money to spare. If you have the time and money to invest in training a new dog, walking two dogs and helping your first dog adjust to the new arrival, both dogs will be much happier and better behaved.
- Your dog enjoys the company of other dogs. As long as you’re not getting a second dog as a substitute for time spent with your first dog, if your dog enjoys the company of other dogs the second dog has a much better chance of fitting into your home.
- Your first dog is getting old. If you can’t imagine life without a dog and you know your first dog is getting older, you may want to introduce a second dog to help ease the pain and fill the void when your first dog eventually passes.
What type of dog should you get?
Whatever breed you choose, or whether you decide on a puppy or a rescue dog, you will need patience and understanding, as well as plenty of time to let both dogs adjust to each other.
The success of your second dog will not primarily depend on the age, temperament or breed of either dog. Instead, what is really crucial to the success is:
Your patience: There will be plenty of mistakes from both dogs
Your time: it will not happen overnight…both dogs will need time to adjust and settle in properly, and the more time you can invest in both dogs, the happier they will both be
Your understanding: read up on what to expect, get advice from professionals and go to dog training classes
Your investment in training: both puppies and rescue dogs will need to be trained and your first dog will also need to be trained to interact with your second dog appropriately.
“A second dog can add companionship, but it will never replace the time and attention your dog needs from you.”
How do you introduce the dogs to each other?
When you bring your new dog home, introduce the dogs to each other gradually in a series of gradual steps.
Take things slowly, and only let them spend time together unsupervised once you are sure there won’t be problems.
Begin by introducing the second dog in their crate, allowing your first dog to sniff him in a non-threatening environment.
If things are going well, bring the second dog out of the crate on a leash, and then if things are still going well, let the new dog off the leash and allow the dogs to interact under your supervision.
Once you feel comfortable, leave them together unsupervised for short periods of time, gradually increasing the length of time as they adjust to each other
Never force the two dogs together or leave them unsupervised if you are unsure.
So, is a second dog really the right decision for your family?
A second dog can be double the joy if it is done correctly and for the right reasons.
If you’re unsure and would like some advice on whether a second dog is right for you or not, a mobile vet can come to your home and discuss the pros and cons with you.
We can also help advise you on potential breeds or ages of dogs that would best fit well with your first dog, and we can also help you with the settling-in process.
Contact us to learn more about adding a second dog to your family.
Key Takeaways
- A second dog is not a solution to behavioural issues
Adding another dog can sometimes reinforce or worsen problems like barking or anxiety. - Time, training and consistency matter most
The success of a second dog depends more on owner’s input than on the breed or age. - Both dogs need to be ready
Your existing dog’s health, training and temperament should be stable before introducing another dog. - Careful introductions reduce risk
Gradual, supervised introductions help both dogs adjust without stress.
In-Home Services
In-home care forms the foundation of how we treat and manage your pet’s health. Most conditions can be assessed, treated, and monitored in a familiar environment where pets are calmer and easier to handle. Available to residents of Sydney’s inner city, Inner West, Eastern Suburbs and the Lower North Shore.
Testimonials
Debby Ross
First visit from Ari and Ellie and it went beyond all expectations. They were so genuinely interested in my two cats. Of course I couldn’t stop talking about them but they clearly were not bored. Did excellent health checks and vaccinations – was an absolute pleasure and I would totally recommend them to anybody. So fabulous having no stress of lugging…
Daniel Birchall
Elle’s exceptionally professional, warm, and helpful phone manner, together with Dr Ari’s prompt arrival, gentle approach with Hudson, and clear, thorough medical explanations and recommendations, immediately put my mind at ease. The high level of care and professionalism demonstrated confirmed that contacting VETaround was the right decision.
Amanda Yeates
Ari is the best vet ever. His home visits are incredible. Such a great service to not have to put your beloved pets in the stressful situation of a car. Or around sick pets in a waiting area. My cats LOVE HIM. Ollie my male cat NEVER comes out of hiding when visitors come over. With Ari, he not only came out, let him weigh him, have his check up done…
Charmaine Caffrey
I was very pleased with the ladies from VETaround Mobile vet. Professional, polite and very knowledgeable. Certainly eased my mind about my cat 🐈 would recommend them to anyone needing good veterinary care for their pet. We all know just how important our four legged friends are!
Frequently Asked Questions
Will getting a second dog stop barking or destructive behaviour?
A second dog may help in some cases, but it can also reinforce the same behaviours. Dogs often mirror each other, so barking or destructive habits may increase rather than improve. Behaviour issues are usually better addressed with training and consistent routines.
Is a second dog a good solution for separation anxiety?
A second dog does not replace the time you spend with you and may not reduce separation anxiety. In some cases, both dogs may become anxious when left alone. It’s important to address the underlying cause rather than relying on another dog.
How do you know if your dog is ready for a second dog?
Your first dog should be well-trained, settled and not dealing with health or behavioural issues. Introducing another dog too early can create additional stress and make training more difficult. Stability in your current routine is a key factor.
What are the main challenges of owning two dogs?
Owning two dogs means increased time, cost and responsibility. Daily walks, training and care requirements effectively double, which can be difficult to manage alongside work and family commitments. Planning for these demands is essential.
How should you introduce a second dog into your home?
Introduce dogs gradually, starting with controlled interactions such as meeting through a crate or on a leash. Supervision is important until both dogs are comfortable with each other. Avoid forcing interaction and increase time together slowly.
When is getting a second dog a good idea?
A second dog can work well if your current dog enjoys other dogs and you have the time and resources to support both. It can also help in situations where a dog has lost a companion. The outcome depends on careful planning and ongoing effort.