When this question came up in a recent discussion, several of our readers thought it would be a great topic for a blog, so here it is:
The household has one dog. The humans in the household do not have much time for that one dog, so they’re considering adding a second dog to the household to provide companionship.
Is that a good idea? Or not a good idea?
I asked friends online, many of them experienced dog guardians (some of them with WAY more than two dogs in their own household), “What’s your best advice for the ‘only’ dog’s guardian/s—add a second dog to the household … or not?”
Here are some of their thoughtful answers and excellent suggestions:
Denise Gregg (New York) As an owner of a multi-dog household since ’96, [I say] it’s definitely not for everyone. The cost and care goes up, and giving everyone the individual attention they deserve is a full-time job in itself. I do dog sports with my guys and also daily hikes and training for enrichment. It’s a lifestyle I would not change for anything.
Photo by Denise Gregg
Neil Rubenstein (Florida) Wow … definitely not a yes or no answer. A number of variables to consider. Is the current resident dog well socialized with other dogs—not just in general, but within their ‘own’ living-space environment? How old is the current dog? Are there any physical or behavioral challenges with the current dog? I would first recommend a few short, loose-leash meet-and-greets in a neutral environment [with another dog]. Then do a few meet-and-greets in or close to the current dog’s environment. Having a positive trainer who is experienced in observing canine behavior [work] with you would be recommended.
A second dog does not always work out the way we hope. Maybe spending more time on enrichment activities with the current dog may help. As a trainer, it’s hard [for me] to go into a fully detailed hypothetical situation here.
Stacy Braslau-Schneck (California) I tell my clients to never get a second dog to solve the first dog’s issues. It might not work, and then you might have the second dog’s issues along with the first dog’s issues, and/or you might have issues between them. I also tell them that if they’re thinking of getting a second (or third, etc.) dog, to consider fostering a rescue dog, so they can ‘test-drive’ being a multi-dog household, and audition specific dogs for that role. If they love [the foster] and it all works out, they can adopt that dog. If they like having that many dogs, but that particular dog is not the best choice, they can let that dog get adopted, and try another one.
Stine Theede (Idaho) One of the best ways to find a companion to your current dog—or find out that your current dog would prefer to have its home to itself and just do playdates—is to foster a few dogs, one at a time, for at least two to three months each, and [then] decide if it is a good match. It is best to start with fairly easy dogs, even though the more difficult cases tug at our heartstrings. Be aware that new foster parents often adopt their first dog simply because it takes practice to learn to let go and be ready for the next one.
Jill Gibbs (Montana) I get dogs for me, not for my dogs. It is nice when they mesh and play together, but the only dog I will buy [my dogs] is a stuffed toy.
Sandie Hanlon (Massachusetts) If one dog is bored, then the owner needs to up their game. Do tricks, go to a fun class, add enrichment, woods walks, sniff walks. But absolutely no dog parks.
Linda Lukens (Mexico) I always advised my clients to not get a dog for their dog. Get one because YOU want two. Sometimes people want a second dog to cure [the first dog’s] separation anxiety, and it usually doesn’t help, as the anxiety is about the humans leaving.
Isabel Alvarez Arata (Texas) I like two, but they have to be the right match.
Stephanie Poulin (North Carolina) From a human perspective: When you are bored, do you want companionship or do you want a challenge? We have six dogs. We had seven at one point. Expensive and time-consuming, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Em E Wolf (Colorado) Invest more time, attention, enrichment to your resident dog.
Timothy Page (Oregon) We were worried that Chiquis might be a bit lonely when we were gone to work, so we got Lalo. Well, it seems Lalo needed Chiquis more than Chiquis needed Lalo.
Alisha Ardiana (California) While I can understand that temptation, I hesitate to add a second dog to the mix. I think there are a lot of ways that we can improve the quality of their daily lives without adding a roommate. What if they do not get along? What if they have different social and safety needs? I’m very clear with my clients—if you’re not happy with the behavior of your first dog, you are unlikely to see massive improvements by adding a second.
Lynn Cashion Kosmakos (California) I’m not a fan of getting a dog for my dog. It’s a terrible reason to take on a responsibility for the lifetime of an animal.
Colette Kase (Mexico) If your dog is bored and lonely, you need to get some professional advice to help you meet your dog’s needs.
Sheri McEachran (Washington) For me, the second dog has always been a wonderful addition and solution. My first rescue dog had severe separation anxiety and didn’t stop trying to dig out or escape until I brought home another dog. When my first rescue dog passed, that second dog became very depressed, and so we once again brought home another dog, and this has continued for almost 30 years. At this time I cannot imagine only having one dog.
Judy Weiss (Ontario) I’m a dog trainer. I don’t recommend getting a second dog—it could mean much more work for the household. Instead, try scheduling time in your day for activities with your existing dog. Games, for instance—only 15 minutes a day can stimulate your dog’s mind and alleviate boredom. Not only that, you will build an unbelievably closer bond with him or her. And she certainly won’t be lonely.
PART TWO NEXT TIME: More answers to the question, “Add a second dog … or not?”
