Lifestyle
The pros & cons of getting a second dog
It’s a question many pet parents ask themselves: Should I get my dog a dog? The vision of two furry friends romping in the yard and getting double the snuggles is certainly appealing. But while adding another dog can bring a lot of joy, it’s also a major decision that changes your home, finances and daily routine. Before you start scrolling through adoption profiles, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of getting a second dog.
The benefits of having two dogs
For the right household, a second dog can be a wonderful addition. Dogs are social animals, and many thrive with a canine companion. Here are some of the biggest upsides.
- Built-in companionship: A doggy friend provides mental stimulation and an outlet for natural social behaviors — like play-chasing and wrestling — that we humans just can’t replicate. This can help ease boredom, especially when you’re away from home.
- More exercise: One of the clearest benefits of having two dogs is the extra physical activity they’ll get. Playmates encourage each other to run, chase and tumble, which helps keep them both at a healthy weight. In fact, some studies show that dogs in multi-dog households are less likely to be overweight.
- A confidence boost for your pup: For a nervous or timid dog, a calm and friendly companion can act as a social buffer. Seeing another dog navigate the world with confidence can help an anxious pup feel more secure in new situations.
The challenges of a second dog
While the positives are exciting, the realities of a multi-dog household require careful thought. The commitment of adding a second dog comes with a significant increase in responsibility.
- The cost is (nearly) double: While you can share toys and beds, the big-ticket items don't offer much of a discount. You’ll be paying for a second set of vet bills, grooming appointments, food and pet insurance. Annually, this can add anywhere from $770 for a small dog to over $1,700 for a large one.
- More time and energy required: It’s a common mistake to think two dogs will simply entertain each other. Each dog needs individual quality time with you to maintain your bond. You should also plan for separate walks and one-on-one training sessions, especially in the beginning.
- Logistical hurdles: Life gets more complicated with two dogs. Finding pet-friendly housing is often trickier, as many rentals have a one-pet limit. Traveling also becomes more difficult and expensive, whether you’re booking a hotel room or arranging for a pet sitter.
Will a second dog fix my first dog’s problems?
This is one of the most common reasons pet parents consider another pup — but it's a risky strategy. Getting a second dog to solve an existing behavioral issue often backfires. For example, a new companion is not a cure for separation anxiety, which is typically about a dog’s attachment to their human, not just a fear of being alone.
“A second dog isn’t a guaranteed fix for behavioral issues and, in some cases, can make them worse,” explains Dr. Aliya McCullough, Fetch’s on-staff veterinarian. “Anxious behaviors can be contagious, meaning your new dog might pick up the same habits from your resident dog, creating a more complex problem for you to manage.” Instead of solving an issue, you might end up with two dogs that feed off each other’s energy, which is known as behavioral amplification.
Is your dog a good candidate for a sibling?
Before asking yourself, “Should I get another dog?” you should first ask if your current dog truly wants one. Some dogs are perfectly happy as the only pet. Consider these three key factors:
- Social History: Does your dog genuinely enjoy the company of other dogs? Loving a 30-minute session at the dog park is very different from sharing their space, toys and your attention 24/7. Arrange a few playdates in a neutral space to see how they interact.
- Health: A vet checkup is a must. An older dog with joint pain or other health issues may find a bouncy, energetic puppy to be more of a nuisance than a friend. Be realistic about whether your dog is physically up for the challenge.
- Energy Level: A mismatch in energy is a common source of conflict. Pairing a high-energy dog with a low-energy couch potato can lead to stress for both pups. Look for a new dog with a similar activity level to your current one.
How to introduce a second dog
A successful friendship starts with a great first impression. Rushing the introduction process can create tension that’s hard to undo. Set your dogs up for success with these steps:
- Meet on neutral ground. Pick a place neither dog feels the need to protect, like a park. Keep both dogs on loose leashes with a separate handler for each.
- Take a parallel walk. Start by walking the dogs in the same direction but several feet apart. This lets them get used to each other’s presence without direct pressure.
- Allow brief greetings. If the walk goes well, let them sniff each other for a few seconds, then cheerfully call them away. Keep the first few interactions short and sweet.
- Prepare your home. Before bringing the new dog inside, remove any high-value items your first dog might guard, like favorite toys or food bowls. Bring the new dog in first, then bring the resident dog to prevent your resident dog from guarding the space.
- Try to stay consistent. As much as possible, stick to the routine your resident dog had prior to the new addition. This way, they’ll be less likely to see the new dog as a reason they aren’t getting what they are used to.
The Dig, Fetch Pet Insurance's expert-backed editorial, answers all of the questions you forget to ask your vet or are too embarrassed to ask at the dog park. We help make sure you and your best friend have more good days, but we’re there on bad days, too.
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