I’m a dog lover, and currently own two dogs, Maya and Chief. Maya is almost 4.5 and Chief is 2.5 years old. I had Maya for 2 years before deciding to get Chief, and it was not an easy decision. I put a lot of work into Maya to make her an extremely well behaved, obedient dog, and I didn’t want to mess up a good thing by bringing another dog into the picture.
In the end, I decided to get another dog and it has been absolutely amazing. The two dogs are crazy about each other, are best friends and playmates and you really couldn’t ask for a better situation. Still, there are few things I can share from my experience that you should definitely look out for and consider before getting another canine.
Is Your First Dog Well Behaved?
Before you get a second dog, be sure that you have done a solid job training your first one. One important reason is that your second dog will learn from your first dog, and if your first dog has bad habits and is poorly trained, you’re asking for a bad experience. A second dog should never be a “make-up” for the first dog you didn’t put enough effort into. Spend more time with your first dog and prove that you can be a good dog trainer before getting a second. While the two dogs may play together, it certainly is not a fix to go out and get a second dog that will tire your other dog out.
Double the Effort
Two dogs really are almost twice the effort. As I was saying before, my first dog Maya is extremely well trained, I have walked her through many city streets off leash right by my side. She still does a very solid job, but her new buddy Chief is a distraction. They both want to be ahead, and it makes certain obedience tasks twice as hard. Similarly, Maya never, ever made a noise before I got Chief. Now, while Chief isn’t a crazy barker, he is certainly more vocal. Maya has picked up on this a little bit, and will now chime in when Chief starts to ruff. Not a big deal, but just once instance and a reminder that two dogs create two chances for dogs to learn bad habits and teach them to one another.
Double the Obstacles
When you have two dogs it really does become more of an obstacle at times. I go on a lot of road trips and am a very mobile person and it’s hard fitting two larger dogs in the back of my wagon with all of my other gear. If I’m heading off for a trip where I need a friend to watch my dogs, it’s just harder to find someone who’s willing to watch two versus one. Similarly, when I’m looking to rent a house and find a new place to live, it can be quite the obstacle. A lot of people who are renting dog friendly homes are only really okay with 1. Or someone who has a room available in a dog friendly home already has 1 dog and would really prefer not to have 3 total once you move in. There are tons of circumstances like this where you really do realize some of the sacrifices you’re making to own two pups.
Double the Cost
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to point out. Two dogs equal double the cost of ownership. Double the vet bills, double the chances for a big vet cost, twice the heartworm, tick and other medication and twice the food. It is all within reason, but if it’s a major expensive for you to cover the costs of one dog then you certainly should not look into getting another. No one wants to not enjoy one of their canine friends because they are too much of a financial responsibility.
Double the Love
The good news is that if you really love the companionship of dogs and don’t mind putting in the effort, it really is twice the love. Twice the wagging tails and happy animals competing for your pets and attention!
About the author: Cooper Elling is passionate about dogs, fitness & blogging. When he’s not working out, he writes about Sono Bello, cooking and a myriad of other topics.