2/21/2018

Two's Company: How to Determine if Your Household is Ready for Another Dog

After your first puppy successfully makes it through their busy months, you may be considering the pros and cons of adopting a second dog into your family. We’ve all heard the saying, “two is better than one,” but you just need to carefully weigh your options.

First, let’s take a look at a quick checklist to see if dog number one is ready for another furry member of the household. Then, let’s talk about the benefits that come with having two dogs running around.

Checklist: Is puppy ready for another furry friend to join the family?

Question	Yes	No
My puppy is dog-friendly and enjoys playing with other pups at the park, dog park, etc.	✔
My puppy likes to share their space, food, toys, etc.	✔
My dog is bored at home and lays around, especially when I’m not there to play.	✔
My dog constantly wants to play.	✔
My dog is a bit shy or needs a confidence booster. Dogs with this type of behavior can benefit from having another furry friend around.	✔
My dog used to have a buddy at his shelter before we adopted him/her.	✔

If you answered mostly yes to the questions in the checklist, it may be time to consider a second puppy! If you answered no to a number of questions, talk to your vet or professional animal trainer to explore if the idea is really right for you and your family.

Benefits of Having 2 Dogs

Although having two puppies in the household comes with responsibility, it also can double the fun! Getting a second pup provides a companion for your first puppy. Benefits include:

Always having a playmate,
having another dog to socialize with,
and having a friend to rest/lay around with.

Once you decide if you are ready for another puppy, look into breeds that get along well. Then, introduce the puppies slowly. You want to create a home environment where both dogs feel safe and welcomed, and of course, like a member of the family!