If you are contemplating getting a second puppy or dog, there are several things you should take into account. These include:
- Cost
- Time
- Training
- Whether they’ll get along
The Potential Cost and Your Budget
Firstly, you need to consider budget and whether or not it is feasible financially to own another dog. Bear in mind that a second dog means basically twice the expense. While there may be some small discounts when taking two dogs to the vet at the same time, or when buying food in larger bags, generally you can expect twice the bill. There will be twice the vaccinations, twice the worming and flea treatments, twice the neutering and that’s not taking into account any potential emergencies or health problems.
Your Time and Training
Next thing to consider is if you have the time for a second dog, especially if you purchase a puppy. Whether it is a puppy or a dog, it will still require training. It may not know how to walk on a lead or may not be socialized with other dogs or people. If it is a puppy it will need basic training, such as toilet training.
It is important to train your new puppy or dog as thoroughly as you trained your first dog. It is not advisable to walk a new puppy with your trained dog until the puppy is trained to walk on a lead also. Otherwise, it will be an unpleasant and frustrating event for the three of you.
Dogs will learn from each other and while your new puppy or dog will learn good behaviour from your trained dog, it can learn the bad ones just as easily, so ensure that your dog is well trained before adding a new puppy or dog to the family.
Remember, Your Dogs are Individuals
If purchasing two puppies at the same time, which sometimes happens when people want to ensure the dogs will have company when they are out, it is crucial to treat each puppy as an individual and spend time with each individually, without its sibling. This includes training time as well as playtime. You need to bond with both dogs. Ensure they have their own beds and bowls, although they will likely share them.
It is probably easiest to add a new puppy to the household once the dog you already have is a few years old and well trained. They still need to be treated individually and have some individual playtime with you. You may also consider walking them separately on occasion, if time permits. This may be the norm especially if you have more then two dogs, as they can become a handful.
Benefits to purchasing dogs several years apart can be financial. This way, you would spread apart the costs of vaccinations and neutering. It is also wise to consider the implications of caring for two elderly dogs as the same time. Acquiring dogs several years apart will avoid having two old dogs at once.
Will the Two Dogs Fight?
This is an important aspect to consider because if they don’t get along, the harmony of the household is upset, and one or both of them could get hurt. You may find you are making regular trips to the veterinarian and running up a large bill. This is why socialization and training are so important. Consider joining a puppy class with the puppy, or adult obedient class with the older dog.
Remember, what’s good for the goose is good for the gander and rules must apply to both dogs. Some dogs may squabble from time to time and this is to be expected, however, if it elevates to something more serious or frequent, consult your veterinarian or local dog training center for advice.
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