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:
Mandy Collins (United Kingdom) Depends on so many different factors! Is the dog really lonely for another dog, or is that just the owners’ perception? If the dog is bored, how will the owner keep two dogs happy? Two dogs = three times the work. Is the dog “dog friendly” or are they missing a particular companion? Has the owner addressed the boredom with training, enrichment, etc.?
Marilyn Marks (Connecticut) Yes!!! No!!! Unfortunately, the variables that make it turn out great or disastrous are very difficult to unpack. You know all those animal friends stories, the orangutan and the pointer? The parakeet and the cat? Bonds can form; we don’t always know why. I’ve had enough experiences where a new dog didn’t work when it should have, and did where it shouldn’t have, to realize it’s just so hard to tell. I live with these two right now and their relationship is so perfect that I won’t add a third (though I’d love to). The older one (now 13) was/is dog reactive and pissy. The younger one was 10 weeks old when I got her. She told big sis in no uncertain terms in their first meeting that she was here to stay and to keep her attitude in check. Since that day, older sis has adored her sister, and baby sis has let big sis be moody and in charge. They made an agreement that day, without my help, that forged their relationship forever. Could I have known that the aggression on both sides was effective communication that would lead to no further conflicts? No. I had to watch and see. As far as all I’ve “seen,” I’m talking 35 years of clients’ dogs, too.
Mandy Lorian (Wisconsin) I think dogs in pairs are great, but when getting a second dog, it’s crucial that your current dog be involved in the selection process to ensure that they mesh well. It’s also important to remember that having two dogs does not replace your role in exercising, training, and just spending time with them—though it can make those things easier!
Photo by Amy Jean Barker
Lauren Fetterman (California) I love having multiple dogs/species, but it’s not for everyone. If your dog is bored and lonely and you don’t want a second dog for yourself, I would suggest doing more training, possibly getting involved in a dog sport, and getting together for hikes and activities with people who have friendly dogs for your dog to play with a few times a week.
Steven Cogswell (Colorado) My advice to guardians of an “only” dog is to realistically assess how much time and energy they can consistently devote to dogs. Adding a second dog might not double the required time—but it very well could. I went down the “get my dog a friend” path and now have three dogs. I love them and wouldn’t change a thing, but each one is an individual with their own needs and preferences. While some activities can be done together—like lounging around the house or playing in the yard—many others can’t. For example, all three of mine need separate walks because they have very different ideas of what makes a good outing. I used to easily carve out 30 minutes a day to walk one dog. Now, it’s much harder to find the 90 minutes it takes to give each dog a truly enriching walk. If you’re considering a second dog, be prepared for situations where they can’t just be lumped in together—you’ll still need to meet each dog where they are.
Amy Suggars (Ohio) Why is the dog bored and lonely? If the answer is because the owner does not have enough time to devote to the dog so it is not bored and lonely, then getting a second is NOT the answer! Then you’ll have two bored dogs!
Frances Dauster (Alabama) I don’t suggest getting a dog for the dog. First, why are they thinking their dog is “bored”? A second dog is so much more fur/vet bills/care, and that’s not considering, What if they hate each other? More dogs = more training and management, enrichment—in which case, do that for dog #1. Maybe see if dog #1 is suited for a daycare environment once or twice a week? Have a walker come once or twice a week to take dog #1 on an outing? Try out Sniffspot to give dog #1 some more things to do—we all know that a dog with a brain full of sniffs done is tired and happy. There are LOADS of enrichment ideas online: scatter food, kong wobblers, freeze a big bowl with a bit of food in water/broth with some treats/canned food mixed in and decant for an outdoor treat. If they’re sold on the “second dog” plan, I suggest fostering for a reputable rescue so that if the new dog does not fit in super-well, they can give the dog back to the rescue. If the dog fits, then they have their second dog … IF they want a second dog, not just because they think their first dog is “lonely.” That’s a subjective opinion.
Annika Hex (New York) I’ve always had at least two dogs. At first it was because I worked many hours outside the home and thought one would be lonely, even though we did a fair amount of stuff. It was the right thing to do in my home. I’ve had a max of four, but have two now. They do agility, rally, herding, sniffy walks, and free runs a few times a week.
Leanne Hugg (Florida) It depends. Does the owner have a game plan for integration, individual training/socialization, and resolving any potential dog-dog conflict that may arise in the home? Is the owner’s primary motivation to get another dog to relieve their responsibility to their current dog? General sum-up … don’t get another dog for your dog. Get another dog for you. While some of the enrichment and social needs of a dog can be resolved with another dog, the owner’s involvement and commitment is still a critical element in the success of a multi-dog household. Caveat: if the dogs are outside dogs and not primary members of the family, then there should always be multiples. That is the only situation where getting your dog another dog is important to their mental health.
Jennifer Simmons (Washington) I did so much more with my solo dog before the addition. Wish I hadn’t gotten the second dog, but I love her and she’s family now.
