So, you’ve got yourself a dog and everything is going perfectly. You couldn’t imagine a love as pure and honest as the love you have for your dog and they for you. Now, you’ve got the best idea, why not get a second dog!?
Before you start thinking of names for the latest addition to your four legged family, there are a few things you should consider before taking that next step.
Is your current dog out of puppy-hood and completely trained and bonded to you?
- Is your current dog out of puppy-hood and completely trained and bonded to you? It’s often twice as difficult for one person to train two young dogs at the same time. Young dogs may also bond to each other and be less likely to create a strong bond to you.
- What’s the age of your current dog? Many older dogs who may be suffering from arthritis and other age related illnesses may not appreciate a bouncy young puppy when they are trying to rest and recuperate.
- What kind of dog do you want to add to your family? Is your current dog large or small? Do you have space for two dogs? Can you walk two dogs at once? Some breeds of dog e.g. Siberian Husky, Labrador Retriever may be very energetic on a lead so adding another one may complicate walking times.
- How much time do you have to focus on puppy socialisation/training? Training a new animal may not be as quick and efficient as some people think and also some animals pick up some commands /training methods quicker than others. However, consistency is key.
- The most important factor to consider is the financial constraint of having two animals. You will be feeding two mouths now instead of one. You will have increased cost associated with bringing two animals to the vet, e.g neutering costs, vaccinations, etc.
- Are you in rented accommodation? If so, then most people cannot guarantee that their landlord won’t cease their letting contract and leave you looking for a new place to live, which can be challenging as most rented properties do not allow pets.
Thank you to Charlene O’Donnel R.V.N, who put together this post as this is a common query we get at Glenina Veterinary Clinic and also through our social media channels. Hopefully, this blog post will help you make your decision about getting a second dog.
Glenina Vet Clinic is Galway’s longest established veterinary practice and is part of the XL Vets Ireland Group.
