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Why a second dog?
F or
general guidelines, it's usually not a good idea to have two
females, or two males. A female and male usually works better. Also,
most dogs get along best with their same breed although some dogs
like just about any dog breed.
If
you do have two males, you have to have them neutered to minimize
the dominance problems that often appear during adolescence. If
they're having a problem sorting out which is top dog, neutering
will often resolve that but not always.
It's
also not a good idea to get two puppies. Not only is that an
amazingly greater amount of work for you, it's likely the puppies,
especially if from the same litter, will bound better with each
other than you. Training two puppies takes twice the time and
effort. Also two puppies are twice as distructive.
Before
you get that second dog, do answer these seven questions.
1.
Is your existing dog sociable and good with other dogs? If not, he
may become a recluse or act aggressively with the new dog.
2.
Is your first dog well behaved, completely house trained, over
chewing on inappropriate things, leash trained and rides well in the
car?
Train your first dog
well before you get a second dog.
Are you hoping to cure a behavior problem of your existing dog's?
More likely the new dog will adopt the same neuroses. Train your
first dog well before you get a second dog.
3.
Are you trying to minimize the time you spend with your dog by
giving him a companion?
Dogs need human
company and most dogs benefit from a daily walk with their owner.
You'll need to
spend individual quality time with each dog to get to know him as an
individual. Does your schedule allow for twice as much
time with your dogs?
4.
Have you budgeted for two dogs? They may not be double trouble but
they will be double bills. More food, grooming and vet bills can
mount up rapidly.
5.
Do you want to travel or take lengthy vacations? Many places that
will take one dog may be reluctant to have two dogs. If you leave
the dogs at a kennel, you now have double kennel fees.
6.
Are you prepared to train two dogs? Each will need to be trained
separately. This also gives them time apart so they get used to
being alone. You don't want them to become distressed by suddenly
being split up, as for instance if one of them has to be at an
animal hospital.
7.
Are you emotionally ready to accept the two dogs bonding more
closely to each other than to you? That's not uncommon.
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