Are two dogs better than one? Yes, two dogs can be excellent. They can become good friends and keep each other busy in your absence. But you can’t just put two dogs together and expect it to work out automatically.
Sometimes it works out, but it can also go wrong if you don’t know what you are doing. In the worst-case scenario, the dogs may start tormenting each other.
Even if they don’t turn on each other, there may be an uneasy truce between them, meaning they don’t kill each other, but tensions can never be resolved if you don’t introduce them properly.
Suppose you want to have two Canines that are happy together. In that case, you need to weigh all the factors carefully: The breed, age, sex, and temperament of the canines, the attitudes and habits of all the people involved, and the space itself are all critical factors to consider.
Littermates bond more with each other than with their owners. Most experts recommend taking in no more than one dog from the same litter. Littermates are more likely to bond with their owner and more prone to bullying and aggression.
Four Benefits Of Having Two Canines Instead Of One
They Keep Each Other Happy And Exercised
Play is vital to any dog’s health, happiness, socialization, and overall development – but it can take up a large portion of the day.
Depending on your dog’s age, size, breed, and degree of energy, you can exercise him for anywhere from 30 minutes and two hours each day.
A simple and cute way to ensure your canine gets enough exercise? By adding a second canine to the group.
You’ll still need to spend some time with both dogs each day, which is very important for their socialization and development, but they’ll be able to exercise and entertain each other.
Additionally, they will entertain one another when you are out at work, school, or running errands, reducing the likelihood that they may misbehave due to boredom. After all, everyone knows that a bored canine is a naughty canine.
Facilitate Puppy Training
It may be challenging to teach an old canine a new trick, but an old canine can certainly teach a new canine a few tricks – and the rules in his house.
Dogs are pack animals and take cues from their pack leader, a role your older dog naturally takes on when you add a puppy to the family.
You’ll find that puppy training is much easier with an older canine and a new puppy; the puppy will learn from its older canine and model its behavior after it. Potty training is much easier for your puppy if you have an older canine.
Here’s why. Dogs frequently relieve themselves in areas where other canines have already done so. So your puppy may defecate where your older dog does.
Saving A Second Life
One of the best reasons to get two canines is simple: you save two lives when you adopt two canines.
It’s estimated that 3.9 million dogs are surrendered to shelters, and 1.2 million are euthanized yearly. You can directly impact (and save) dogs’ lives by giving them a safe, happy home.
Plus, by adopting dogs from your local shelter, you create more space for other needy animals.
The good news for puppy parents is that you can double their cuteness without doubling your finances. Aside from regular vaccinations and checkups, keeping two dogs simultaneously doesn’t cost much more than owning just one.
Dogs can share many things, such as toys, beds, grooming products, water bowls, and giant bags of food and treats.
It is critical to understand that puppy food is not always the same as adult dog food. So, consult your veterinarian about whether your puppy and elderly dog can share food.
Help With Separation Anxiety
Many dogs suffer from separation anxiety or strong feelings of fear that occur when they are left alone.
Although some dogs outgrow their separation anxiety, some cases require additional attention and solutions, such as special training, emotional therapy, or medication.
Some dogs are happy to have a canine buddy to calm and entertain them while their owner is away. Separation anxiety is a complex problem; for some dogs, having a strange dog in the house increases anxiety rather than relieves it.
Always consult your veterinarian or behaviorist before making a significant change in a dog with separation anxiety.
Is It Better To Have Two Dogs?
When you have two canines, they provide companionship as well as mental and physical stimulation to each other. If you only have one canine, this can help prevent obedience issues.
Many hound owners ponder whether having two hounds is preferable to having just one. The response to that relies on your needs and ability. And the temperament of the hound.
Becoming A Two Dog Owner
Dogs are pack animals, and certain dogs, like Browning, require at least a small pack for comfort.
Sometimes a second dog to keep the first company can solve many problems, such as separation anxiety or boredom.
The pairing worked because the canines got along well. Determining the compatibility of the second canine is critical.
To always have at least one dog, individuals frequently choose a breed they enjoy and then adopt multiple of that breed.
Before you take in another canine, weigh the pros and cons of a pair. Then, if you decide to get a second canine, here are some tips for a two-canine household:
Many adopt several of the same breeds of dog after falling in love with it, frequently overlapping adoptions, so they always have at least one dog.
The Age Of The Dogs
The first canine is recommended to be 2 to 3 years old before adding a second dog to the family. In a household with numerous canines, it is advisable to take in a younger one. If the first canine is older, you can take in another canine, but that will likely involve more work.
Not only do you have to train the new puppy, but you also have to ensure you have plenty of time for the older dog to continue to feel loved and not be afraid of losing his place.
Please allow the hounds their space. Yes, assuming they both behave themselves. It would help if you didn’t put the hounds in a scenario where they might injure one other.
Analyze The Costs
First, realize that a dog is expensive. From adoption fees to vet costs to food, toys, and more.
Calculate how much it would cost to keep a canine for at least 15 years. Double that amount if you want to get a second canine.
Gender Of The Second Dog
Adopting a canine of the opposite sex is recommended by experts if you wish to add a second canine to your home. When there are two male canines, they are more prone to compete for food, toys, and their owners’ affection.
It is also advantageous if the new canine is younger, and a puppy will not quickly challenge an elderly canine. However, confrontation is always possible, and neutered canines are more likely to get along.
