Since dogs are pack animals, it usually requires more than one dog and its owner to form a cohesive pack. They need a friendship that we humans are unable to supply, as Other individuals have stated.
Imagine spending every day only seeing lovely retrievers. You might love them, but you would also long for human contact. Your choice of how many dogs to add to your family is personal.
What seems right for you can only determine you. Some people can only have one or two dogs, while others, particularly dog enthusiasts, may be able to handle more than that.
More dogs might bring more pleasure but also more responsibility.
Cool off the puppy fever before adding a canine to your home. Consider whether your canine wants to live with other canines and whether you have the time, money, and capacity to provide everything other dogs want and desire.
Things You Should Know Before Getting More Than One Dog
Consistency
For many canines, it’s helpful to have a routine, especially for multi-dog households. Not only should you make time for each canine, but you should also be consistent about where the different canines eat their meals.
Feeding the dogs in separate areas of the home or crates can help prevent waking resources. Similarly, giving the dogs quality treats in different home areas can help avoid conflict.
The Price Of Keeping Several Canines
The cost of caring for your dogs increases as the number of canines you own increases. In addition to the regular fees for food, toys, and treats, there are training and veterinary care costs.
Pet health insurance is another recurring expense you should consider, and it would help if you did some long-term financial planning for adding more dogs to your family.
In your budgeting, pay special attention to the additional veterinary costs for older or injured canines that require surgery or long-term care.
Owning multiple canines can be expensive, and it is not the right financial choice for everyone at every stage.
Time Commitment
Aside from the financial aspects, the biggest challenge for many people who keep multiple dogs is having enough time for them.
Even though many canines enjoy playing and interacting with other canines in the house, that doesn’t mean that each canine needs and deserves less time with you. Some people add more canines to their homes to keep another dog company; sometimes, that works, too.
However, if you already have one lonely and bored dog and spend a lot of time at work, getting another dog can result in having two lonely and bored canines.
All dogs require individualized care, playtime, regular grooming, and daily training. To make sure that every dog receives enough attention, if you have numerous dogs, you will need to spend extra time playing and training with them each day.
What Can You Do To Make The Old And New Dogs Get Along?
The goal of a new pet is to have one big, happy family. Everyone should get along; the humans, the current dogs, and the future canines.
The following tips will assist you in developing a happy relationship with your old and new dogs:
1. Talk to your family. Before getting a new pet, consider the needs of the entire family. Consider the current dog’s age, physical condition, and personality when deciding on a new family member.
2. Leave your current hound at home! You don’t have to take your current hound with you when you choose a new hound, and you don’t want to be distracted when you decide on a new hound. Also, think about the tense drive home.
3. Introduce the two hounds together on neutral ground. To avoid territorial aggression, introduce the hounds to a place that is new to both of them.
While you take the new canine, ask a friend or family member to take the old canine to a peaceful park or open area.
Take both canines for a short walk and meet at a designated place. If you already have several canines, you will need to enlist additional help or be able to walk more than one canine on a leash.
4. Keep the hounds under control. Put each dog on a loose leash or head halter for introductions. They should not feel overly hindered by the leash, but both people should have firm control of their hounds.
5. Allow the canines to explore each other. When two canines meet, it is common for them to circle and sniff each other. You can start by sniffing their rear ends and then make eye contact.
Keep the introduction positive by talking to the dogs in a pleasant tone. Watch the dogs’ body language and posture for signs of aggression, and intervene by redirecting their attention. Avoid scolding the dogs when they growl or snarl.
Only while you are present will this prevent them from feeling anything. The objective is for the dogs to develop a secure, equitable social hierarchy that is peaceful even when you are not around.
You shouldn’t compel the canines to engage if they choose to ignore one another. They will begin to get to know one another when they are both at ease.
6. Bring the dogs home. You can take the dogs home once they tolerate each other and respond positively. Keep in mind that the two dogs will form a hierarchy, with the dog who is present usually taking the alpha position.
When you get home, go into the house with the old canine first while your helper walks the new canine on a leash so the old canine can “invite” the new canine into his kingdom.
7. Reduce rivalry. Provide each dog with food and water, bowls, and a bed. Leave the water bowls out, but pick up the bowls after meals to minimize food aggression.
Also, take your current canine’s favorite items to avoid conflict while the new relationship is being established. Return the toys and give new ones to the new canine once the two canines get along well.
8. supervise playtime. Separate the pets when you aren’t home. When they play together, keep a close eye on them and compliment them when they get along.
Spend plenty of time with your pets to build a personal bond.
