11 Signs You Are Ready For a Second Dog

There’s something special about being a dog parent. So special that you might want to do it all over again by adding a second dog to your household. After all, the joy and love you experience with a four-legged friend is never-ending, and it might feel natural to add another dog to the mix.

Wouldn’t it make sense to think that if having one dog is great, two dogs would be even better? Well, if you’re asking yourself this very question, you’re in the right place.

Our entire team has had multiple dogs at some point, so we are uniquely experienced to answer this question. Let’s look at some of the boxes you should try to check off your list before you welcome another dog into your home.

Your quaint house or apartment may have been perfect for one dog, but how does it fit for two dogs? Is there still ample room?

Remember, dogs need plenty of space to run, play outside, and maneuver around the house. So, be sure your current living situation allows for that. Also, taking into account how big the dog will be at its fullest size and any needed essentials that come with owning them.

If you currently have a tiny-sized pup, prioritize matching not just size, but personalities and energy levels to ensure a positive environment for both dogs.

One of the most important things to consider when bringing a second dog into your home is the stability of your environment. Dogs need to feel secure, loved, and cared for. So, providing them with a solid foundation, both financially and emotionally, is key.

A new canine companion should live in a nurturing space. So, if you feel this is something you can offer a second time around, then good for you!

Your new dog will be the lucky one to have you as their canine human while getting to share a space with their new best furry buddy, too! If you can offer them love and a place to call home, they’ll surely be ready to give it right back!

Money. It seems never-ending when you become a pet owner. However, when it comes to expenses, the good news is that you’ve already grown accustomed to the cost of vet bills, food, and training for one dog, but do you have a budget prepared for two?

The costs certainly add up. So, be sure you can afford to double the cost. Especially if the new dog has any health or other concerns. If money is not a big factor in your decision to add to your canine family, even better.

You may be in the perfect place to welcome a second dog with open arms and pay for any extra expenses that might arise unexpectedly.

Any dog owner knows that dogs can be, well, demanding! They need plenty of your time and attention (walks, exercise, play, etc.). And, if you have a full-time job or are away often, it can be especially challenging trying to take care of one dog, let alone two!

Some people, however, can do it seamlessly. So, if you have the means or even extra help to do so, it may not be a big burden. If this sounds like you and you are comfortable walking two dogs at one time, you may be one step closer to finding your second canine pal!

It’s true! The more dogs you have, the harder you likely have to work to care for them, and understandably so! Adding to your brood means two dogs to feed, clean, walk, bathe, and take care of.

But it also means double the love and affection toward you, their human owner. That means cuddles, snuggles, and kisses, galore and you being the most important person in their life.

If you’re up for twice the ”everything,” you’ll be in a good position to be showered with all the love you can handle… and many dog owners will tell you that it’s the best feeling there is. We have to agree!

As much as you might want a second dog, make sure everyone who lives in your home agrees with the idea! This also includes your landlord because if you’re a renter, there could be a limit to how many pets you can have. So you got the green light? Perfect!

Sharing a home with a dog requires the support of everyone living with you, as it’s oftentimes a shared responsibility. Make sure your reasoning is good for your family and not just you. With open and honest conversations, it’s the first step in bringing home your second furry friend!

No, your dog can’t talk. And you can’t ask him how they might feel about sharing space with another 4-legged pal. But how does your current dog interact with other dogs on a general basis?

Does your current dog do well around them? Do you think having another buddy might be beneficial for his behavior or well-being? Or could it post the opposite effect?

Truth be told, your dog might love having the extra company and new friendship! Adding a second dog might make them feel less lonely or bored when you’re away, so that’s certainly a win for everyone in the household!

While dogs are full of fun-loving energy and two dogs will likely stay entertained and tire each other out, there will still be times a dog needs some extra correction to get up to speed with your first dog.

Maybe he or she doesn’t behave quite like your first or have the same manners? Maybe they struggle with loud barking or potty training? Or maybe they have some territorial issues?

Certainly, unexpected moments can arise. It could even take time for your current dog to bond with your second. But, as long as you are comfortable with the time and cost of a professional trainer, both dogs will benefit, in the long and short run, too!

Maybe you’re headed out on a week-long getaway? A work trip that lasts a few days? Consider any upcoming vacations and what you might do with your current dog (and a second dog) when you go on vacation. Does a neighbor watch him (or her) or do you send your pup to a “doggy daycare?”

If you have someone available to watch two dogs while you leave for an extended period of time (and can afford the potential cost), you may be in a good position to own a second dog.

Or better yet, take them with you, as some dog owners do, especially if they’re a smaller breed. It would certainly make for quite the adventure!

Not our rule, but many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one year old before you add a second one to the family. Also, if you have an old dog, understand they may not physically be able to keep up, play with, or tolerate a puppy.

So depending on the second dog’s age, this could be a factor in your decision to add another guy or gal to your family! Do your research. Consider your options, and understand what age (or even gender) might be the best match for your current dog.

Adopting an adult rescue dog may allow you skip some of the more demanding puppy stages. Your current pup deserves to be considered, too!

You know sometimes when you just “have a feeling” that something (or someone) is missing in your canine family? As in, your heart feels there should be another guy or gal in your household. Some parents feel the same way when talking about having children, but that also includes pets.

If you don’t feel as if your circle of furry friends is quite yet complete, maybe it isn’t. It might be a good idea to visit a shelter or two or consider adopting a rescue dog. See where your heart leads you. It can open beautiful doors to see if your “gut feeling” was right after all. 

No One-Size-Fits-All Answer

It’s true. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer when considering whether to get another dog. What works for one person won’t work for another, and it’s important to know the risks and rewards of adding a second dog to your family.

It’s a big decision, and you want to make sure you (and your first dog and other people in the household) are ready to jump right in.

However, if you can say “yes” to nearly every item on this list, you should be in a good position to start your search and proudly call yourself a “dog parent of two!”

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