are two dogs better than one?

Many dog owners wonder whether having two dogs is better than one.  

 The answer to that depends on your abilities and needs. Dogs can bring so much joy into our lives.  They’re loving, loyal, hilarious, and adorable, and many dog parents truly see them as family members. So, really, what could be better than a dog? Well, how about two dogs?  

 SOME BENEFITS OF HAVING TWO PUPPIES 

• Two well-matched dogs can become best of friends, providing each other with companionship and a built-in playmate

• When dogs are young, having another dog around can also help with emotional development

• Helps them with separation anxiety

• Adding another dog to your home can also help your dogs to stay fit, as they may be more active when in each other’s company

• Dogs, like humans, are emotional creatures. If you have to leave the house for several hours every day, leaving a dog alone can lead to depression and resulting misbehavior. Having two dogs is great because they can keep each other company.

Social Benefits of Multi-dog Households

Dogs love to socialize! Whether it means spending time with you or with other dogs, they prefer being in the company of others.

If you work long hours or are otherwise fully-engaged, your dog will feel left out. Some develop negative behaviors such as destructive chewing, excessive barking or licking, or depression. A dog with severe separation anxiety can be very difficult, sometimes requiring medication and other special arrangements.

One of the most important things to dogs is to have a pack, at least of two. The company of others gives dogs feelings of security and companionship. It reduces anxiety and fosters personal growth. It is very important to dogs to have a sense of belonging to a family unit. Another dog in your household will enhance your dog's life, relieving his feelings of being alone.

Second Dog is Easier to Train

 A second dog is far easier to train when you already have another well-trained dog, as your first dog actually helps in the learning processes of the second dog.

Here are just a few of the ways that one dog teaches another:

• Housetraining: Dogs will often relieve themselves where they see and smell the leavings of other dogs. As your trained dog has learned to relieve himself outdoors in a specific area, your new dog will likely follow suit.

• Reaction to stimuli: Your well-trained dog has learned how to react to the door bell, family members, and being walked. Dogs often learn inappropriate behavior patterns from other dogs and humans. For example, if your dog does not jump on visitors, it will be easy to guide your new dog in this direction as well.

• Overall behavior patterns: Your first dog has learned the schedule, such as when it is time to go outside, eat, and when they will be walked and worked with. His behavior will help your new dog do the same. Copying each other's behavior is a natural part of canine development and pack cohesion.

Emotional Benefits of Multi-dog Households

Besides the fact that your own life will feel fuller, your dog will be more relaxed and secure.

Dogs are very emotional creatures. When left alone for long periods of time they can become depressed. Depression is displayed both physically and through behavior.  

Another dog in the home is likely to alleviate your dog's depression, preventing obsessive behavior. Having another dog to cuddle with makes dogs feel more content and part of a pack, which is their natural inclination.

Enhancement to Child Development in Multi-dog Households

Children with pets tend to be more balanced and responsible as they mature. Should you have more than one child, having multiple dogs will give each child a special friend. They can learn to be responsible for their special canine friend which, in turn, gives them feelings of confidence and security.

Dogs help children cope with crises in their lives such as family disruptions, bad experiences, loneliness, and other types of stress. You can consider dogs as in-house therapy. A buddy who is always there to listen to and comfort your child.  

If you are able to offer a good home to an additional puppy, both the time and financial commitment, you and your family will reap numerous benefits. Once you experience a multi-dog household you may never go back to having just one dog.

Bottom Line

Trust your instincts. Would adding a second puppy enhance her life? If so, and you have the time, patience, and financial means – go ahead and get a second puppy.

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