If you’ve had a pet dog for quite some time now, you’re aware of the benefits of having one. Can you name a single reason why you love having a pooch around? It’s generally tough because what’s not to love about having a fur companion around, right?
Statista ran a survey to discover the most popular pet type among different generations. Interestingly, there was a clear winner among all – a dog. Many American households go a step ahead and bring home multiple dogs.
Ah! Were you planning to do the same? Well, the idea in itself is a great and thoughtful one. However, you must consider some important factors. In this article, we will discuss those factors to help you determine if you’re ready for a second pup.
#1. Your Ability to Care for Another Pet
The number one factor you need to consider is whether you have the ability and time to care for a second pooch. Many pet parents feel like their decision is based on a 360-degree view. In a lot of cases, it turns out to be a burst of excitement or impulse.
Two are better than one, right? Yes, you will receive double the love and your current fur baby will not get lonely at times. However, make sure you have the big picture in your mind, including all its little details.
In other words, check with your monthly budget. Is there room for a second dog? Your financial commitment will double up with twice the amount of food, grooming, and vet visits. Some new areas of expenses may enter the picture.
One example would be the need for residential pet waste removal services. Ideally, a pet household should invest in such services even for a single dog. The need only gets more unavoidable when a second canine is involved.
You cannot afford to stay complacent like some pet parents who simply pick up after their pets once or twice a week. Some make it a daily task, but collect all pet waste in a garbage bag and dispose of it improperly. They might compost or add it to the regular trash can.
These methods can be dangerous as Scoop Soldiers states that dog poop contains disease-causing organisms like hookworms and E.coli bacteria. Pet waste removal experts will not only safely dispose of the waste, but also deodorize the area and keep it clean.
All the additional expenses we have talked about are worthwhile investments. They only make sense when you have a flexible budget. So, start by evaluating how your budget will change and whether you can welcome those changes.
#2. The Available Space
The second factor to consider is the available space in your home and heart. We understand that the latter can expand to accommodate another furry buddy. However, your home’s square footage may be a one-and-done deal.
Availability of space may be a crucial consideration for those who live in apartments. Studies have made the shocking discovery that America’s smallest apartments are getting smaller still.
In other words, the newer apartment units, especially the studio ones, have dropped 54 square footage in size. This is in comparison to the past decade. With minimal space for yourself and your first pooch, there may hardly be any space left for a second canine member.
This holds even if you were to try negotiating this fact by bringing home a small dog that has a sweet temperament and requires little playtime. Even if your fur babies do not run about and play a lot, they will need their separate areas.
Friendly dogs also tend to become aggressive once their territorial instincts kick in. The two may interact with each other throughout the day but they need their distinct areas. Moreover, space is required in terms of different items associated with your pets.
For example, both your dogs will need separate bowls, treats, toys, and beds. This is the only way to reduce instances of resource guarding, jealousy, and aggressive conflicts. Consider whether the available space is truly sufficient for these crucial needs.
#3. Your Former Pet’s Temperament and Training
When parents plan to have another child, they gauge their existing one’s attitude towards the thought of having a sibling. Similarly, pet parents planning to bring home a second fur baby must consult with their former one.
This does not mean that you need your former pet’s permission, nor can they offer you their consent. You can determine or gauge whether it would be a good idea to get home a second dog by analyzing your former pet’s temperament.
Some breeds like the Shih Tzu or Rottweiler are naturally less friendly and easily agitated. Others like the Golden Retriever are more open to becoming friends with pooches of different breeds. Then, every dog’s temperament may also be unique.
Is your pooch excited to meet its friends at the park? Are they open to interacting with new dogs in the community? If not, they may need more training. You want to ensure that your current pooch is well-trained and bonded to you before getting a second one.
As per the American Kennel Club, it can be more than two times as difficult to train two dogs together. Also, consider your current dog’s age. It is best to introduce a second canine member when the first is one or two years old.
At the least, rethink your decision to bring home a second pet when your current one is advanced in age. The latter may have health issues, be unable to keep up physically with the former and get easily annoyed. Once you are confident that your existing pooch will welcome an addition, go ahead.
By the end of it, we hope that you do add another four-legged member to your happy family. The tips in this article are there to act as a guideline so that you feel prepared.
Even so, there may be surprises along the way. However, they will be pleasant ones when you’ve decided after careful consideration.
