You've been scrolling through social media and you start to notice a common theme...
A lot of families seem to have two or more dogs... and all the pictures just look perfect. What a happy family. I want to be that. How do they do it with two dogs? They must keep each other busy...
You've also been keenly aware that you haven't been spending as much time with your singular dog and wonder how everyone is managing more than one crazy pup!
So then you decide to post the question...
"How does everyone feel about getting a second dog? I don't have time to entertain my current dog and think she could use a friend to keep her busy..."
And the notifications come flooding in.
Not a single person warns against it. All of the multi-dog households are chiming in, telling you all of the good stuff and none of the bad.
People are saying things like, "oh they'll keep each other busy, so you don't have to!"
Or...
"Two is always better than one..."
And my favorite...
"What's one more?"
Now hold on just a minute! If you think getting a second dog because you don't have time for the first one is a good idea, stop. Right now. Get that thought out of your head!
If you don't think you're spending enough time with your current dog, make some changes to your lifestyle. What people aren't telling you is that adding a dog also means adding additional food, treats, and toys. It also means two leashes instead of one. Two collars. Two dogs to be taken to the vet for routine OR EMERGENCY care. Twice the effort. Twice the amount of training.
Training? Potty training all over again... Well, your first dog still has accidents sometimes... getting a second would mean two not-so-potty-trained puppers.
The last 11 out of 12 dogs that came in for board & train programs with me were all dogs who lived in multi-dog households. 6 of those dogs were pairs of two who came from the same households. More dogs, more potential problems. Some of the issues that arose when adding second dog (the reason these dogs came in for training) are: fighting with each other, severe separation anxiety where neither dog could be alone without causing destruction, hyperactive energy that results in thousands of dollars of home damages, reactivity that prevents people from walking in their own neighborhood with their dogs, and of course the young dog who teaches the old dog all the bad habits. Again, adding a second dog, although it may be well-intentioned, can often cause some serious problems. I asked one of our recent clients about whether or not they would have hired us if it weren't for their partner surprising them with a new puppy and this was the response, "I love my new dog, but man, things were easier without her. I would not have needed a trainer if I had just focused on the first dog before agreeing the second."
If it sounds like I'm trying to talk you out of getting a second dog, it's because that's exactly what I'm trying to do. I want you to think twice before spending your tax refund check on another dog, or going to the shelter and getting another at low to no cost. And please, don't be that person that gets someone a dog as a gift. A good friend of mine woke up to a surprise puppy from a well-intentioned friend and it was not what they needed or wanted. What happens to unwanted dogs? It's best not to get one as a surprise so it does not end up as another unwanted pet.
Please, for your dog's sake, get things squared away with your schedule and get your dog trained before trying to add another. The reason for adding to your family should be that you HAVE time and attention to give - not the other way around.
Additional dogs are not a solution to lack of time.
If you'd like to get your dog the training they need before considering adding another, schedule a call with me to talk about the different training options. I promise that your lack of time and attention to your dog will not be remedied by getting another one. Use this link to schedule that free call: https://calendly.com/sunshinek9training/dog-training-consultation-call