Benefits of having two dogs instead of one
Everything you need to know before expanding your dog family
¿IS IT BETTER TO HAVE TWO DOGS THAN ONE?
Approximate reading time: 5 minutes
Your relationship with your dog is so special that it's no wonder you're considering adding a new furry friend to the family. Dogs are loyal, loving, fun-loving creatures who make us happy. So it makes sense to think about adopting a new pet that will also become your dog's best companion. The advantages of sharing your life with two dogs, instead of just one, are many, although the most important one is that of adding happiness to your day to day life. That is guaranteed!
Table of contents
1- Advantages of having two dogs
2- How to introduce another dog into the family?
Advantages of having two dogs
If your dog is the master of your heart but you are keen to open the doors of your home to a new furry friend, congratulations! It's wonderful to want to take on the responsibility of caring for an animal, looking after their welfare and offering them your love and security... for the second time! On the other hand, you're probably itching to have doggie love doubled in your life, and perhaps you've even considered that a new four-legged companion might help your dog feel less lonely when you're not with them. Let's take a look at the benefits of having two dogs instead of one.
The best companion for your dog
First of all, we want to make it clear that if you feel you don't have enough time in your life to dedicate to the dog you already have, you should never get another one, not even to keep them company. However, it is true that having a friend by your dog's side at all times can help your furry friend not to feel so lonely in those moments when you can't be by their side, such as when you go to work. If you have the space, time and resources, go for it! With proper settling-in time, the two animals are likely to become great friends. They will play with each other, snuggle together to sleep, and stimulate each other. Having two dogs instead of just one can help your pet combat loneliness and boredom, preventing disorders such as separation anxiety.
Socialisation with a member of their own kind
Although dogs are great friends with humans and enjoy their company, they also need to socialise with members of their own species. In this way, they establish the learning of communication codes that they have already begun to rehearse in their litter, with their mother and siblings, set boundaries and connect with their instinct and nature. Normally, this contact between dogs takes place in the street, during walk time. But, if you have another dog at home, your furry friend will have the privilege of interacting with a fellow dog 24 hours a day. Of course, this is not a substitute for socialising with other dogs, but it will certainly be very positive for their mental health. In addition, having another pet in the house can help your pet to relate better to other dogs outside in their daily lives.
Makes it easier to raise your puppy
If you already have a pet and are thinking of adopting a puppy, you should know that the presence of an adult dog will be very positive for their development and learning. Older dogs often act as guides for puppies, imitating their behaviour and learning from their limits. Therefore, if your adult dog is well educated and you start to train your puppy, it will be much easier for you to have their ‘big brother’ as a reference point. This is good news!
More motivation, more exercise
Although this may vary depending on the age and temperament of each animal, normally a second dog, especially if they are a puppy, motivates the first dog to play and therefore to exercise and be active. Provided there is compatibility of character and energy, puppies fill adult dogs with joy and stimulation, while the latter, as we have seen above, help their little friends to acquire good behaviour and to respect their limits.
Double doggy love for you
Welcoming a new dog into your home is a big responsibility, but it certainly doubles the amount of doggy love you will receive every day. Just think, if you have two dogs, there will almost always be one of them that wants to play or is awake for a cuddle session. Having a new pet can be a challenge, but the love and joy that these amazing animals bring back makes it all worth it. Imagine how much you love your dog and multiply that by two - how wonderful!
How do you introduce another dog into the family?
Many people fear that by having a second dog, the first dog will develop jealous behaviour or, in general, create conflicts. To avoid these problems and facilitate a good coexistence between the two pets, we advise you to introduce them to each other in a neutral place. Little by little, let the two spend time together, if possible, gradually increasing the duration of these encounters and always making sure that both have their objects and their spaces well delimited. With patience and some time to adjust, your two dogs will probably end up getting along very well - many become inseparable friends!