If having a dog for a pet has been a wonderful experience for everyone in your family and you are considering adding another one to your brood then this is the article for you. Animals are innocent and deserve a home but you have to consider all the pros and cons because it is a big decision. There is no throw away, exchange or refund when it comes to life. A commitment is a commitment. You will be responsible for the life and well being of the animal for the next 10 to 14 years.
Dogs by nature live in packs, and your dog considers you and your family members as the bosses. When a dog is separated from his pack he develops anxiety issues that give rise to destructive behavior. One way to help your dog cope with a household that must leave him behind on a regular basis is to get a second dog. He will then have a friend to play with, sleep with, and socialize with. This is the first and foremost reason to get a dog.
Do your family members want another pet? Please take into account their opinions and feelings. Consider both the young and the old. Dogs can sense if a member is hostile or uncomfortable with them.
If you live alone, will you be able to manage a second dog? The responsibility is double, time and energy is double, not to forget the money that will be spent – also double!!! Food, medicine, personal care products and vets don’t come cheap these days. A single operation can drain you and a duo ill at the same time could send the situation spiraling out of hand. It might be a little overwhelming.
Your dog’s compatibility and tolerance level for another dog matters totally. Don’t presume that because he is loving towards you, he will love another dog. You cannot force him to love the pet you choose. It is not fair. Dogs too have a personal space that they don’t like being invaded. You will have to ensure that he will get along with the new pet else it will not work. If the dog has behavioral issues, there is nothing a good behaviorist cannot solve. Some basic training can make a huge difference.
Last but not the least, consider the fact that one you make a commitment to the new dog by adopting him or her and your current pet doesn’t like it, what are your options?
In the end, if your family is happy having another pet and the dogs behave well with each other without creating any havoc then owning two dogs can be twice as wonderful as owning one. With double the effort to ensure a smooth transition for each animal, the affection will be double, the faithfulness and companionship double, all good things will be – DOUBLE!!