The Pros of Having 2 Dogs
Owning two dogs can provide some wonderful benefits that you just can’t get with one dog. Here are some of the biggest pros of having a pair of pooches:
Companionship is one of the best parts of having dogs, and with two dogs they can provide companionship for each other. Dogs are pack animals and most enjoy having another dog around. Two dogs will play together, cuddle up for naps, and keep each other company when you are away, so neither gets lonely.
In addition to companionship, two dogs can entertain each other by playing together. Dogs often love playing with other dogs more than playing alone with toys. Having two dogs gives them a built-in playmate for wrestling, chasing, and burning off energy. This can make owning two dogs less work than owning one.
Lastly, two dogs means twice the love! If you’re a dog lover, having two dogs simply means double the affection, the wagging tails, the cute faces, and the puppy kisses. For many owners, the reward of having two adorable dogs to love outweighs any additional responsibilities.
The Cons of Having 2 Dogs
Getting a second dog can certainly seem exciting, but there are some downsides to consider before making the commitment:
Twice the Cost
From food to medical bills to grooming, supplies, boarding and more, owning two dogs literally doubles many of the expenses associated with having just one pet. Make sure your budget can comfortably accommodate the additional costs.
More Difficult to Train and Handle
It’s often more challenging to train two dogs at once, especially if they develop any bad habits that reinforce each other’s behaviors. Walking two dogs on leash also requires more coordination and strength. Be prepared to spend twice as much time on obedience training.
Double the Hair and Mess
Let’s not forget – with two dogs comes twice the dog hair all over your home and car. There will also be more slobber, dirt and accidents to clean up after. If you’re a neat freak, two dogs may quickly overwhelm your tolerance for doggie chaos.
Is 2 Dogs Twice the Work?
Whether having two dogs is twice the work really depends on the individual dogs. Puppies require a huge amount of time and effort regarding housetraining, obedience training, socialization and meeting their high energy needs. So getting two puppies at once could certainly feel like exponentially more work. However, if you already have one well-behaved adult dog and add a second mature dog that integrates well, it may not make your life twice as difficult.
The breed and temperament of the dogs is also a big factor. Two high-energy herding breeds like border collies will need more exercise and mental stimulation than two lower key companion breeds like Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Additionally, adopting one dog that already has some training versus a dog that needs to be housetrained and socialized from scratch can make a difference. The bottom line is that having two dogs can increase responsibilities and costs, but how much depends on the individual dogs and your ability to meet their needs.
Housetraining Considerations
Housetraining two puppies or dogs at once can be trickier than training just one. It’s best to housetrain puppies separately if possible, as they can easily distract and lead each other off course. Take each puppy out frequently on their own schedule, and reward successes individually.
With adult dogs, an established housetrained dog can potentially help train a new dog by modeling good behavior. However, some bonded adult dogs will intentionally misbehave together, reverting to urinating and defecating indoors. Keep a close eye on all dogs when introducing a new one to your home, and be prepared to go back to basics with housetraining for everyone.
The main tips for successfully housetraining two dogs are: maintain a consistent schedule, actively supervise, confine when you can’t watch them, and reward outdoor potties immediately. The more dogs you have, the more often you’ll need to take them all outside. Patience and persistence are key – with good management and positive reinforcement, you can housetrain multiple dogs.
Obedience Training Tips for 2 Dogs
Training two dogs at once can seem like a daunting task, but with some planning and patience, you can teach both dogs good manners. When bringing home a second dog, it’s best to train each one separately at first. After the basics like sit, stay, come, down, and heel are mastered individually, you can then work on training the dogs together.
To avoid confusion between the dogs, use different commands for each one. For example, say “Sit” for one dog and “Hank, park it” for the other. You can also use hand signals unique to each dog. Giving each dog a different cue for the same behavior helps them learn to respond only to their specific command.
Take turns working with each dog during joint training sessions. Reward them frequently with praise and treats for responding to their individual cue and remaining focused on you even when the other dog is receiving attention. Be patient and persistent, and with time both dogs will learn how to be obedient members of the household together.
Exercise Needs for 2 Dogs
Walking and exercising two dogs takes some extra planning and practice compared to just one dog. With two dogs, you’ll likely need to double up on daily walks, playtime and other physical activities. Trying to handle two leashes at once can be challenging at first, so investing in dual-dog walking equipment like a coupler or split leash can help make managing two dogs on walks easier. Mentally stimulating and tiring out two dogs is important as well through interactive toys, training sessions, or games like fetch. Since two dogs will often egg each other on, it’s essential they get adequate physical and mental exercise to prevent behavior issues from developing out of boredom or excess energy.
Having two dogs certainly keeps you more active! But with the right tools and training, you can absolutely meet the exercise needs of two dogs. Take them on separate walks or outings sometimes to give each individual attention too. And if you get creative with at-home activities, you can ensure your two pups stay happy and healthy.
Traveling with 2 Dogs
Taking trips with two dogs requires more planning and logistics compared to a one dog household. With two dogs, you’ll face twice the boarding fees if you go on vacation and need someone to watch your pups. Some boarding facilities charge per pet, so costs add up fast. When considering flying, airlines have size limits for pet crates and often restrict the number of animals per passenger. You may need to book two seats just to bring your dogs along. Road trips also take more preparation with two canine companions. You’ll need to ensure there’s room in your vehicle for separate crates, bring twice the amount of food/supplies, and make adequate potty pitstops along the way. Travel is certainly doable with two dogs, but expect double the work compared to managing a single pooch.
The 2 Dog Dynamic
When getting two dogs at once, it’s important to consider their relationship and interactions with each other. Littermates often bond very closely, sometimes to the point that they do not properly socialize with humans. They may become too reliant on each other, leading to separation anxiety when apart. Littermates also often compete with each other for your attention and resources.
Getting a male and a female dog, especially when they are neutered/spayed, often works well. Opposite sex pairings tend to have natural differences that complement each other. Two dogs of the same sex can work too, but may be more prone to conflicts depending on breed tendencies.
No matter the pairing, monitor your dogs for signs of resource guarding against each other. Feed, walk, and train them separately at times. And give them equal individual attention, so neither becomes jealous. With thoughtfulness to their unique relationship, two dogs can enrich each other’s lives and yours.
Is Your Home and Lifestyle a Fit?
Before bringing home that second dog, make sure your home and lifestyle can realistically accommodate two canine companions. Consider the following:
Enough space and yard for two dogs? Two dogs need more room to play and exercise than one. Do you have a securely fenced backyard where they can zoom and romp safely? Is your indoor space large enough for multiple beds, crates, and toys? Can you designate a contained area or room as the dogs’ domain?
Can you afford double the costs? From food to medical bills, having two dogs means spending about twice as much on the basics. Create a budget accounting for ongoing expenses like food, annual vet checkups, boarding fees when traveling, grooming supplies, training classes, licenses, and emergencies.
Time for training, exercise, care? Two dogs require more of your time. Are you prepared to train and socialize two puppies? Can you commit to longer, more frequent walks and playtime? Make sure your schedule allows plenty of quality time with each dog one-on-one and together.
If your honest assessment is that your home, finances, and schedule cannot comfortably accommodate two dogs’ needs, it’s best to stick with one furry companion for now. But if you have the space, budget, and time, two dogs can be double the fun!
The Verdict
Having two dogs can be rewarding if done right, but it’s not necessarily better than having just one dog. Here’s a summary of the key pros and cons to weigh when deciding if getting a second dog is right for you:
Pros:
- Dogs can keep each other company and often become close companions
- They may exercise together and tire each other out
- Training two dogs at once has some efficiencies
- Twice the love, affection, fun and cuteness!
Cons:
- Significantly more expensive with twice the food, medical, and other bills
- Requires more time and attention for care, training, exercise, etc.
- More potential for fights/behavior issues as dogs adjust
- Travel and boarding is twice as difficult
Whether getting a second dog is better really depends on your specific breed choices, space constraints, commitment to training, and overall lifestyle. Two dogs can be wonderful for an active family in a large house. But for a small apartment dweller who travels often, one dog may be a better fit.
The keys to success with two dogs are proper early socialization and training, plus ensuring you can meet all their care, exercise and supervision needs. If you put in the effort to set up a smooth multi-dog home, two dogs can be an extremely rewarding experience!