Paws! What to Consider Before Adopting Another Dog

As the saying goes, “A dog is a man’s best friend” and it’s without a doubt that this holds true. These four-legged animals have stuck by our side and remained loyal in many instances. Affectionate and playful, they have also been there to rescue, protect and help guide us. If you’re a dog lover, your dog is most certainly a member of the family. You play together, watch TV together, and your dog certainly gets a present on his birthday and the holidays.

You love your dog so much that you’re considering adopting another dog. After all, who wouldn’t want a sibling to hang out with? Besides, you already have one dog so you already know how to handle things, right? And what’s cuter than two dogs?

While you may be eager to find a canine friend for your beloved dog, don’t be quick to schedule the meet and greet just yet. There are many considerations to take into account before you adopt another dog.

Money

While you may have to pay an adoption fee, don’t forget to factor in other expenses. From the smaller necessities like a leash, collar, toys, and blanket to the more important like a cage, food, and health supplies like heartworm pills and shampoo, these add up quickly. Keep in mind that certain necessities you have to buy on a regular basis and have to double up now that you have two dogs to care for. Also, don’t forget about vet bills, which can especially be costly.

Time

As a dog owner, you already know a dog needs attention. But now you have to give two dogs attention. You now have two dogs to take on walks, groom them and play with them. You need to have the time available to care for both. You especially need time if your new dog needs to be trained.

Attention

When you bring another dog into the picture, you now have to give two dogs attention. While you may think this isn’t a big deal, it is. You don’t want your first dog to feel like he/she is receiving less attention now that you brought another dog into the picture. If this happens, you may notice your first dog’s personality change, which isn’t good. You want both dogs to receive equal attention.

Personality of your dog

While you should already know your dog’s personality, take a more serious look at it. What’s your dog’s play style, energy, and socialization level? These are important as you want a second dog that fits the levels of your first dog so as to not annoy or bother either of them. For instance, if you have an older dog who’s more laid back and not as energized, then getting a puppy most likely isn’t suitable.

Breed



You may have a specific breed in mind that you want. But, don’t be quick to adopt just any dog because, depending on the type of breed, dominance may factor in. Take the time to research the different breeds that get along with each other best as well as which dogs are more dominant.

Sex

Like breed, sex matters as well. Although not true in every scenario, experts do agree that the second dog should be that of the opposite sex in order to have the best chance of the two dogs getting along.

After you take these factors into consideration and found a second dog who you think will be a perfect fit, schedule a meet and greet for the dogs. Always remember that while you may really want a certain dog, it’s really up to your first dog whether or not the second dog will be coming home.

If the meet and greet goes well and you decide to adopt the new canine, as mentioned previously, it’s crucial that you watch the behavior of your first dog. You don’t want your first dog’s personality to change by introducing another canine friend in the picture.

Adopting another dog is not only exciting for you, but for your first dog since he/she now has a new friend to hang with!