Is it better to have two dogs?
Nowadays, this is a question many pet owners find themselves asking.
The Covid-19 pandemic upended our lives (and the lives of our dogs) in countless ways. During lockdowns and stay at home orders, people had endless time to spend with their four-legged best friend. In fact, according to National Geographic, we spent more time than ever before with our dogs and pet ownership skyrocketed globally.
However, things have changed.
With employees being called back to the office, providing adequate attention and affection to our pooches is proving difficult. This has led huge numbers of doggy moms and dads to wonder, “Should I purchase a companion for my dog?”
Luckily, the canine pros at Puppies Downunder are here to explain why dogs are happier in pairs. In this article, we tackle the BIG question…
Is getting a second dog the right thing to do?
Let’s dive in!
3 Compelling Reasons to Get Another Dog
The more, the merrier.
Isn’t that how the old saying goes?
Well, turns out, there is some factual truth to this statement. Science tells us that in terms of canine behavior, dogs are family-oriented animals. Their pack can include you (their loving human) plus other critters that share the same household. As Merck Veterinary Manual explains, “Dogs are highly social animals and are well adapted to living in groups.”
Unfortunately, being home with your dog 24/7 is impossible.
The good news is, adopting a second dog is a great way to prevent the following unwanted behaviors. Not to mention, there are numerous benefits of multi-dog households.
Separation Anxiety
It can be heartbreaking to watch a dog struggle with separation anxiety. This occurs when a dog is hyper-attached to their owner, so much so, that they cannot handle being left alone.
Common signs of dog separation anxiety include:
Barking
Howling
Pacing
Chewing
Scratching at doors
Drooling
Trembling
Potty accidents
To make your pup’s life easier, consider getting another dog to help with separation anxiety.
Canine companions won’t instantly cure their stress. However, a second dog will likely alleviate some of the symptoms, calm them down, and provide hours of entertainment while owners are off at work, school, etc.
Exercise
Secondly, two dogs are fantastic for keeping each other fit.
At Puppies Downunder, our concern for the health and well-being of our animals is paramount. We have extensive knowledge and qualifications in animal biology, health, canine psychology, breeding, raising, and training spanning 45 years. Breeds we specialize in include:
Cavoodle
Bordoodle
Spoodle
Aussiedoodle
Groodle and Mini Groodle
Labradoodle and Mini Labradoodle
So, we know how important exercise is for dogs.
But the reality is, works schedules are busy. Squeezing in between 30 minutes to two hours of dog walks, runs, hikes, etc. can be a challenge some days. Getting your dog a companion is an excellent way to guarantee your pooch has a playmate to burn those calories with. Maybe even a puppy!
Puppy Training and Playfulness
Speaking of puppies…
Did you know?
Older dogs can make puppy training easier. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, young puppies model behavior they observe. A well-trained adult dog will show them the ropes, so to speak. Additionally, puppies will pee and poop wherever they see/smell the older dog “doing their business.” This speeds up the housebreaking process.
Who wouldn’t prefer fewer accidents while they are off at work?
In return, a puppy will reignite the spark in your older dog. Don’t be surprised if you notice more playfulness, excitement, and a pep in their step.
Is Getting a Second Dog the Right Thing to Do?
In summary, getting another dog can be a fantastic decision.
From lessening separation anxiety to increasing playfulness and ensuring physical exercise requirements are being met, adopting a second dog comes with numerous benefits in a post-pandemic world. As we go back to the office, don’t forget to think about your dog.
A second pet could be a “paw-some” choice!
Ready to find a puppy? View our upcoming litters by clicking here.