Does your dog need a friend?
Sometimes we bring home a pet and think that we will be his best friend. But, as time progresses, we realize that we don’t spend near as much time with our companion as we thought we would be able to. Often, the question may arise: does my pooch need another friend? The answer to this question has more to do with you than it does with your pet. Before you rush out to the breeder to get a dog for your dog, there are a few things to consider.
Maybe you think your pet is lonely. Or, perhaps you think your dog needs a friend because of the way he behaves when you are gone. Dogs often experience boredom and resort to destructive behaviors to relieve their energy. You may see this as a cry for a companion, when, in fact, it is a cry for something to do. Bringing a new dog into your home may not necessarily stop the behavior. In some cases, the new pooch may pick up on the existing pooch’s habits. Then, instead of one bored dog, you have two bored dogs, resulting in double the trouble. First, try working on obedience training with your existing pet. Find ways to relieve his energy when you are at home and ways to keep him occupied when you are away from home. Basically, try to figure out if your pooch is really in need of a companion or if he is merely bored. He’s probably completely happy with you as long as you show him the time and attention he deserves!
In addition to behavioral issues, you need to take time and financial issues into consideration. Two dogs are double everything: food, toys, bedding, treats, veterinarian visits, vaccinations, training, exercising, grooming, and alone time with you. If you think one pooch is expensive and time consuming, then double your thinking and make sure you have the time and money for two. Remember what you went through with your first dog. You had to house train him and train him in obedience. The new dog will require the same amount of training. He won’t learn not to do his business indoors from the other dog; that’s something you’ll have to teach.
Perhaps your first pooch is the best dog around. He’s obedient, well-mannered, sweet and docile. Because of this, you want a pet of the same breed. Well don’t assume that just because the new dog is the same breed, he will act the same way. There are many generalities that can be made across breeds; but, when it comes down to it, each dog is different no matter the breed. What happens if you come home with an unruly pooch? Will you be able to handle him and take the time to train him?
Now, take the rest of your family into consideration. Do the other members in your household want a new pet? Are they able to care for a new pet? You may be so concerned with your pooch that you forget other people who live in your home. A new dog will require help on everyone’s part, so each person’s wishes should be considered.
It seems like I am trying to give you a million reasons why you should not get a dog. Don’t mistake my intentions; I’m just trying to put things into perspective. If you have thought through all these ideas and still want a dog, then go for it! Having two pets in the home can be a wonderful thing; your dog will have a friend, and you’ll have another loving companion. As honest as your intentions may be, don’t expect your pooch to be overly excited about his new friend at first. You will need to take precautions to make sure the two get adequately accustomed to each other!
Bringing a second pet into your home can mean that your existing pooch will have a new friend. However, before you visit the breeder, make sure that you, your family members, and your pet are all ready for the new addition. If you do not have excess time for your existing pet, then realize that you definitely won’t have time to train the new one. But, if you are willing and able to handle a new dog, then go for it. With a successful introduction, the whole family can benefit from the new companion.
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