Bringing a dog home is a huge decision and it is certainly not a decision to be taken lightly. The concept is nice: having a dog is often very pleasant! But, it’s not such a light and easy decision as it seems! You must assume this dog until he dies! It seems this is what so many people forget when considering a second animal. You might like the idea of having a second dog in your house, but what happens when you make it happen?
It might not be as simple and enjoyable as you once thought it would be, which can make things a little awkward and uncomfortable around the house. You see, having a first dog is such a great choice that so many people think the second is no different. The truth, however, is that it is very different. A second dog means you have to do everything twice. This is not always as easy as it sounds and that is why it is absolutely imperative to consider a few things before making the final decision to adopt a second dog.
Here are the 10 questions to ask yourself before getting a second dog!
1 Is the rest of the family okay with getting another dog?
You should ask this question every time you bring a dog home, whether it’s your first or your second or even your tenth. If your family doesn’t want another dog, it’s not a good idea to bring another one.
2 Do you have children at home?
Your first dog might be comfortable with children because he was raised with them. Another dog might not accept children in their experience and this could be a problem for owners. You must therefore think about the situation, before choosing your second dog.
3 Can you afford a second dog?
You can’t take care of a dog if you can’t afford it. You must be able to take care of your first dog in a way that allows him to live well, but also for the next dog. You need money for vet visits, food, water, toys, and medicine. Can you handle this for two dogs?
4 Do you have time to devote to a new dog in addition to the first one?
Some questions to ask yourself before picking up a second dog are: Do you have time for a second dog? You may think so because you have time to take care of your first dog. But, your current time may not be enough to integrate a second dog into the family. Indeed, with a second dog, everything takes longer:
• walks
• play time
• education
You need to have extra time on top of what you already spend with your first dog.
5 Is your first dog sociable?
If you have a dog who doesn’t get along with other dogs or is uncomfortable with them, this might not be a good idea. You have to ask yourself if the dog you already have will be able to bring a new companion into the house, or else he will be unhappy
6 How old is your first dog?
Some adult or aging dogs are not too keen on making contact with puppies. This means that your old dog might not adapt to the arrival of a new puppy. This is a very important consideration that you should make before bringing another dog home. It’s exhausting for a dog, like a human, to have to bring a newcomer into the house. The dog has to take new marks and adapt. Its not always easy.
7 Why did you decide to adopt a second dog?
This is a very important question. There are some reasons which are not good enough to be an excuse to take another dog. For example, you don’t take a second dog, just to make the company for your first one. They could then be bored together. The second dog should not be an excuse to compensate for a lack of investment by the master.
8 What has changed since you had your first dog?
How has your life changed? You have a dog, but you haven’t always had this dog. What is so different in your life now that you want a second dog? You really need to consider an honest answer here before you make the decision to bring another dog home. The changes can be good, or they can put you through hell. Are you ready to have new changes?
9 How will having a second dog change your life?
Is it going to make your life more enjoyable, because your children have moved and you lack company? Will it allow you to spend more time at home or more time being active? How will a second dog change your life?
10 Is your house big enough for two dogs?
Just because your house is big enough or comfortable enough for one dog, doesn’t necessarily mean it is for the second dog. It’s a great idea to consider how much space you have in your home and how that will affect both dogs. Is there enough space for them to find their own place and not be forced to stay together if they don’t want to?
Adopting a dog is never a bad idea! So imagine a second? I hope this article on the 10 questions to ask yourself before taking a second dog has helped you!
