Should You Be Getting a Second Dog? The Pros and Cons of Having Two Dogs

Adding a second dog to your family can be a huge decision – it was for our family. Moses, our rescued Anatolian Shepherd was four years old at the time, and while we knew he loved dogs, we weren’t sure how he’d be with another dog in the house.

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While the idea of doubling the love and fun was appealing, we carefully considered getting a second dog. We realized that while having a second dog can bring numerous benefits to a home, it also comes with added responsibilities.

We decided that the pros outweighed the cons and made the leap into having two dogs when we brought home an 8-week-old Labrador puppy we named Lewie. Now, four years into being a two-dog home, we thought we’d share our thoughts on the pros and cons of this important choice.

Pictured below: Moses, 4 years old, and new puppy brother Lewie - Nov. 2019

Pros of Getting a Second Dog

• Companionship for Your First Dog: One of the biggest advantages of having a second dog is providing companionship for your current pup. Moses LOVES other dogs, so we thought it would be beneficial for him to have a companion. Dogs are social animals, and a second dog can help with boredom and loneliness when their people are not around. They also can play together, which keeps both dogs mentally and physically stimulated.

• Double the Love and Joy: With two dogs, we have twice the love and laughter in our home! Getting a second dog means adding another layer of joy to your household and watching them interact, play, and bond can be incredibly rewarding and entertaining. Having a second dog also brings another personality into your home. Where Moses is stoic and laid back, Lewie is goofy, playful and cuddly. Personality-wise, they couldn’t be any more different, but this works for them – and for us.

• Exercise Motivation – for them and YOU: Having a second dog often means more playtime interaction between the dogs, which translates into built-in exercise for them. Moses and Lewie regularly play chase in the yard or have friendly wrestling matches which are hysterical to watch! Getting another dog can also motivate you to stay active. Walking two dogs can be a bit more challenging, but it can also encourage you to get outside more often and maintain a healthier routine for both you and your pups.

• Helps with General Anxiety and Separation Anxiety: If your current dog struggles with anxiety – getting a second dog can sometimes help. Moses is a rescue and even after being with us for seven years, he still gets anxious out in public.  With Lewie in tow, he is a little bit braver and calmer. Having another dog around can also make your first pup feel more secure when you’re away. They can keep each other company, reducing stress and separation anxiety for both dogs.

• Training Benefits: Believe it or not, having a second dog can sometimes make training easier. Your first dog, if well-trained, can be a role model for the new pup, helping them learn routines and commands faster. Dogs often learn by observing each other, which can make the training process smoother. Moses is the consummate gentleman, and so Lewie quickly learned good manners. For example, Moses doesn’t beg for food, so Lewie doesn’t beg for food. We may have the only Lab on the planet that doesn’t beg for food thanks to Moses!

The Cons of Getting a Second Dog

• Potential Behavioral Issues: How Moses would react and behave with a second dog was our number one concern. Not all dogs get along right away, and there could be conflicts as they adjust to one another. Your first dog may not appreciate sharing their space, toys, or your attention, which could lead to behavioral issues. It’s important to introduce them properly and be patient during the transition. Also consider that some dogs are better at being the only dog in their home. When thinking about a second dog, you need to understand the personality of your first dog. If your dog is protective of you or other family members and/or is reactive when it sees other dogs walking by your home or during walks, your dog may be happier being the only dog in the house. Follow their lead and your gut.

• Increased Costs: One of the most obvious drawbacks of getting a second dog is the added cost. Double the food, vet visits, grooming, daycare, and supplies can add up quickly. Pet insurance, boarding, and unexpected health issues will also need to be factored into your budget when having a second dog.

• Time Commitment & Manageability: Having a second dog requires more time for feeding, walking, and training. If you’re already feeling stretched thin with one dog, adding another could make it harder to balance your time. Also, if you are a single person or someone who is alone often, managing two dogs can be overwhelming, especially with walks. Both of our dogs are large and come in at a combined weight of 230 lbs. That is a lot of dog for one person to walk – but there are two of us and two of them, so that’s how we manage. That being said, if we had two small dogs, it may be easier for one person to walk both. It comes down to each dog’s personality, size, and what you feel you can manage.

• Space Considerations: Before getting a second dog, think about whether your home has enough space. Two dogs need room to move, play, and rest without feeling cramped. A small living space might make it challenging for both dogs to coexist comfortably. Another consideration is your car and if that has adequate space to fit two dogs. With two large dogs, we need to have a large car – an SUV, that can fit them both. We currently have a VW Atlas, and it’s roomy and comfortable for both dogs…and for us too!

• Twice the Housekeeping: Let’s face it—dogs can be messy! Having a second dog means double the shedding, muddy paws, poop, and general mess around the house. You’ll likely find yourself cleaning more often, whether it’s sweeping up fur or wiping down furniture. Moses and Lewie shed 365 days a year, and the struggle is real- but worth it.

Our opinion? If possible, we will always have two dogs going forward. The pros outweigh the cons for our family, and getting a second dog has been a wonderful experience that has brought more love, joy, and companionship to our home. However, we know getting a second dog is not for everyone – or every dog. It’s crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons before making the decision. Having a second dog does mean extra responsibilities, time, and expenses, but if you are prepared for these changes, the rewards are immeasurable! Just ask Moses and Lewie.