Deciding whether to adopt One or Two Dogs can be a difficult choice. Here's everything you need to know about choosing to adopt a second dog.
How to Decide
Owning a single dog is a major responsibility. Care should be taken when considering the possibility of adopting a second dog. The owners and the original dog are going to have to make some major adjustments if a new dog is introduced to the household. Both parties should be prepared for the change.
As an owner, it is important for you to determine whether or not you have the time and financial means to care for another dog. Will you be able to handle paying for double the amount in veterinarian bills and dog food? Will you have the time and patience to help both dogs get the amount of exercise they need?
How Will the first dog react to a new dog?
It is vital to assess how the first dog will react to another dog in the house. Some dogs view a new dog as competition, while others see a companion. When two dogs in the same household become competitive, they are likely to fight for your attention, causing more stress than the owner may be willing to take on. This situation may prevent the owner from walking the dogs simultaneously, which means significantly more time to walk them separately.
If the dogs get along well, there are other potential issues to consider. Unfortunately, bad behavior can be infectious. The dogs may become partners in crime when it comes to soiling the living room carpet or chewing up household objects. Most likely, however, dogs that adapt to each other in a positive way 
will simply keep each other company. This can be especially important if the owner works long hours and the dogs are frequently left alone. While the first dog may be initially reticent in accepting the new dog, an enduring friendship can be formed between the two animals.
Making the Decision
Once you have made the decision to adopt a second dog, it is important to consider the following.
- Consult a breeder about which breeds will best fit your lifestyle.
- Trainyour first dog before adopting a second.
- Socialize your dog from a young age so he is acclimated to meeting other animals.
- Choose a dog who is clearly different from your first dog. This will help you in forming individual relationships with each dog.
When you bring home the new pup, give the dogs time to check each other out. Let the new dog snoop around the house while the other supervises. Allow the dogs time to get to know each other and make sure not to ignore the first dog in the process of introductions for the new dog. With an experienced owner and two well-socialized dogs, this arrangement will be satisfying to the owner and the dogs.
