Are two dogs better than one? Is one dog easier to take care of? Are two dogs more expensive? Will two dogs be on the same schedule? Will two puppies be happier than leaving one alone? There are many things to consider when thinking about a second dog. There are also a lot of different scenarios to consider. Let’s examine some of the most common situations that may include the circumstances of your household and what you might be planning to do.
If you have an adult dog and decide to get a puppy
The best way to introduce your first dog and your new puppy is outside your home in neutral territory. The adult dog often ignores and is annoyed with the new, energetic, relentless pup. However, after a week or two, you may start to see a wonderful relationship develop between the two. The best situation is when the mature dog is well-trained, and the puppy follows suit. It’s OK and beneficial if the adult dog corrects the puppy because that is the best way for a puppy to learn, as long as the correction is not aggressive and neither dog is injured. If that happens, the pet parent needs to step in. Having the first dog in the home lead the way will get the puppy on a good schedule and help to teach the puppy to go out for bathrooming, (yes I know that’s not a word) walk on a leash, and other basic skills needed to be a “good” dog.
If you have a senior dog and decide to get a puppy
If you have a senior dog in good health and can physically handle the puppy’s activities, you may experience a similar situation to the above scenario. Very often, the energy of the new puppy will surprisingly energize the older dog, and you may witness the clock turn back before your eyes. Isn’t that nice? Senior dogs with arthritis that experience pain and discomfort may not have the patience to withstand being jumped on, pulled at, or bitten by a young puppy. If that is the case, eyes on supervision is needed when the puppy is roaming around the house freely.
If you decide to adopt two mature rescued dogs from a shelter
I can only imagine how wonderful it would be if you were to save two lives instead of one. If the dogs have spent time together at the shelter, it’s ideal for them to be together in a new home. Dogs that are abused, neglected, or suffer extreme anxiety and fear of humans and would normally retreat or hide can assimilate into a new home environment better and with reduced stress, if they are with another dog they are already friends with.
If you decide to get two puppies at the same time
Here are the pros and cons. Pros first: The puppies have each other for comfort. They may be quiet during the first few nights when a puppy has difficulty adjusting because they’re not alone. Two puppies will most likely be on the same schedule of eating, going out to the bathroom, sleeping, playing, and such, especially if they are littermates or very close to the same age. Leaving two puppies home together is usually easier than leaving one puppy home alone, again because they have each other, which avoids separation anxiety. A huge pro for you is getting double the amount of love and affection; playtime is twice the fun. Not all dogs are guard dogs, but most are watchdogs, and two watchdogs are far better than one.
Here are the cons: Puppies that have each other may not bond as quickly with their pet parents. A puppy usually finds more comfort in another puppy, especially a littermate, than a human. Two puppies are more work than one; think of twins. Training is more time-consuming and difficult if you start by training one dog at a time. It’s almost impossible to separate two puppies that live together and have formed a strong bond. Veterinary procedures such as spaying or neutering may cause situations where separation can’t be avoided.
Two pups cannot live as cheaply as one. Having two pups for almost everything is more expensive, especially veterinarian expenses. Most pet parents have two of almost everything when they have two dogs. Pet parents shop with two dogs in mind when buying leashes, collars, crates, bedding, bowls, toys, car harnesses, food, and treats. Oversharing is not common among dogs. Dog walking, professional training, daycare, boarding, grooming, and any other dog-related service will more expensive.  
I have always had more than one dog. Dogs are social and need to be part of a pack. They thrive on companionship and immensely enjoy the bond they form with another dog, even though they consider their pet parents to be pack members as well. Dogs can do things together that they cannot do with a human. Most important of all to me is that I know they always have each other if I’m not with them.
If you are considering bringing home a new addition to your canine family, consider your first dog’s personality, age, sex, size, and health. Ask your veterinarian what they suggest would be a good match.
