When is the Right Time to Add a Second Dog?

You love your dog, but have you ever thought about adding a new furry family member to the mix? For most dog lovers, the thought of owning more than one dog is tempting. After all, there's even more canine love to go around! However, are you ready to add a second dog to your family? And is your dog ready? Here are some tips on how to know when it's the right time to bring a new furry family member home. 

Is your dog a fully-trained adult?

Puppies can be a lot of work - you know that! Before you consider adding either a puppy or an adult dog to the mix, make sure that your dog is fully trained and out of the puppy stage. This will ensure that you're able to focus your attention on training your new dog. 

Can you finance another dog?

Dogs can be expensive, especially at first! With initial registration costs, vet bills, and new toys and products, a second dog can be an expensive addition to the family. Be sure that you are able to afford taking a new furry family member in, both short-term and long-term.

Does everyone agree?

If your family is bigger than just you and your dog, make sure that everyone agrees that a second dog is a good idea. Spouses and children should have a say, since they will also be spending time training and nurturing another dog. You should also consider how other pets might feel, such as your other dog or your cats.

Do you have free time?

Even if you adopt a dog that's already trained, it still takes some time to help them adjust to their new household and family. If you're thinking about taking in a second dog, you want to make sure that you have time to help the new pup get adjusted to an all-new environment. 

Does your pup love other dogs?

If your pup loves hanging out with their friends or playing at the park, then they might like having another dog in the house to play with! But if your dog has any aggression or anxieties around other dogs, you should reconsider bringing another pup into their domain. 

So, if you're thinking about the pup that is up for adoption at your local shelter, maybe it's time to take them home!