Guide to a Multi-Dog Household

Often humans find themselves so overwhelmed with the love and bond they have for their canine companions that they wish to double or triple their pleasure by obtaining multiple dogs. Perhaps it is the idea of what is one more when I already have one or perhaps it is that people feel like they have to save just one more from the shelter? For whatever reason people choose to take on this responsibility, it is not for the faint of heart. It involves two to three times the work of a single dog household. With all of the work comes many rewards and most pack parents, or multi-dog households, could not imagine life any other way. For those considering a multi-dog household here are a few factors for you to consider before adopting more dogs:

1. Financial Responsibility: Multiply the costs of caring for your current dog by two or three depending on the increase in dogs and that is what you are looking at paying for dog care. Costs that will double or triple include food, Veterinary care, beds, toys, etc. There are also unforeseen costs that come with multiple dogs. One dog could be less healthy than the first or there could be costs arising from fights within the pack. If you can not afford this or are not willing to make lifestyle changes should they become necessary, do not get a second dog. While some American’s are house poor, pet parents to multi-dog households are often dog poor and happy to be so.

2. Behavior of your current dog: When considering a second or third dog you should look to the behavior of your present pooch. If you did a good job socializing and training him then chances are that your doggie addition will go smoothly. If your current dog is barely trained and hard to control you are only asking for trouble bringing home a second dog. There is good reasoning behind this statement. If you trained and socialized your first dog it stands to reason that you have the ability, perseverance and patience to complete this task and are well suited to do it again with another dog. It also means that your new dog will look to your current dog for behavioral cues and if he is doing the right thing then you have a jump on training your new addition. If your present pooch is not in role model form then take some time to train him and establish a routine before bringing home a newbie as this will make life easier for all involved.

3. Personality of your current dog: When considering adding a dog to your pack you must make your current dog’s personality or temperament your primary consideration. While you should always be the leader of the pack you will need to make sure that you have dogs with different leadership or dominance requirements. If your current dog is shy or aloof then you could consider adding a hyper attention seeker. If your current dog can be a bit dominant then you can consider a more submissive addition. On the other hand, if you have a submissive dog on your hand then you can consider almost any type of personality when adding to your pack. Getting two dominant or aggressive dogs can work if you have extensive handling experience; however, it can also end in disaster.

4. Your level of commitment: Upon first blush it appears that taking care of two dogs takes no more effort than caring for one. While it might seem that way it is completely untrue. Taking care of a second dog often takes twice the time as taking care of the first. While this is not always the case it can be so more often than not. If you are already having difficulties meeting the physical caretaking requirements of your current dog then do not consider adding another to your pack.

If you can not see yourself realistically caring for multiple dogs, do not guilt yourself into feeling like you have to get another dog. In the event that you can not meet your requirements or are stretched too thin, you will likely have to find a new home for your addition, to no benefit of him. If one dog is enough, enjoy your one dog. Dogs may seem to enjoy the presence of other dogs; however, most of them thrive in an only dog household as long as they have the love, attention and discipline of their human pack.

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