Should You Get a Dog for Your Dog?

Many people consider getting another dog because they want a friend and companion for the dog they already have. In some cases, this can be a great idea… assuming that the family also wants an additional pet for themselves. Not only because they think the dog wants a dog.

Before making the decision to get another dog, it’s important to examine exactly why you’re considering another pet. Is it because your dog has separation anxiety and you’re hoping a canine companion will help him to cope when you go out? Or perhaps because your current dog is energetic and mischievous and you’re hoping a friend will help him to burn off energy? Read on!

A dog is an animal. Although it’s difficult to think of our furry family members this way, the fact is that they are animals who instinctively relate to the others in their household as their pack. If a dog has a behavior problem that involves the pecking order (such as being uncomfortable when the pack leader is not at home or lack of following house rules), another dog is not going to teach him to change his ways. In fact the new dog, who will likely bond with the other canine in the house, is more likely to learn these negative behaviors from the first dog!

Assuming the dog you already have is well adjusted and nicely behaved, a second dog is still going to require training and work on your part. Just as you wouldn’t expect a child to single-handedly teach a new baby to be potty trained or not to run in the street, so will your new dog need to learn these things from you… not from your dog.

Another thing to remember is that each dog has their own personality, even if they’re the same breed. The docile labrador retriever that already graces your hearth could have a progeny who chews it out of its frame!

Of course, there are other things to consider when thinking about getting another pet, including the double expenses of food, veterinary care and grooming. Other factors include double the vacuuming, twice the barking and the increased bill for boarding when you go out of town.

If these factors have all been taken into consideration and you still want another dog, then congratulations… you’re ready for another dog! Perhaps like my family did, you actually want another pet for yourself and not just for your pet (yes, one of our cats is technically our cat’s cat that we got for his birthday).

On the other hand, if the facts mentioned above are making you think twice, you’ll just have to resist (your dog’s?) pleas of “Pweeze can we get another dawg?”

Lori Verni-Fogarsi has been an author, speaker, small business consultant, and Certified Master Trainer for 18+ years. Her novel, “Momnesia,” (contemporary women’s fiction) has been designated a National Indie Excellence Book Awards Finalist, and her nonfiction book, “Everything You Need to Know About House Training Puppies and Adult Dogs,” has been widely acclaimed in its genre. To learn more, please visit www.LoriTheAuthor.com and join Lori on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LoriTheAuthor.