Should You Get A Second Dog? (Or A Third, Or A Fifth, Or A...)

Is it time to get another dog? 

When you feel that urge for the next round of pet parenthood, there are a few things to consider first -- are you ready to take on the financial responsibility? Will your older dog get along? Is your house still puppy-proof? What size hoodie will he wear?! 

Jokes aside, considering a second (or third, or fourth, or fifth...) dog comes with a lot of extra thinking. Here are a few of the questions you should ask yourself before you consider adopting another dog. 

1. Is my older dog (or dogs) fully trained and out of puppyhood?

If you thought one puppy was exhausting to take care of, try adding a second to the mix when your older dog is going through the "terrible twos." Before adding a new four-legged family member, consider your current dog's temperament and level of training. Generally, senior dogs might find a new puppy annoying or overwhelming, while two puppies close in age can struggle with dominance (and have TONS of energy to spend shredding your furniture). Before adopting a second dog, make sure your older dog is ready for the new addition. 

2. Can I afford another dog?

It's time to crunch those tough financials. For a lot of quarantine pet parents, the general vibe is, "I'll adopt a puppy and figure out the money parts as I go." However, a second dog means twice the vet bills, twice the dog food, twice the toys, and twice the amount of time spent picking up poo. (It also means twice the belly rubs though, so a lot of the time it'll be worth it.) Ask yourself very seriously if you're financially stable enough to take on the pressure of another pet. If you're not feeling financially comfortable or stable in your job, wait a few months and check in again. 

3. Do I have time in my schedule to adopt a second dog?

This is another big one -- adding a new dog to the mix is a time that requires TONS of mental and emotional attention. This is especially true considering you'll need to balance out your older dog's needs (and probably a good bit of jealousy) while training the puppy. One benefit of working from home right now is having the time to train a puppy or new older dog, but do you expect your schedule to change in the next few months? Are you getting married, having a baby, or planning a long trip? All of these big life events can cause a lot of stress for a new puppy or an older dog adjusting to a new home -- and it might be better for your sanity and his to wait until life calms down a little. 

4. Does my older dog suffer from anxiety, social aggression, or health problems? 

How will your current dog(s) react to the presence of a new whippersnapper in town? Sometimes, even the "chillest" dog lets out a bit of her inner Cujo when toy possession, food aggression, or jealousy come into play. If your dog suffers from pre-existing behavioral conditions like anxiety, separation anxiety, social aggression, or fear of other dogs, it's a good idea to work on these behavioral issues for a while before introducing a new puppy to the mix. If needed, consult with a professional dog trainer or your vet to see what you can do to make an anxious dog's day easier, BEFORE you introduce a loud and energetic ball of fur who's going to mix up her whole routine. 

5. Is my family ready for this? Am *I* ready for this?! 

At the end of the day, only you know if you're ready to adopt another dog. If you live with roommates, a spouse, kids, or a large family, the decision has to be made by EVERYONE. If you're just getting another dog because your kids want one, or you're the only person in the household ready for the new addition, take a deep breath and a step back. It's critical to get everyone on the same page before you add a new dog to the mix. The last thing you want is to adopt a new puppy, only to suddenly realize the family wasn't as on board with your decision as you thought. 

Whether you're adopting your first puppy, fostering a loveable senior, or adding your tenth dog to your open-concept farm, Frenchie Bulldog is here to help keep your pets safe, warm, and fashionable with the latest and greatest harnesses, hoodies, and accessories. 

Shop our new arrivals today, like the all new BUTTERFLY Collection!