Second Dog? 7 Ways to Know You’re Ready

October 8, 2016

Okay, so maybe you’re a first-time dog parent who’s just gotten comfortable wearing your new responsibility. Maybe you’ve had bunches of dogs in your life, but only one at a time. Whatever your situation, if you’re thinking about adding a second dog to your family there a few things you should keep in mind. Seven things, actually. These are 7 ways to tell if you’re ready for another dog.

7 Ways to Know You’re Ready for a Second Dog

1. The first dog is one your happy, healthy pup!

Yep, you’ve fed, sheltered, and successfully raised your first dog without ever missing a vet appointment. In fact, your dog loves you in a multitude of ways you never even imagined!

2. ALL members of your household are on board.

Getting another dog is not a light decision. Everyone in your home, from your significant other or children, right down to your first dog, all need to want a second dog. If others feel overburdened by the idea of another dog, or your pup doesn’t get along with other pups, it may not be the time.

3. It’s cool with your landlord.

Some landlords allow you to have pets even if your lease says you can’t. This just gives them the discretion to deal with problem pets, like cats. So always check with them, even if pets are allowed. Check with your landlord to see if there is a set number of pets allowed by the lease. If you own a home, then do you, you just do you!

Think You’re Ready for a Second Dog? Keep Reading if You’re Still Not Sure!

4. Do you have the time to train a new dog.

You might get a second dog who’s already housebroken, but you know what that dog doesn’t know? You or your family. There will be a period of adjustment for both you and the new dog and you need to be able to dedicate yourself to the care of the new pup until their transition is complete. You might not consider it training, but it is.

5. You can safely transport TWO dogs when needed.

That means a new leash and harness, a new carrier, maybe even a new car depending on where you live and how big your pups are. Now you’ll have to get two dogs to the vet, two dogs to the park, and if you’re lucky enough to work for Petland, two dogs to work.

6. No new hooman puppies.

We love hooman puppies, but if you plan on having another one then it isn’t the time to get a dog. Both hooman puppies and new dogs require 100% of your attention, so you’ll need to make sure you can provide that for whoever you welcome into your home.

7. Your first dog wants a second dog.

No matter how great a pup parent you are, you still have a job and other obligations that keep you away from your darling dog. Don’t they deserve the company of a fellow darling? If you think your dog needs a friend, then you know your dog well enough to introduce another dog into the arrangement.

We know that the decision to add another puppy to your home won’t be taken lightly and we want to let you know, at Petland, we support you! Literally, we specialize in new dog training and tricks for adding another puppy to an already dog filled household. It doesn’t matter if your new family member comes from our store or not, come by and see what a wealth of knowledge we have on our canine buddies! We have everything you need in-store for training, outfitting and occupying your new pup!