What I Wish I Knew Before Getting a Second Dog: The Good, The Hard, and The Honest
When I first started thinking about adding a second dog to our family, my heart led the way. After all, our first dog, Bella, was the sweetest companion anyone could ask for. I pictured her happily running through the garden with a new friend, curling up together on the sofa, and sharing toys.
What could be better than one dog? Two dogs, of course!
But as anyone who’s taken the leap will tell you, adding a second dog isn’t just double the love — it’s also double the work, double the planning, and occasionally double the unexpected surprises. Looking back now, I wouldn’t change it for the world. But there are definitely things I wish someone had told me before I brought Max home.
Hopefully, if you are thinking about adding to your furry family, this can serve as a list of what I learned the hard way - and what may help you feel more prepared.
Your first dog’s personality matters - a lot
In my head, I thought, “Bella loves other dogs at the park - she is going to love having a sibling at home!”
However, living with another dog full-time is a whole other experience than meeting friends for a recap play session. Bella, while gentle and friendly, is also a little reserved and pretty used to her peaceful routine! When Max - a very energetic young Labrador- came bounding into our house, Bella was polite to him at first - and then quickly overwhelmed.
I wish I would have understood that not every dog wants a playmate at home all the time. Some dogs prefer human company, or they like being the only pet. Before you take the plunge for a second dog, please observe you first dog closely:
- Do they like the company of other dogs for long periods of time, or just briefly?
- Do they easily share toys and space?
- Do they get stressed when other dogs come into the house?
If I was able to, I would have done some trial visits with Max in our home first, to see how Bella reacted before making it official.
It’s not always love at first sight - and that’s okay
Movies and Instagram posts often glamorize dogs meeting and instantly becoming best friends. That is less common. In reality, it is more typical for dogs to take days, weeks, or even months, to adapt.
In the first week Max was at home, Bella mostly ignored him, which was no surprise, as Max was constantly hounding her to play. I worried they would never get along.
Eventually, we got settled into a routine and the trainer encouraged me that a slow adjustment period like we were experiencing is actually super normal. Like us, dogs take time to figure each other out! After about a month, Bella and Max had their routine down: Bella schooled Max on nap time and Max got Bella to extend "play" sessions. They still don't cuddle most nights, but they have developed a comfortable companionship - their version of being "siblings."
Double the dogs could certainly equal double the cost (or more).
It may seem obvious, but it is easy to miss the real costs until you see your receipts.
It's not even just double the amount of food — it is also:
- Two vet check-ups each year (and, sometimes, two unexpected vet bills)
- Two sets of parasite prevention and vaccinations
- Grooming (especially if you have two dogs that require professional grooming)
- Two sets of toys, beds, leashes, collars (as sharing does not always happen)
- In addition, boarding, pet sitting and even travel become more complex and more expensive.
Single dog budgeting does not mean you love the dog less; it means you are ensuring that you can provide the same care for each dog, regardless of amount.
Walking and training become a team effort
Before Max, walking Bella was a tranquil experience. When I added Max, working together now felt like a juggling act. Now, I was holding two leashes, pulling two different speeds, and making sure that no dog lunged at any squirrels, lol.
Now, I had to reinforce basic commands. Dogs do learn from one another, but it is not always the learning you hoped for! Specifically, Max learned Bella's good habit of stopping and waiting to cross the street, and Bella started barking because Max barked at every dog we came across.
If I could do it again I would:
- Spend more time walking the dogs separately, at first, to reinforce their individual learning.
- Focus on teaching Max good leash manners before socializing the two of them.
It takes patience, - it does become easier (and even fun) eventually.
Your focus has to span farther
Honestly, one of the most difficult emotional parts was realizing that Bella had been my only dog for many years, and now she had to share me. I think dogs can genuinely feel jealous or insecure when new dog enters the family.
I made it a priority to make sure that Bella had some one-on-one time every day, like a quiet cuddle, or short walk simply the two of us. This made Bella feel secure, and our bond remain strong.
If you are bringing home a second dog remember your first dog did not ask for a sibling, so make sure they get extra reassurance that they still are equally loved.
The joy truly doubles — in ways that you do not expect.
Yes, there were times when it felt messy and growing pains, even — but there were undoubtedly special moments, like: when I first saw Bella and Max coursing as they played tug together; when they fell asleep next to each other; when they look for each other if one left the room.
Then, watching them communicate in their own special dog language — small tail wags here and there; nose nudges; plumb and play bows.
They keep each other company while I work now; and Max brought out this playful under-lying layer that I had not seen in Bella in years.
Advice from a professional helps (more than I anticipated)
To be honest, before Max, I thought I was going to be capable of navigating training on my own. However, adding a second dog to the household means things are a little different. A professional trainer helped us:
- Counter-condition Max's meeting with Bella to be balanced on both sides
- Mange resource guarding (over toys and food bowls)
- Teach separate "place" commands so the two could relax without trying to compete for your attention
It wasn't all about commands though; it was about establishing harmony within the home and it worked.
Upon reflection: would I do it all over again?
For sure - but I would have likely done a better job. I would:
- Have taken it a little more slowly to introduce them
- Have set clearer routines from day one so the dog would know what to expect and when
- Prepared myself in advance emotionally and financially
- Reached out for expert help on day 1 instead of waiting until something became problematic
Max is now a treasured family member and completed our family in ways that I could have not fathomed. And yes, it is more work than I anticipated, but it's also more laughter, more love, and more paw prints in my heart.
If you're considering adding a second dog to your home, I hope my experience can help you feel a little more ready, and a lot more excited, because although it is definitely not always easy, it is definitely worth it.