Many dog lovers want second or more dogs after a while. But what is better? Keeping a single dog or multiple dogs?

What will a second dog bring with it?

If only one dog lives in a household, there is more time and attention available for this dog. Especially if there are many dogs in a household, it is difficult to do justice to all the dogs and to exercise them according to their individual needs. With a single dog, it is also easier to react to problems and manage them. If two or more dogs pull on the leash or show other undesirable behavior, it is much more difficult to keep the situation under control. If vacation care is needed for the vacations or if one is dependent on help in case of illness, it is also much easier for a dog to get support. In addition, it must not be forgotten that a dog is significantly cheaper to care for. Food, veterinary costs, etc. double or multiply with several dogs. In addition, single dogs usually bond more closely to humans and have more intense relationships.

The factors in favor of multiple dog ownership.

Every dog is different and can enrich your life in a different context. For example, each dog can be trained for specific tasks based on its individual strengths, such as a particular dog sport or therapy dog work. In addition, the different characters of the dogs offer an interesting and deep insight into the dog world and intra-species communication. With a second (or more) dog(s), the dogs always have a friend available – be it for playing or just so that the single dog is not alone. A confident first dog can also teach the newcomer a lot. But beware! Undesirable behavior gets also copied.

Now, what is better?

It can not be said in general, whether keeping a single dog or multiple dogs is better. It depends entirely on the type of man and on the idea of his life. The more dogs are added, the more limited are the freedoms and the more time the dogs need. It is the same as the costs. It should be considered in any case just as with the acquisition of a first dog, well, whether one or more additional dogs fit into the life and whether one can do justice to these. It should also be noted that not every dog benefits from another dog, so it should also be looked at whether you really do the existing dog a favor with another dog. If the conditions are right and you have a lot of fun and joy in the intensive interaction with several dogs, keeping multiple dogs can be an enrichment. Equally, however, keeping a single dog can also be more advantageous.

If you are unsure whether a second dog is right for you and your dog, you can get advice from our professional dog trainers in the Trainer Chat.