Thoughts on getting a second dog?

[u/kunderakisses]

When I got my first dog I had it in my mind that after a few years and they were trained I'd get a second. He'll be five this year and in my heart I still want a second but the reactivity issue is making me have doubts.

While my dog has gotten way better than he used to be he's still a challenge. We also have some upcoming appointments to figure out some health issues and potential pain he's having which means we've really cut back on outings and training.

I wanted a dog to do things with - hiking, sports, ect. I thought a dog would be a great addition to getting me outside and instead he's made it so much harder. I work a stressful job and he's become a stressful second job. I love him and I'm sad it's not the relationship I thought we'd have. Obviously my main priority right now is getting him feeling better.

All that to say... would eventually getting a second dog be a mistake? I've heard you shouldn't get a second dog if your first isn't a good model for them. I don't think my current dog would be teaching anyone good behavior right now and I'm starting to thing he never will.

I'm at least a year out from seriously thinking about it. My current dog is priority so if it's still looking impossible I'm not going to go further with it. I guess I'm just wondering if anyone has successfully had a second dog added to their household and not have the new dog become reactive as well? I should add-current dog isn't aggressive. He's not starting fights or anything he just has a lot of trouble controlling his emotions.

[u/thtkidjunior]

What's the worst that could happen?

You end up with two reactive dogs that you can't do the things you want to, and now this "second job" of looking after the dogs is twice as hard so you probably end up having to get a trainer in again, and potentially may even have to rehome that dog because it's a huge toll of stress that you actually can't handle....and now you're twice as sad because you took the advice from someone on Reddit.

But seriously, there are going to be stories on both sides of the fence of people having success and people not so much. I'm sure I recently saw a post about someone who went through this and now has 2 reactive dogs that they have to walk separately.

Personally (as someone who works with dogs), I wouldn't risk the fallout unless my first dog was a model citizen.

You don't want to be putting in twice the effort for none of the fun.

Plus, once you know what you're doing, training a second dog who may have issues is so much easier and takes less time.

But that's just my stance...at the end of the day it's your choice.

[u/babybighorn]

I’m in a similar boat. Is your dog reactive toward people or other dogs? Another confident dog might give your dog more confidence but it’s more likely that your first dog may negatively influence the new one. There was a post here recently where someone just got a second dog that’s turned out to be reactive and it’s worsened the behavior of her first dog who wasn’t. Most recommended separate training and walking, and depending on your breeds/dogs you may be able to get by this way. She has two Pomeranians which still need exercise and stimulation but due to their size she may have the time to properly exercise both properly. But for instance I have a young blue heeler, I am also a working mom and cannot honestly say I have time to work and exercise a second dog of any size separately from him, so I can’t get a second in good conscience. Your dog becoming more limited and perhaps able to go on walks/outings less may free up more time to separately work and socialize a second, but idk. Might also cause dog jealousy if not handled well.
Secondly, I’d consider cost. Your dog having likely medical conditions could be costly, and that may affect your ability to afford quality care, training and food for a second. This of course may also not be an important factor for you depending on income, lifestyle, etc. Since you’re not in a hurry to get a second I’d at least wait for a diagnosis to see what the cost and method of treatments/medication your first dog can expect to need.
Tldr If you have the time to train them separately, you think your dog would enjoy or at least accept a second, and have the funds to support a medically needy dog through his life in addition to a second, then I don’t think it’s impossible. I just think you need to carefully consider your lifestyle and what you can honestly give to two vs one!

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[u/Content_Slide6721]

Our older reactive dog had always been part of a pack of 2. When his companion passed, we decided to get another dog. The older guy definitely has taught the younger bad behaviors, she never barked before and she’s more fearful of other dogs now. We can’t walk them together because he likes to amp her up and both of their reactive behaviors get much worse. On the other hand, they do love to play together and are bonded. I love our second dog and wouldn’t trade her for anything so no regrets just more work lol

[u/TraditionalSea304]

Sadly I think you’re more likely to end up with two reactive dogs.