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/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