As discussed in Adopting Two or More Pets, adding a new puppy or unexpectedly adopting two pets instead of one can be a rewarding experience.
Finding a Companion for a Lonely Pet
When a change in routine causes a dog to find himself alone more often for the first time, a new addition can provide calming companionship.
Karate World Champion Clint Cora had a single dog for six years who lived in the family home with lots of human companionship. But when Clint moved out on his own and took his dog along, the long hours of alone time turned a once content dog into a dog with separation anxiety who barked and whined. Clint lived in a condo with noise restrictions, so he had to remedy the situation quickly. Remembering that dogs are social creatures, he took a bold risk and got a puppy for his dog. It worked. His dog quieted down and stopped bothering the neighbors immediately.
Clint gave many reasons why he feels two dogs are better than one. “With two dogs, their training reinforces each other,” said Clint. “I'm not worried when I travel because I know that they have each other; problems from separation anxiety are minimized.”
Some pets are perfectly happy, but their owners can't keep up with their energy. Dale Dingledine had that single problem with his beloved rescue, Sundance. Dale followed the advice he had heard about giving dogs lots of play time, but his Jack Russell mix still left him breathless.
“He was so cute, but very, very active,” said Dale. “Before work, at lunchtime, and after work we would play fetch for 30 minutes at a time. When we stopped, he kept bringing the ball back to us to keep it going. Time after time after time. It just got to be too much after 10 months.”
Finally, Dale decided that someone Sundance's own size might be a better match for his energy. “I don't speak 'dog,' and he needed someone who did,” said Dale. He adopted a Pekingese from the shelter and lucked out with a perfect match.
“It's been nearly ten years, and Sundance and Buddy are like brothers!”
Precautions When Adopting Multiple Pets
Adopting more than one pet can provide double the love as well as more entertainment and companionship for our pets. But there are some precautions to take to ensure a happy, healthy family.
- If you are adding a new pet to the home where one already resides, the introduction must be done very carefully. It's best to let your pet help you choose her future buddy rather than just surprise her one day with a new, strange dog on her turf. Some shelters won't let you adopt unless you bring your current pet with you, to make sure the two animals get along. This is to keep the shelter's return rate low and should not be taken personally.
- Make sure the dogs get time away from each other and have special, one-on-one time with humans, especially when adopting littermates.“"Littermate syndrome” can happen when a family acquires two pups from the same litter, or two dogs from different litters who are less than 18 months apart in age,” wrote dog trainer Jill Morstad, PhD. “By ‘keeping each other company,' these pups spend all their time playing, sleeping and interacting with one another, and become over-bonded to each other.An owner of multiple dogs needs to train and interact with each dog separately to make sure the dogs respect the humans of the household and bond to them, as well.
- This problem can also surface with outside pets. Just because two dogs are “best friends,” don't assume they are “great with dogs.” They may reject any dog outside of their pack if not properly socialized and introduced. They may also tolerate other dogs to a point, but then band together to gang up on a more submissive dog.
- Crate training is a good idea for any dog, solo or part of a pack. A crate can offer a safe resting place when the dogs need a break from each other.
- Please spay and neuter if you have pets of the opposite sex. Breeding is best left to the professionals and littermates don't know, or care, that they are related.
Continued in Raising More than One Pet
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