{"id":2049,"date":"2020-10-21T20:40:58","date_gmt":"2020-10-21T20:40:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/?p=2049"},"modified":"2026-02-25T10:52:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T15:52:35","slug":"get-another-dog","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/get-another-dog\/","title":{"rendered":"Should You Get Another Dog?\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">You may not realize it, but your dog benefits from your companionship, both emotionally and physically, just as much as you do. With this thought, you may find yourself wondering: Would my dog be happier with another furry companion? Is my attention enough? Is my pet lonely without me during the day?&nbsp; With many questions to consider, it may be time to start thinking about adding a few more legs to the family.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When should you consider getting another dog?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If your dog is anxiously awaiting your arrival home and exhibits excessive energy, it may be time to consider another canine companion. By giving them a playmate, you may find your dog less needy at the end of each day. Other considerations: Is your dog interested in other dogs or is territorial? Have you recently lost a second dog? If so, you may want to hesitate before getting a new companion. Note that dogs grieve the loss of companionship just like humans.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Q&amp;A\u2019s&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;Consider When Contemplating&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On<\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;Getting Another Dog&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Questions &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">How old should your pet be before adopting a new friend?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It&#8217;s best for your current dog to be at least a few years old before introducing a new dog into your family.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Question &#8211;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;Will it infringe on your current dog\u2019s space?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Consider the size of your home. Decide on whether you have enough room to add another animal into your home. Think about your lifestyle and what you\u2019re willing to possibly give up. Adding another pet to the home may alter your current home function.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Question \u2013&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Do I have time for more than one dog?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;You also want to make sure that you have the time to devote to training your new pet. It\u2019s best not to add another dog when you have upcoming distractions such as travel, renovations, or visitors. Not only will the new dog need attention, but you\u2019ll need to pay extra attention to your current pet.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Question \u2013<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;Is everyone in my house onboard?&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">All family members should be on board with bringing a new dog into the family. There will be additional responsibilities with training, cleaning, and expenses if you expand your family. Everyone needs to be willing to commit to the level of love, attention, and care that your current and the new dog will require and deserve. You also don\u2019t want the family to be strapped financially. Think double vet, food, and grooming bills. If these costs aren\u2019t in the budget, it\u2019s not the time for a new dog.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Question \u2013<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;What type of breed is right for your home?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Think about what kind of dog will be the best companion for your current pet. Do you want a playful pup bouncing around your home? Dogs of the same breed typically do well together. When looking at a different breed, think about your current dog\u2019s temperament and energy level. A calm laid back dog may not particularly jive with an energetic, hyperactive dog. If your dog is older, it may be good to add a puppy to the family as they don\u2019t come into the relationship with established behaviors. Do you have the time, patience, and energy to train a puppy? If not, consider adopting an adult dog&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Question \u2013&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Are you open to rescuing?&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Answer &#8211;&nbsp;<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Think about what kind of dog will be the best companion for your current pet. Do you want a playful pup bouncing around your home? Do you have the time, patience, and energy to train a puppy? If not, consider adopting an adult dog&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/10\/dog-chewing-on-out-dog-300x300.png\" alt=\"Two playful dogs - a fluffy cream-colored dog and a black and white dog wearing a yellow shirt\" class=\"wp-image-2050\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As you search for another canine companion, include your current dog in the process! Bring your pet to adoption days and see which playmate he naturally warms up to. Observe your dog at the dog park and see if he tends to play with or avoid a certain breed. Likewise, he may be drawn to or avoid dogs of certain sizes. Your dog will tell you best through his behavior and actions what he needs, including whether it\u2019s time for you to add another dog to the family.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Expert Vet Advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At Pet Butler, we encourage our reader<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">s<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;to take the time to&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">re<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">search your local rescue shelters.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">M<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">any pets<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;are<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">waiting for their forever homes<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;you just have to find them.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Pet Butler believes in&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">donating our time and leveraging our business platform to bring local awareness to the needs of animal rescues, shelters<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">,<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;and pets in need of adoption.<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">According to the American Humane Society, annually 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because there are too many pets in shelters and too few people consider adoption when looking for a pet<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">.&nbsp;<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">To find local rescue shelters near you,&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/petfinder.com\/\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">click here.<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:160,&quot;335559740&quot;:360}\">&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You may not realize it, but your dog benefits from your companionship, both emotionally and physically, just as much as you do. With this thought, you may find yourself wondering: Would my dog be happier with another furry companion? Is my attention enough? Is my pet lonely without me during the day?&nbsp; With many questions [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2051,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"slim_seo":{"title":"Should You Get Another Dog?\u00a0\u00a0 - Pet Butler","description":"You may not realize it, but your dog benefits from your companionship, both emotionally and physically, just as much as you do. With this thought, you may find"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[145,42,25,89],"class_list":["post-2049","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-adoption","tag-pet-health","tag-pet-safety","tag-pet-wellness","tag-pets"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2049","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2049"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2049\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2051"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2049"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2049"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.petbutler.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2049"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}