There are many good reasons for deciding to add a second dog to your family. Maybe you want a companion for your dog or maybe you can't resist taking in an adorable new puppy who needs a home. Observing some do's and don'ts of welcoming a second dog into your family will help make the transition easier for you, your family, and your new pet.

Do Consider the Timing

What is the busiest time of the year for your family? For some families, it may be the holidays when outof-town guests are arriving for an extended stay or early summer when you travel to the beach for vacation. For busy parents, it may the arrival of a new school year or during soccer, basketball, or football season.

Plan to welcome a new dog into your home when your family is least busy, such as between sports seasons, late summer before school starts, or after holidays, etc. This will give you time to get to know your new family member and provide any training necessary. Your new pet will appreciate the security of a loving family when adapting to a new living environment.

Don't Jump Into Anything

It's easy to get caught up in the cuteness of a puppy you see advertised for adoption or to feel pressured when someone is unable to care for a pet and needs to find a home for their dog. Adopting a pet or helping a friend are both kind gestures, but that doesn't mean it's best for you and your family. Rushing into bringing a new pet home can place unnecessary stress on your finances and lead to regrets.

Do Involve Your Family

It's never a good idea to get a new pet if the whole family isn't on board with the decision. Never assume they will change their mind later. All family members will be affected by the arrival of a new dog and the care that's involved.

Children are often easily influenced by the excitement of getting a new dog and promise parents they will help care for it. However, children often lose interest leaving the parents responsible for feeding, grooming, and training tasks. Discuss all aspects of adding a second dog with all family members to make sure they are willing to help care for the pet.

Don't Assume it Will Help Your Dog

If your dog struggles with anxiety or separation issues, it's only natural to think having a companion will help reassure them when you're away. However, addressing behavioral issues prior to bringing a new dog into the family is best. Dogs tend to pick up on the traits of a companion dog, and you may end up with two anxious pets.

Take your dog's personality into consideration before you bring a new dog home. Adding a high energy dog to your home can be problematic for a dog who is older and lacks energy. If your dog tends to be on the aggressive side, choosing a more submissive dog can prevent conflicts.

Do Count the Cost

A second dog will give you double the love but also double the costs. Estimating the cost of immunizations, food, grooming, training, etc., will help you determine if you can afford to properly care for another dog. Having adequate savings is also important to cover any unexpected illnesses that can involve substantial veterinary costs for treatment or in some cases surgery.

Having one more dog to love is always a great reason for expanding your pet family. However, it's also important to understand the challenges involved in getting a pet adapted to new surroundings. Contact Eli's Friends to discuss concerns you have about adding a new dog to your home and how to make the transition pleasant for you and your family.