What Are the Pros & Cons of Adopting Two Dogs at Once?

Adopting two dogs at once is rather like having twins; it has its upside and its downside. On the one hand, you get all of the introductory training out of the way at the same time, and neither dog has pre-established territory. You get a double measure of furry love and sloppy dog kisses. On the other hand, you also get a double dose of introductory veterinary bills, equipment costs and food budget as well as double the mischief.

  1. Territory

    • Two dogs will keep each other company.

      Adopting two dogs at the same time means that your home is new territory for both of them. This can be an advantage, especially if they are puppies that are litter mates or that bond well. They will have a grand time investigating every inch of their new space. Provide individual beds, food bowls and other equipment for them. They may wind up sharing or ignoring what is provided completely and establishing their own spot, but it is best to start everyone with equal amenities.

    Bonding

    • One-on-one bonding is easier when you have only one dog.

      Two dogs, introduced at the same time, will bond with each other. This can be a good thing, especially if you are employed full time. However, it can have its downside. When you acquire one dog at a time, you can give socializing your new friend a more focused amount of attention. Because you are the dog's social life, it will focus more fully on you instead of sharing his affection with you and another dog. Furthermore, one dog can find mischief on its own; two can find triple the number of forbidden pleasures.

    Food and Equipment

    • Happiness is not having to share your bed.

      Two dogs definitely require more food, more equipment and more room. They need a place to romp, beds, dishes and water bowls. They will each need a leash and a training crate. If they are going to spend much of the day unsupervised, they need toys and possibly other pacifiers to keep them happy during your absence. Monthly doses of flea preventative and heartworm preventative are also essential.

    Vet Bills

    • Pets need reliable medical attention.

      Pets are like children in that they need medical attention. Dogs need yearly vaccinations, periodic medical checkups and may require emergency care for accidents or illness. Animal doctors are not quite as expensive as people doctors, but an automobile accident, inappropriate ingestion or fast-acting illness can skyrocket into an unmanageable expense very quickly. You should be certain you can handle this responsibility times two if you adopt two dogs.

    Which Two Dogs?

    • Whether or not adopting two dogs at the same time will be a successful and positive event depends upon the dogs and you. Two new friends can mean double the love, double the fun as well as double the work and expense. Litter mates are probably the best choice; a breeding pair if you are planning to raise puppies, or a neutered pair if you are not. Make sure your schedule has room in it to walk, train and just spend time with them; even though they have each other, they still need your love and attention.