If you live a one dog household, you’ve probably thought about adding another pup to the family at some point. But would your current dog be okay? Would they get angry because they now have to share your attention? Or, would they be ecstatic? Here are five ways to tell if your dog would benefit from another pup in the house.

Your Dog is a Fan of Other Dogs

If your current pup loves other dogs, it’s generally a good sign they’ll benefit from having another furry friend in the house. Highly anxious, nervous, or aggressive dogs are probably not the best candidates for adding another dog into the mix. But, each dog is different. Even if your pup is the best around other dogs, they may not get along with a particular dog. So, always be sure to take it slow and be patient when introducing potential new fur siblings.

They Act Bored or Depressed

While some dogs are completely fine playing by themselves, others prefer to play with other dogs. If your pup appears to be bored or even depressed, adding a new dog to the family could help brighten their spirits. Some dogs find comfort in other pups and some dogs just need a playtime buddy. Having more than dog is also helpful for busy families. If you don’t always have the time for long, daily play sessions with your pup, adding a second dog can help with their boredom – and with that pent up energy!

They Hate Leaving the Dog Park

If you take your dog to the local dog park and leaving is like trying to pull teeth, it’s probably time to add another dog to the mix. Dogs that exhibit relaxed, playful body language during playtime at the dog park are more likely to get along with a new furry friend at home. And, if your pup is sad to leave their friends at the park, it’s a good sign they’ll benefit from a fur sibling.

Your Current Pup is Well Trained

Even if you have a younger dog at home, a well trained pup is likely to mesh better with another pup. Un-trained dogs will teach their new siblings all their ‘bad’ habits and rather than having one unruly pup on your hands, you’ll have two. Knowing the basic commands – “sit”, “stay”, “lay down”, “come” – will not only help your new pup learn the ropes quicker, it’ll help with your sanity!

They Know How to Share

Some dogs can be possessive or protective of their toys or food. These types of dogs may not do well with another dog – especially a puppy or a overly excited dog. While there are certainly ways to avoid this – separate them during feeding time and keep all toys out of reach when they are unsupervised – it may take longer for the two pups to get along. Dogs that are good sharers will make it easier to integrate another pup into the mix.

While these signs are a good way to judge whether your current dog is ready for a new fur sibling, they are in no way the ‘be all, end all’. Every dog is different and if you take your time to find the right second pup for your family, it’ll make the transition much easier. And, make sure to be patient when introducing two new dogs – not every dog is going to get along with another pup right away!

But, if your pup hits the majority of these points, it may be time to consider adding a new furry member to the family!

If you’re thinking of adding another pup to your family and want to make sure both dogs get enough exercise during the day, why not consider adding a dog walker to your daily routine? At For Your Spot, our team of professional dog walkers will make daytime walks a breeze. You’re pups will thank you and you won’t come to home to two crazy dogs! Learn more about our services here.