Two dogs at home: the joys, the risks and the ability to be apart

Reading time: about 5 min

I once asked Irene whether two dogs were better than one. Her answer came without hesitation: of course! I understand that perfectly. Once you are used to two dogs, a home with only one can suddenly feel quiet. At New Year 2024, Faddy decided to stay with Fenton after the night's celebrations, so I went home with Oscar. The night and morning still felt reasonably normal, but during the day the silence became deafening. Around two or three o'clock I told Irene I was coming to collect Faddy. A dog does not have to run around constantly for their presence to be felt.

That is my happy story of living with two dogs. But I would not conclude that every dog needs a canine companion or that a second dog will solve the first one's loneliness. Compatibility is about much more than putting two bowls beside each other.

When can a second dog genuinely bring joy?

Well-matched dogs can play, rest and explore together, offering each other daily social companionship. Some dogs naturally become more active and willing to play with a new companion. A calm older dog can set an example for a youngster, while a puppy may rekindle an older dog's interest in play. None of these outcomes is guaranteed, however. A dog who prefers a quiet life alone will not automatically become happier because an energetic puppy arrives.

When he was young, Faddy accepted Oscar quite easily and immediately saw a playmate in him. Things were different with Süsi: Faddy initially kept his distance and did not immediately want play or friendship. Only after about five months did he gradually become accustomed to her, while remaining cautious. It is a useful reminder that a first meeting need not produce instant friendship, and tolerating each other can be a perfectly acceptable outcome. Of course, there is also a difference between seeing Süsi once a week, as Faddy did, and living together every day.

Do dogs of particular sexes always get along better?

Integrative veterinarian Karen Shaw Becker has written that opposite-sex dogs may often be a better match. Clinical reports of aggression between dogs in the same home do indeed include many same-sex pairs. For example, in a study of 38 cases referred for treatment, 79% of conflicting pairs were the same sex and at least one female was involved in 68% of cases.

That last figure must not be interpreted as saying that 68% of all homes with two female dogs experience fights, or that 68% of conflicts were between two females. These families had already reached a specialist because of problems; they were not a random sample of dog owners. Sex may be one risk factor, but temperament, previous experience, age, health, resources and the way people manage the household also matter.

When does a second dog add stress rather than security?

If the first dog already has severe separation anxiety, we cannot assume a new dog will fix it. Anxiety is often linked to the person's departure, unpredictability or learning experiences rather than simply the absence of another dog. Some animals settle alongside a new companion, others become more excited and others begin competing for attention.

Most household problems are not simply the result of one dog being “dominant” and the other “submissive”. Very specific situations can trigger conflict: food, a chew, a favourite resting place, a narrow doorway, human attention or pain in one animal. If a dog growls beside a bowl, investigating the situation and ensuring safety is more useful than trying to establish who should be pack leader.

I would be especially careful when the existing dog is ill, in pain or unable to tolerate a youngster's constant demands. A large difference in age or energy may also mean that each needs a different rhythm. We must consider this when watching our dogs: another animal's friendly invitation does not oblige an older dog to join the game.

How should a new dog be introduced at home?

The first meeting should ideally take place in a calm, neutral setting, with two people if possible. Parallel walking is often more sensible than pushing the dogs face to face. I let them reduce the distance themselves, watch for relaxed body language and give them more space when needed. On arriving home, I would initially avoid leaving valuable chews or food bowls freely between them. Separate resting areas and supervised time together help prevent conflict, particularly in the first weeks.

When two puppies from the same litter are taken home together, people sometimes talk about “littermate syndrome”. This term is not well established as an independent diagnosis. However, two puppies raised together may have less practice interacting individually with people or being independent if everything is always done as a pair. Separate training, walks and rest are sensible even without any syndrome.

Why should even best friends sometimes be apart?

Two dogs may sleep and play very happily side by side, but they should also be able to spend time apart. If constant togetherness is the only option, we cannot really know whether it is a choice or a necessity. Becker has also emphasised the value of personal space and separate activities. I do not need to split every walk in two, but occasionally going out with one dog alone is genuinely useful.

It teaches a dog that their sense of security does not have to depend on the other animal every moment. Sometimes one dog must visit the clinic, go to training or simply have a woodland walk alone. If separation causes considerable stress, I would start with very short, pleasant periods apart and gradually extend them. If the dog panics, I would seek a qualified behaviour professional rather than forcing them to “get used to it”.

In a multi-dog home, valuable food and chews should be offered separately when necessary. That does not mean the dogs dislike each other; it is a simple way to reduce unnecessary competition. Games need not always be shared either. One dog may love tug, another scent work and a third may first want some peace.

In conclusion

For me, the joy of living with two dogs often outweighs the effort. Faddy and Ossu have shown me that repeatedly. But the decision to get another dog must reflect both animals' needs, not only our wish for one more wagging tail. Good coexistence grows from the opportunity to choose both companionship and time alone.

Sources

Wrubel et al. (2011). Interdog household aggression: 38 cases. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

VCA Animal Hospitals. Introducing a New Dog to Your Family Dog.

Karen Shaw Becker. Are 2 Dogs Better Than 1? It All Depends.

Karen Shaw Becker. Dogs Need Time Apart.

FendaF. Stress and dogs.