It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves as dog owners at some stage- “shouldI get a friend for my dog?’’ There are many different reasons that pet ownerswill consider adding to their fur family, and it is important to explore allareas of those decisions to make sure it is the right one for you and yourpet.
First things first- do you have the space?
It may seem simple, but many owners overlook the need for enough inside andoutside space for two dogs, especially larger breeds. Remember, once you havetwo dogs, that’s double the hair, double the drool and double doggy doo-doos!These elements can be exacerbated if you have limited room in your householdparticularly when you have children or other pets to consider.
If you decide you have the space and also the time to devote to a secondpooch, then it could be a great time to add to your family. The next step isto consider how your current dog will feel about the new addition.
My dog seems lonely…
We love our animals and hate the thought of our pets left at home whilst we goabout our busy everyday lives. Ideally you would match a dog of similar sizeand temperament to make the new relationship as harmonious as possible. It isimportant that you consider whether your dog will appreciate his home andbelonging being shared. There are certain breeds that prefer human companythan that of other dogs.
Getting in contact with a local dog rescue groups is a great starting point.They can offer advice on which breeds may mix well and invite you and your dogto meet prospective partner in crime candidates. Purchasing a new puppy isanother avenue to explore and reputable breeders can provide excellent adviceon integrating the puppy into your family and minimising upset to yourexisting dog.
If your decide that it is not the right time to add to your fur family, orthat your current dog won’t cope well with the change, then consider theoption of Doggie Day Care. This is a great alternative for your dog to getsome interaction and socialisation when you are out and about during the day.Your local Doggie Daycare centre or Pet Boarding Facility will be able to helpyou decide what the best option for your pet is.
My dog barks excessively!
Many owners will look at welcoming a new dog into the family to settle downany pre-existing barking problems. If you have already identified the reasonfor excessive barking and have experimented with techniques to reduce theproblem, then this may be a solution for you. However, if this is not donecorrectly you may end up with double the barking problem! Bringing a new petinto the family may not stop your current dog from barking, so it is essentialthat you get to the bottom of the reason for excessive barking prior to bringa new pet into the mix. Always seek advice from a qualified, reputable dogtrainer to ensure you are making the best decision.
Provided by Australian Pet Care Association (APCA) – Become a member with usat https://www.australianpetcareassociation.com.au/membership/application/ orcontact us anytime by emailing [email protected]
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