Double Dog Trouble

It’s a classic tale. You get a dog. You get to know each other. And then after a few months, maybe a year, you decide that your dog needs a friend. While I totally support enriching ones life with as many dogs as one can afford and have the ability to take care of, I encourage anyone who is thinking along these lines to really take into consideration this one major point:

How are your current dog’s obedience skills? If you are having any behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, food possession, toy possession, stranger danger, lack of basic obedience knowledge, or the inability to walk loosely on a leash–address any and all problems first BEFORE getting a second dog. Do not think that getting a second dog will alleviate the issues you are currently experiencing with your first dog.

Now, you may be asking ‘why?’ Why can’t the presence of a second dog help fix issues you are currently experiencing with your first dog? Why can’t you address any and all issues after you bring a friend home for your pup? Won’t the presence of a second dog dog help teach the first dog what is and what is not proper behavior?

And here is your answer. Plain and simple. Are you listening? Ok, here goes: the fact that the dog you have is exhibiting behavioral issues is indicative of the fact that there is a lack of structure and leadership somewhere in the relationship. If you do not address this, and you bring in a second dog as a friend or to theoretically fix the problem for you, then you are putting yourself, but moreso your dogs at a disservice. You must acknowledge the fact that you are having trouble communicating with your dog before adding another one to the mix. Otherwise, you will have a doubly confused household and the additional issues that could arise are limitless. Why create double the trouble? Dogs do not just create their own issues. They are a symptom of a much bigger problem. And that problem usually almost always stems from a lack of understanding of what is expected of them. And the one person who creates those rules and expectations, is you. And if you are seeing problems happen, then you need to take it upon yourself to address how you are the cause and your dog is suffering from the lack of leadership that you are providing. You may not know you are the cause; but I am telling you that you are. And getting another dog will only make things more difficult for you, and your dog–and now this second dog that you’ve roped into this unbalanced relationship.

Dogs require a solid leader. Once you understand how you can be the best leader you can be, and your house is happy and balanced, then by all means, find that friend! But until then, do the leg work required to get to that point. Trust me, you, your dog, and your future four legged friend will thank you!