Heartwarming Video Shows Golden Retriever’s Adorable Reaction to Welcoming New Puppy Sibling (& Why Getting a Second Dog Was Best Decision)
As dog owners, there are times when the idea of bringing home a second dog pops up in our minds more times than we can count.
Maybe it’s how sorry you feel whenever you notice your furry friend looking lonely in the yard without company. Maybe it’s how excited they get when around other dogs in the park. Or maybe it’s the constant guilt of leaving them home alone to face solitude and boredom for hours. Well, if these are some of the thoughts that flood your mind from time to time as an owner of one dog, then you’re not alone.
A Golden Retriever owner on TikTok has melted hearts online after showing how happy her first dog — an adult Golden named Pacha — has become ever since she added another dog.
While there are plenty of dogs out there who are perfectly okay with being the only dog in the household (and prefer things to remain that way), this wasn’t the case for Pacha, going by how fast she bonded with the new dog. When Pacha’s owner brought in the second dog — a Golden Retriever puppy named Bucket — a friendship between the two compatible pups sparked from day one.
In the adorable video uploaded on TikTok account @goldengirlpacha, Pacha is clearly grateful to have found a constant friend, snuggle partner, and playmate in Bucket. Pacha enjoys Bucket’s presence so much that she often wants to be around her all the time. Plus, Pacha never hesitates to share her treats and possessions with Bucket, despite her history of resource guarding.
We have a feeling their beautiful friendship will make you want to get your current pup a doggy best friend.
Thinking of Adding A Second Dog? Here’s What You Should Know
It’s not hard to think of reasons why two dogs are better than one. I mean, the happiness that just one dog adds to a home is indescribable, which is why many dog owners often battle with thoughts such as “Should I get a second dog?” “Are two dogs better than one?” “Should I get another dog for my dog?” “When should I get another dog?” “My dog has anxiety, should I get another dog?” and “Should I get another dog to keep my dog company,” among many others.
Truth is, the decision to welcome a second dog isn’t one to be taken lightly. It requires thoughtful consideration of different factors, lest it turn out to be a disaster. If you’re entertaining the idea of bringing home another dog, here are some key factors to consider:
Is Your Current Dog Old Enough?
Generally speaking, it’s advisable to ensure your current pup has exited the puppyhood stage before adding another dog. A dog that hasn’t hit adulthood still has a lot of growing up to do, so you’ll have a difficult time trying to manage their hyperactivity and mischief while tending to your second dog’s needs.
Not to mention, if your first dog is a puppy, they’ll likely not set a good example (behavior-wise) for your second one.
“Here’s the thing about puppies: they’re not just cute little furballs. They require patience, understanding, and a lot of work. They need guidance, direction, and, most importantly, love. Without these, their boundless energy can quickly turn into bad habits,” said Rocky Kanaka, a pet rescue advocate.
Most puppies begin to settle down and act calmer when they turn a year old. According to the American Kennel Club, it’s best to wait until your current dog is one to two years of age before adding a second pup to the family. In other words, things will be much easier for you if you have two adult dogs under your roof.
“We waited until our Aussie was 2 before getting our Collie — and I’m so glad that we did. He has been so good with her and she’s definitely learned more good things from him than bad things, which may have not been the case if we had gotten a 2nd while our 1st was younger,” wrote Reddit user can-i-pet-ur-dog in a threaded discussion on the right time to add a second dog.
So, if your mind is swirling with thoughts about “Should I get my dog another dog?” or “When should I get a second dog?” remember to think hard about the age factor.
1. Does Your Current Dog Have Any Behavioral Issues?
Many dog owners assume that bringing home a second dog will automatically fix any behavioral issues that their first dog has — for instance, dogs with separation anxiety. We hate to be the bearer of bad news, but this won’t work, according to professional dog trainer Elijah Boateng of Apex Dog Training.
“If you have a poorly behaved dog, getting a second dog means that 99% of the time, you will have two poorly behaved dogs,” explained Elijah on an Instagram post. “What happens most of the time is that people think their dog needs a “friend.” No, they don’t. What they need is to be trained.”
What we’re trying to say is, engage a professional to tackle any behavioral issues your first dog has before introducing a new dog. So, if you’ve ever wondered, “My dog has separation anxiety, should I get another dog,” the short answer is, not a good idea.
2. Is Your Current Dog Fully Obedient?
If your first dog is giving you a hard time with their lack of obedience to commands, then you should put the thought of adopting a second dog on hold.
“Before you get that second dog, make sure that you are happy with the obedience and communication that you have with your first dog. Meaning they listen, they do what they’re supposed to do, and you have full control,” shared experts from K9 Concepts Training in an Instagram post.
So, if you’re thinking, “Should I get a second dog for my dog?” keep in mind your current dog’s overall discipline.
3. Compatibility is Everything
As much as dogs are social animals, not all dogs get along. The possibility of your current dog living in harmony with a newcomer depends on a few things, like their age, activity levels, and overall personality.
For instance, if your first dog is a senior, it wouldn’t be a good idea to bring in a puppy as the second addition unless you’ll be intentional about constantly supervising their interactions. You see, senior dogs are pretty chilled and value their space and peace of mind. Since puppies can be quite rambunctious thanks to their boundless energy, they tend not to respect the boundaries of other older dogs.
“In my experience, as long as you’re actively involved in supervising, training, and managing interactions while the puppy is young, it can be very successful. Last year, I integrated a 8-week-old puppy with a 10-year-old dog. They get along well now, but it did take some work in making sure their relationship stayed positive. I would say be prepared to advocate for your older dog, and don’t leave it up to them to set the boundaries with the puppy,” shared Reddit user Le _Wash in a discussion on getting a puppy as a second dog.
In addition, it’s important to consider your current dog’s activity levels before adding a second dog. If your existing dog is the kind to snooze on the sofa all day rather than run around chasing everything they see, then it’s best if the second addition is just as laid-back as them.
The Basics: Introducing Your Second Dog to Your Current One
If you’ve decided to add a second dog to your family, you should ensure that the first meeting between them and the other dogs in your home goes as smoothly as possible.
The basics are that you should introduce the dogs on neutral grounds — like at the park — when they’re both separately leashed. In other words, it’s not a great idea to bring the second dog into your home for a first introduction. Carrying out this first meeting in a neutral location will prevent the possibility of your current dog becoming territorial about their “residence.”
In addition, it’s advisable to pay close attention to the dogs’ body language as they interact with each other. If you notice any negative cues from either dog, such as teeth baring and growling, the best thing to do is to interrupt the interaction and create a distance between the dogs. And if they seem relaxed around each other, consider offering them a treat to encourage more positive interaction.
“Let the two dogs meet on “neutral ground” like a local playground or park. That way, your older dog won’t feel obligated to defend against a stranger. Then keep them leashed as they both explore the backyard. If that goes well, we used a baby gate to keep them separated while inside. Again, if that goes well, let them interact together, but monitor them closely. Definitely separate during feeding until you know everyone is cool,” shared Reddit user New-Section-9374 on a threaded discussion on introducing a first dog to the new dog.
Above all, manage your expectations. Don’t expect your current pup and the second dog to get along immediately. Be patient with them as they get to know each other at their own pace.
