Many owners never realize just how much fun and companionship the only dog, like the only child, is missing. Whenever possible there should be two dogs in any household, for the simple reason of giving more pleasure to the two footed and four-footed members of the family.
Even in a single-dog household there ma y come a time when the idea of a second dog merits consideration. As a dog matures and passes into middle age it becomes increasingly difficult to keep it active and in interested; the introduction of a new puppy, preferably of the same breed, may give it a new lease of life. The actual timing must always vary with individual circumstances, and only the owner can determine whether the resident dog will react favorably to a newcomer. It is obviously important that no preferential treatment is given to either dog, and though the older one may initially suffer pangs of jealousy he will usually end up by making friends with the newcomer.
The two dogs should not be left alone for any length of time until they have established a good relationship, and a boisterous young puppy should not be allowed to exhaust the older dog. The addition of a second dog to the household may lessen the pain of the inevitable parting when the life of the older dog comes to its natural conclusion.
Even in a single-dog household there ma y come a time when the idea of a second dog merits consideration. As a dog matures and passes into middle age it becomes increasingly difficult to keep it active and in interested; the introduction of a new puppy, preferably of the same breed, may give it a new lease of life. The actual timing must always vary with individual circumstances, and only the owner can determine whether the resident dog will react favorably to a newcomer. It is obviously important that no preferential treatment is given to either dog, and though the older one may initially suffer pangs of jealousy he will usually end up by making friends with the newcomer.
The two dogs should not be left alone for any length of time until they have established a good relationship, and a boisterous young puppy should not be allowed to exhaust the older dog. The addition of a second dog to the household may lessen the pain of the inevitable parting when the life of the older dog comes to its natural conclusion.
