Should I get a second dog? How to tell if your dog — and you are truly ready.

From daily routines to emotional readiness, here’s what to think about before welcoming another dog into your home.

Summary: Are you thinking about adding a second dog to your home? In this gentle guide, we’ll explore what it really means to be ‘ready’—not just for you, but for your current dog too. With kindness, connection, and practical insights (including real stories about my experience of our two dogs at home  you’ll be supported in making the right decision for your whole family—tail and all.

Thinking about getting a second dog? You’re not alone. In my work with clients across Reading and the wider Berkshire area, this is one of the most common — and emotional — topics that comes up. For many dog guardians, the idea of bringing home a new companion feels full of promise: more wagging tails, more play, and the joy of watching dogs grow together.

But before you take the leap, it’s worth asking: Is this the right decision — for me, and for my current dog?

As someone who shares life with two dogs — siblings Manu and Poppy — I know just how life-changing that second addition can be. The rewards are real. But so are the realities.

Let’s take a moment to slow down and explore what connection-first decision-making looks like when you’re considering expanding your pack.

Is your current dog ready?

The first question isn’t “Do I want another dog?” It’s:

Is my dog happy, confident, and emotionally ready to share their life with another dog?

Some dogs love having a buddy. Others feel unsettled or overwhelmed by changes in space, routine, and attention.  We are lucky locally  around Reading to have access to lovely walks and dog social spaces, but how your dog feels around other dogs is more important than how often they meet them.

Reflect on:

• Does your dog enjoy the company of other dogs on walks?

• Do they invite play or prefer peaceful mooching?

• How do they respond to new situations or routine changes?

✨ If I think about my boy, Manu who as far as we know has always been with his sister Poppy, but even they have their moments that when they came home several years ago, concerned me as their interactions let's say appeared to be worrying.  I know that if we just had Manu, he would be the sole dog at home, he can only cope with his sister on walks and at home.

What’s your why?

It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a second dog — especially when your current dog is lovely, calm, or seems like they’d be a great role model. But what’s your deeper reason?

Ask yourself:

• Am I hoping this will solve a problem (e.g. loneliness)?

• Am I prepared for the extra work, cost, and time?

• What kind of energy and personality would truly complement our family?

✨ When we were ready to find a new dog to join our family, we discussed how having two dogs would be great for us, having a dog each, company for all - sounded such a brilliant idea.  The reality has been different to our expectations, they have such different needs it can make walking them together challenging,  training has taken a lot more time training two, who need to learn different skills.

It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of a second dog — especially when your current dog is lovely, calm, or seems like they’d be a great role model. But what’s your deeper reason?

Ask yourself:

• Am I hoping this will solve a problem (e.g. loneliness)?

• Am I prepared for the extra work, cost, and time?

• What kind of energy and personality would truly complement our family?

✨ When we were ready to find a new dog to join our family, we discussed how having two dogs would be great for us — one dog each, company for all — it sounded like such a brilliant idea. But the reality has been quite different from our expectations. Manu and Poppy have such different needs, and that can make walking them together more challenging than we imagined. Training has also taken much longer, as both dogs need to learn different skills in their own way.

 

Cuddles in the Garden with Manu & Poppy

Is your home and lifestyle ready?

It’s not just about having enough room for two dogs to stretch out — though that matters too! It’s also about:

• Having the emotional space to give both dogs individual attention

• Affording double the vet bills, insurance, food, enrichment, and grooming

• Managing logistics: boarding, holidays, car space, and daily routines

In towns like Reading, many of us live in semi-detached homes, flats, or shared spaces — so it’s worth asking how two dogs will change the dynamic in your home.

✨ When Manu and Poppy came home, it became clear just how important it was to spend time with them individually — and how much more time that actually takes. We often split up walks: starting together, then going our separate ways so each dog can enjoy the walk their way. Because they’re siblings, I expected they’d share a bed or always get along — but that hasn’t been the case. It’s rare they share a bed, and every now and then there’s tension between them. Learning how to help them disengage calmly has been one of the most important things we’ve learned as dog owners.

Quick self-check: Are you ready for a second dog?

✔ My current dog is friendly, confident, and enjoys the company of other dogs

✔ I have time each day to walk, train, and cuddle both dogs individually

✔ I can afford the increased cost of care and enrichment

✔ My home environment supports two dogs emotionally and physically

✔ I understand they may not bond straight away — and I’m okay with that

✔ I’m not rushing — I’m choosing connection, not just another companion

Final thoughts: It’s about more than just adding another dog.

The right second dog can bring joy, growth, and new adventures into your life — but only if the decision is made with care, patience, and your current dog’s wellbeing at the heart of it.

Remember, it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress, partnership, and patience.

Take your time. Breathe. Ask your dog — and yourself — what would feel right.

📣 Coming Next in the Series:

“How to Introduce Two Dogs — The Calm, Connected Way”

We’ll explore what that first meeting should look like, how to create safe space at home, and how to support both dogs as they begin this new journey — with patience, connection, and kindness at the heart of it all.