You ever look at your dog and think, “You need a friend.”?
That was me, six months ago. My Labrador, Daisy, was full of energy, loved every dog she met, and had perfected the “I’m so lonely” face whenever I left for work. So, naturally, I thought, Why not get her a little sibling?
Enter Murphy—a tiny, scrappy rescue pup with boundless enthusiasm and zero sense of personal space. Let’s just say… things escalated quickly.
If you’re thinking about adding a second dog to your home, here’s everything I learned (the easy way and the hard way).
1. Does Your Current Dog Even Want a Roommate?
🐶 Some dogs LOVE the idea of a sibling. They thrive on playdates, adore other dogs, and get excited whenever they meet a new furry friend. (Daisy, for example, would probably adopt a whole dog army if she could.)
🐾 Other dogs? Not so much. Some prefer being the only child, soaking up all the attention without sharing treats, toys, or belly rubs.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Daisy? Over-the-moon excited about Murphy.
- Murphy? Took one look at Daisy and immediately launched into a wrestling match.
Lesson: Make sure your dog actually wants a companion—otherwise, you might be signing up for doggy sibling rivalry.
2. Do You Have the Time (and Sanity) for Two Dogs?
One dog is a commitment. Two? That’s a lifestyle change.
✔ Training? If one dog is trained, great! But if the new pup is not, get ready to double up on housebreaking, leash training, and reinforcing good manners.
✔ Exercise? Two dogs mean twice the playtime, walks, and zoomies around the house.
✔ One-on-One Time? Each pup deserves individual attention—otherwise, jealousy is very real.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Daisy’s daily routine? Walk, play, cuddle, repeat.
- Murphy’s routine? Absolute chaos followed by a power nap in weird locations.
Lesson: If you barely have time for one dog, two might push you into permanent dog-parent exhaustion mode.
3. Can Your Wallet Handle It? 💸
I hate to break it to you, but two dogs = double the expenses.
🐶 Food? Murphy eats like he’s preparing for a marathon.
🐶 Vet visits? Twice the checkups, shots, and mystery health scares.
🐶 Grooming? Daisy is low-maintenance. Murphy? Somehow always covered in dirt.
🐶 Toys? Because God forbid they share.
🚨 Reality Check:
- I thought buying one dog bed for them to share was a great idea. Murphy stole it, and Daisy now sleeps on the couch out of protest.
Lesson: Budget for double the costs (and unexpected expenses).
4. Will Your Dogs Actually Get Along?
Not all dog pairings work—sometimes, personalities clash like an unstoppable force meets an immovable object.
🐾 Things to Consider:
✔ Energy Levels – A hyperactive puppy might overwhelm a senior dog. (Murphy definitely put Daisy through a boot camp she never signed up for.)
✔ Gender – Opposite-sex pairs often have fewer territorial issues.
✔ Size – Huge size differences can make rough play accidentally dangerous.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Murphy was tiny when we got him. Now he’s half Daisy’s size but thinks he’s 10x bigger. The confidence? Unmatched.
Lesson: Try introducing them before committing. Some shelters and breeders let you do a “meet and greet” to test compatibility.
5. Do You Have Enough Space?
Having two dogs doubles the space needed—especially if they love to play indoors.
🐾 Things to Consider:
✔ Sleeping Areas – Each dog needs their own space (because apparently, sharing is not caring).
✔ Food Bowls – Separate eating spots prevent food fights.
✔ Outdoor Space – If you don’t have a yard, get ready for twice the walks.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Murphy tries to squeeze onto Daisy’s bed despite having his own. Daisy? Annoyed but too polite to kick him off.
Lesson: Even if you have enough space, your dogs might still try to cram into the same corner for no reason.
6. The Introduction: Do It Right, Or Expect Drama
You can’t just bring a new dog home and expect them to immediately be best friends (I learned that the hard way).
🐾 Steps for a Smooth Introduction:
✔ Neutral Territory – Meet at a park or open space instead of suddenly invading your first dog’s kingdom.
✔ Short and Positive First Meetings – Keep initial greetings calm and supervised.
✔ Watch Body Language – Tail wags = good. Side-eye glares = prepare for some sass.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Daisy’s first reaction to Murphy? Excitement, tail wagging, happy zoomies.
- Murphy’s first reaction? Stealing Daisy’s toy and running away.
Lesson: Expect an adjustment period—they might not instantly be best friends.
7. The Perks of Having Two Dogs
Now that I’ve survived adding a second dog, I can confirm: it’s totally worth it.
🐾 Why Two Dogs Are Awesome:
✔ They entertain each other—less need for me to be the entertainment center.
✔ Built-in companionship—less loneliness when I leave for work.
✔ Watching them bond is absolutely priceless.
🚨 Reality Check:
- Cuddling together? Yes.
- Wrestling over the same toy when there are 10 others available? Also yes.
Lesson: If they get along, having two dogs is double the love (and double the hilarious moments).
Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Second Dog?
The short answer? It depends.
✔ If your first dog loves company and you have the time, money, and patience, go for it!
✔ If your first dog prefers solo life or you’re already overwhelmed, it might not be the right time.
✔ If you’re on the fence, foster a dog first—it’s a great way to see if your pup enjoys having a sibling.
For me? Daisy and Murphy have made life twice as crazy—but also twice as fun.🐶 What about you? Have you ever added a second dog to your family? Share your experiences—I’d love to hear your funniest sibling dog stories!