Buying a Second Dog

If you are a dog lover, you may feel that one dog is not enough. However, before you add a second dog to your household, there are a few important points you should consider.

First, you may want to consider your dog's nature. If your beloved pet is a bit of a bully and the new dog isn't submissive, there are going to be some major battles before they sort out which dog is in charge. Sometimes, two dogs are equally dominant and these battles flare up again and again. By the time you visit your veterinarian for the fourth or fifth time to have their battle scars treated, you may be regretting the purchase of a second dog.

If your dog is very submissive, you may also have problems, as the new dog could bully your first dog and make his life miserable. Hopefully, you have a dog that does not lean too far in either direction. When you have a submissive dog at home, never buy a puppy that refuses to let you turn it over and cradle it upside down in your arms. When a puppy lets you hold it like you would hold an infant, it is a sign that the puppy is willing to be submissive.

Next, you should consider your current dog's size. If you have a Yorkshire Terrier, you may not want to buy a Boxer puppy. A big, rowdy puppy can hurt a small dog quite a few times before it realizes its own strength. If you currently own a big dog who has a great temperament, you may be able to add a small breed puppy to the family, but you will have to be prepared to keep a close eye on the dogs at first when they are together. More than one Standard Poodle or Saint Bernard has become the devoted protector of a tiny lap dog.

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Choosing the Right Dog Breed For You

With literally hundreds of different dog breeds, how do you choose the right one for you? Large dog or small dog? Indoor or outdoor? Older dog or puppy? With so many different dog breeds to choose from this task can seem a bit overwhelming. But by following a few simple steps, you can narrow and down your choices and find the perfect dog for you.

First let's start by evaluating your lifestyle. Space is a major consideration. Do you live in an apartment? If so, then the larger dog breeds probably won't be for you. You might want to consider dogs in the Toy group such as Yorkshire Terriers, Pug or Miniature Pinschers.

Do you have children? Young children can accidentally injure such small dogs such as Maltese or Chihuahuas because of their delicate nature. On the other hand, very large dogs such as Saint Bernards, Boxers or Great Danes can be overly boisterous and poise a similar threat to the safety of your children. Anyone who has been swatted by a Great Dane's wagging tail knows what I am talking about. Medium size dog breeds such as Fox Terriers or Lhasa Apsos may be a good choice instead.

Another consideration should be how much exercise you give your dog. Do you have a home with a large fenced in back yard, allowing your dog to get some exercise on it's own? Certain dog breeds, especially in the Sporting, Hound and Herding groups are very high energy animals and require a more intensive exercise regimen. Long walks and daily romps in the park are recommended for these dogs. These dog breeds were bred to work, and they need to burn off their excess energy.

Grooming needs are another important consideration. Some dogs need only a half hour or so of grooming a week while others may need to be groomed for an hour each day. You better plan on frequent visits to the groomer if you choose a Standard Poodle or Maltese. Conversely, such dog breeds as Boston Terriers or Whippets require very little grooming time.

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This is my buddy Benji. How do you like his smoking jacket?