A second dog will solve my dogs SA, right?

This is a tough subject for me! Because having another dog in our home completely eradicates Scampi's separation related behaviours, however this is not the norm or a given!

While it's incredibly valuable to ease a dog's distress in the short term, there are disadvantages to this approach. This only manages the problem; it won't actually solve it.

This is particularly true when compared to the long-term strategy of managing absences and doing desensitisation training.

The first dog is now completely dependent on the second one. What happens if the second dog isn't around for some reason? Crucially, the first dog hasn't learned to feel safe on their own, so they are still living with that fear, which will likely deepen over time without proper training.

The Temptation of a Second Dog

I know how tempting it can be to get another dog—I've seen first hand how it can help in rare cases! So why don't I recommend this seemingly simple solution for separation anxiety?

In most cases, it's an illusion and simply doesn't work, even as a management technique.

My crew are the rare exception where another dog has helped.

The most important social partners for a domestic dog are their human family. For most dogs, getting another dog won't help because they can't replace the companionship and security of their human.

Dogs can also learn a fear of being left alone from another dog. So, you could very well end up with two dogs who are distressed when you leave the house instead of one. While we can certainly help multi-dog households with separation anxiety, that's probably not the outcome you were hoping for when adopting a second dog!

When to Consider a Second Dog

So, when would I recommend getting a second dog in this situation? Only if:

• You genuinely want a second dog for their own sake. That is the best reason of all.

• You're aware of all the extra costs of adopting a second dog, on every level.

• You have the capacity to handle any issues or sensitivities the second dog might have.

• You are still prepared to do the desensitisation training with your first dog.

In that case, if the two dogs get along, that's wonderful. Go for it! Otherwise, I can't advise adopting a second dog with the intention of solving your dog's separation distress, even though I truly wish I could.

All the best, Victoria