By Jennifer Adams Kesner

"ANOTHER Dog?" Perhaps the most common reaction from family, friends and relatives when someone tentatively mentions that they have entertained the thought of adding a dog to the existing canine resident(s). There is a lot to be considered before you add another L.L. Bean bed to the kitchen or invest in the super-king waterbed that will now be needed to accommodate all of the two and four legged creatures at bedtime.

The first question to ask, is WHY? There are many reasons why someone might add another dog--the most-common being:

• A friend, buddy, companion for the existing dog.
• An "unplanned" addition--saw or heard of a dog that you just could not resist.
• A desire for something "new" (sometimes after the loss of kids moving out, going away to school, a death in the family, etc.)

The reasons, in and of themselves, are not right or wrong, but they should be explored. Perhaps using the following guidelines to stimulate the thought process or initiate a family discussion will be helpful. A list of "Pros and Cons" is always a good place to start: only in this case you will need TWO lists--one for the humans and one for the existing dog(s).

Dog's List of Potential Benefits of Adding a Brother or a Sister
1. I am a "pack animal" and I do like to have other "beings" around.
2. The humans are not home much and I would like to have a companion to keep me company. I get so bored and lonely--maybe it would help me recover from my "stress reducing behaviors"--like chewing, barking licking my self and watching endless hours of the "soaps".
3. I have all this extra ENERGY! I lie around all day and rest up for when the humans come home. But then they say they're tired from working all day! I wish we could all be tired at the same time.
4. I could be in better shape. Perhaps I'd stick to my workout program if I had a friend to do it with me--it's such a bore to exercise alone!
5. I could run, wrestle, play tug ANYTIME I wanted to. I wouldn't have to wait for the humans to come home and then hope that they were in the mood!
6. In my older years it just might "keep me young". I've heard my buddies at the park talking about how a new dog in their house perked them right up and added years to their lives--and active ones at that.

Dog's List of Reasons not to Add a Sibling
1. How can I am make them understand that I don't WANT a buddy? OK, I'll admit that I'm a bit spoiled--OK a LOT spoiled. I have been their "only pupsy wupsy" for years and I intend to keep it that way! I get all the attention, all the table scraps, all the pats, the choices spots on the furniture--why would I want to share that?
2. I really am quite jealous of my human paying attention to other dogs. Why would they think I would want one to LIVE with us?
3. I have always been a bit of a loner. I really don't like to play with other dogs at the park and at social functions I would rather find a human to pat me. I think another dog in the house would invade my space.
4. I'm very protective of my property. I don't let any of the neighbors' dogs in--that's one of my jobs.
5. I'm getting older now and I don't WANT to play any more. I am happiest when I can lie in the sun--undisturbed--or just be with the humans, like going for rides in the car--we have no room for another dog in the car!
6. I'm really pretty much of a quiet dog. I'm used to the schedule in this house and I am not stressed by the long hours alone. I think the humans are feeling guilty. How can I let them know that I am really fine, just the way things are?

Human's List of Reasons to Add a Dog
1. Poor Fred is so lonely. We're away at work so much during the day.
2. Fred would like a buddy--a dog to play with, to exercise with.
3. Fred is getting older. Perhaps a new dog would pep him up.
4. With Fred getting older, we want to add another dog so that we will not be left "dog less" when Fred's time comes.
5. That dog needs a new home and we could provide a good one.
6. If Fred played all day while we were at work, perhaps we would not have to spend as much time walking him and playing with him when we get home. Not that we spend that much time…the REAL issue is perhaps we would feel less guilty.
7. Everyone in the family loves Fred, and he loves everyone, but one of the kids really wants a dog of her OWN!

Human's List of Perhaps Why Not to Add a Dog
1. That would double the vet bills! Double the dog food! Double the grooming bills! Double the boarding bills!
2. EIGHT muddy paws instead of just four! Twice the dog hair to vacuum! Twice as much to brush!
3. Where would we put two dogs in the car? We can hardly fit what we have now!
4. Is there room in the house?
5. Do we have enough quality time and attention to give to two dogs?
6. We have no fenced area for them to play. We would have to walk two dogs.
7. Fred's not that well trained. What if we ended up with two dogs with problems?

As you can see, you and your dog often hare some very similar points of view, while in other cases you are not communicating at all! I sincerely believe that in most cases, with a little sensitivity and patience, you will be able to have a little chat with your dog and develop his list.

If you are unable to do that and are still unsure of the right decision, I suggest do some "trials". Invite a friend's dog "over for play" for a day or a weekend and see how things go for you and your dog. Perhaps signing your dog up for a "Doggy Daycare" for a day or two a week might help you arrive at some answers. Did Fred interact? Did he enjoy playing with the other dogs or did he keep to himself? Did he sleep all day? Did he "long for home and/or humans?"

If you and Fred decide that another dog is appropriate, now you must decide:

• Would Fred like someone his age or a younger model, or perhaps an older "role model"?
• Would Fred like a buddy or a girlfriend?
• Would Fred like to stick to his own type or branch out with some other breed(s)?
• Should you get a dog that is all trained or a "fixer-upper model"?

These and other issues are fuel for another article. But in the meantime, some advice from this human who has added many dogs from time to time:

• I would not suggest you even CONSIDER a second dog unless you have a fenced area in which to let them out to play and do whatever. Invisible fencing or regular fencing--either one--but two or more dogs with no fence is a lot of EXTRA WORK!

• TRAINING: Getting a second dog will not solve training problems with your existing dog. But, it very often takes the "High Energy Edge" off, making your dog easier to live with you. No matter how many dogs you have owned or trained in the past--it is (or should be) a nice bonding experience for both of you.

Think carefully for all concerned. Adopting is a wonderful experience. If you and your "Fred" agree this is for you, everyone will benefit. You will have a new dog, Fred will have a buddy, and your adoptee will have a wonderful new life with all of you.

Jennifer is proprietor of Canine Consulting--Caring Consulting for Canine Concerns, 108 Newburyport Turnpike, Route 1, Rowley, MA 01969. 978-948-5353. Reprinted with permission.