1. Don’t Forget to Give Your First Dog Attention

It seems silly to say, but puppies have a way of stealing all the attention. This means it can often go unnoticed that your first dog isn’t receiving as much interaction as they once did.

We understand that puppies require more supervision, guidance, and training in the early months. However, neglecting your first dog’s emotional needs may lead to jealousy, anxiety, or behavioral changes. Make an effort to set aside one-on-one time with your older dog each day—whether it’s a short training session, a walk, or simply relaxing together. Keeping their routine as normal as possible will help reassure them that they’re still a valued part of the family.

2. Define the Puppy Areas

Before your new puppy arrives, plan out where they will sleep, eat, and play. Having designated areas helps with house training, prevents unwanted behaviors, and provide a sense of structure.

Use baby gates or playpens to limit access to certain areas of the house, especially at the beginning. This helps prevent accidents, keeps interactions with your first dog controlled, and allows the puppy to settle in gradually. Your older dog may also appreciate having a space of their own where they can retreat when they need a break from the high energy of a young pup.

As the puppy grows and understands the rules of the house, the need for separation may reduce and the need for supervision may also reduce.

3. Alone Training: Teach Your Puppy How to Be Alone

While it’s tempting to let your puppy follow you or your other dog everywhere, it’s important to teach independence early. Puppies who become overly attached to people or their canine companion may struggle with separation anxiety later.

Encourage short periods of alone time in a crate or a separate area, gradually increasing the duration. This not only helps build confidence but also ensures that both dogs can be apart without distress. Your first dog should also continue to have independent time with you to prevent over-reliance on the new puppy for companionship.

Training should start of short and non-confronting to create positive associations with being alone.

4. Manage Play and Introductions Carefully

Bringing a second dog into the home doesn’t guarantee an instant friendship. While some dogs bond quickly, others need more time to adjust. Always introduce your dogs in a neutral space and monitor their interactions closely.

Puppies tend to be energetic and persistent, which can overwhelm an older dog. Allow your first dog to set boundaries while ensuring play remains respectful. Supervised interactions will help both dogs understand each other’s limits, reducing the risk of conflicts as they establish their relationship.

5. Understand No Two Dogs Are the Same

If you’re getting a second dog, it’s natural to compare them to your first, but it’s important to adjust your expectations.

Every dog has a unique temperament, learning style, and energy level. Just because your first dog was easy to train doesn’t mean your second will be the same. Some puppies take longer to settle, may have different motivations, or may need a completely different training approach. Being flexible and open-minded will help you support your new dog as an individual, rather than expecting them to be a carbon copy of your first.

6. Ensure Your First Dog Will Be a Good Mentor

There’s little point in getting a second dog if your first dog has major behavioral issues or habits you’re trying to fix. Puppies naturally look to older dogs for guidance on how to behave, both at home and in public.

If your first dog struggles with reactivity, poor leash manners, excessive barking, or anxiety, your new puppy is likely to pick up on these behaviors. Before bringing a second dog into the home, work on resolving any lingering issues with your first dog. A stable, well-behaved role model will make training your second dog significantly easier.

7. A Second Dog Is Not Just One Extra Mouth to Feed—It’s Everything Else Too

It’s easy to assume that adding another dog simply means buying a bit more food each month. In reality, it doubles your responsibilities in nearly every way.

Vet bills, training costs, grooming, pet insurance, travel logistics, and overall time commitment all increase. If you travel frequently, you’ll need to factor in boarding or pet-sitting costs for two dogs instead of one. Even simple things like vet appointments or daily walks require more planning.

Before getting a second dog, make sure you can handle the long-term responsibility, including time, training, and care, not just the financial cost.