Two dogs mean twice the play and exercise time, but the good news is, they can help each other get that energy out! These reasons and ideas are an all great food for thought, but at the end of the day, youll have to make the ultimate decision on whether or not to get a companion for your golden retriever you know him or her best! When it comes down to it, some dogs just arent the best around other dogs. That undoubtedly makes the process of taking on another dog easier for you. Show the new dog where he or she will sleep and eat, and just allow him or her to get a little acclimated to the new area. Both breeds have a lot of similarities between them, for example, they are energetic and need stimulating activities to keep themselves busy. 8. Having a second dog is double the joy if it is done for the right reasons. Although theyre short in size, beagles are a good choice when selecting a friend for your golden retriever. Even if your golden retriever and new companion need to be in crates while theyre left home alone, having the crates close to each other (even so the dogs can touch through the sides) can help immensely. So, if youre looking for a companion for your furry friend plus a guard dog then a German shepherd is what you should get. Just like with getting your first dog, its important to set reasonable goals and stay patient when youre introducing a companion to your golden retriever. 1. I often asked myself; Does my golden retriever need a companion? Lets take a look at things to consider, what to prepare for, and how to welcome another furry friend into your family. Likewise, dogs also have a tendency to run or jump, especially if theyre excited; therefore, they can knock children over. Golden Retrievers are very social and known to be everyone's favourite because of their personality. Are your golden retrievers good around other dogs? In our case, we did not follow this rule and decided to welcome another male dog into our household. 3. This is especially significant when it comes to golden retrievers. While golden retrievers do very well with other dogs and animals, its not necessary for them to have a companion. There are some pretty good reasons to consider getting a companion for your golden retriever. Everyone at some point in their lives has always wanted to own a poodle, who wouldnt want these adorable small-sized dogs as their pet? Does your family want a second dog? Our site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Lucky Dog Animal Rescue recommends bringing home one of these items with the new companions scent on it and placing it where the new dog will be sleeping. However, her other golden just acted like the new golden retriever didnt exist for three whole months! This can be on a blanket, a toy, a collar, or something thats been around the new companion for a decent amount of time. Everything works out if you plan well. Before you bring home your golden retrievers new companion for the first time, make sure any food bowls, toys, treats, and even beds are picked up and put away. Here are ten things you may want to think about when asking yourself if getting a second dog is a good idea. Didnt you just say how social and friendly they are? And, many experts tend to agree on this as sometimes bringing a same-sex second dog into the home can create problems: Female dogs can often display jealousy to each other, and male dogs may show aggression to each other. So, consider a thorough assessment evaluation of your current dog before adding a second dog. After the hard decision of which dog breed to get for your golden retriever as its companion is over, the next thing to think about is how to socialize them to each other properly. To further your dog breed education, consult your veterinarian and connect with other Golden Retriever owners who currently have a two-dog household. As a dog owner, youve probably heard this one a few times too: introducing dogs in a neutral location is often the best way to go about the introduction process. The best thing about poodles is that theyre playful and affectionate. Golden retrievers have been renowned by many as one of the friendliest and best family dogs. Ranked as the fourth smartest dog, golden retrievers love to explore and play different games thatll challenge their minds. Does your family want a second dog? While that can be a factor (well discuss that later on), attention from people and family is sufficient enough for golden retrievers to stay happy and healthy and some goldens may prefer it that way. When we provide love and care to them, they naturally want to reciprocate. Once youve decided what type of dog would make the best companion for your golden retriever, its time to consider the next step: introducing the companion to your golden. 2. Who did they retrieve waterfowl for, though? Is it better to get a puppy as a second dog? Dog ownership cost has to be a top consideration. If youre a dog person at all, its pretty likely that you know introducing dogs to one another isnt always as simple as one, two, three. It is crucial to consider how a second dog will make your first dog feel. Do You Have the Time? As we just discussed, goldens were bred to retrieve waterfowl. Many people who have a dog often ask themselves whether they should get another. This eliminates either dog feeling threatened over territory, and therefore wanting to defend that territory. Purina has an awesomelist of the best dogs for multi-pet homes, meaning dogs that get along well with other dogs, other people, and other types of pets. It is important to make sure your household budget can cater to owning a second dog. Make sure you have your first dog fully-trained before introducing a second dog. Do You Have the Commitment to Train Your Second Dog? When goldens dont get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can get bored just like people can, and thats when destructive behaviors can begin. Its important to pay attention to! Before you know it, your guest will feel right at home. Many fellow Golden Retriever owners say that having a pair of Goldens is a good thing. The primary reason is to provide the other Golden dog companionship. Please click on a dog's name to see additionalphotos and to learn more. Potty Train Your Puppy to Ring the Bell to Go Outside, Dogs & Mental Health: How Petting Can Improve Your Life, 23 Movies About Golden Retrievers For The Whole Family. However, if there is growling, barking, stiff movements involved this can tell that the two might not be getting along so youll have to be very cautious. After we adopted KORU BEAR at six months, I felt that he would benefit from having a Golden sibling to keep him company and play with at all times. If you want to get a companion for your golden retriever, but arent sure which breed to get, the following dogs can make good companions for golden retrievers: You can, of course, choose a companion dog that isnt on this list; these breeds are simply the ones that are known to more easily adapt to living in a home with another dog or pet. This process will allow your golden to become comfortable and familiar with the new dogs scent; that way, they wont feel as bombarded as if a new dog were just to show up. Goldens are naturally playful and energetic (as you already know), especially when theyre young or newly introduced to an area and family. However, Golden Retriever also gets along well with most other breeds of dogs. Wait, how could a golden retriever not be good with other dogs? 7. If you are considering a different breed, read up on their different character traits and behavior to make sure it is a good match. They easily get along with other animals and kids because of their friendly personalities and barely ever cause trouble. Dogs provide unconditional love that isnt dependent on how we feel or act, making it easy to love them back. Golden retrievers dont tend to get territorial over their food, but during the introduction phase, its a good idea to separate your golden and his or her new companion during feeding times. First things first, every dog and every owner is different. Theyre known to have a playful and mischievous personality so its of no surprise that theyll adjust perfectly with your retriever. 4. Many fellow Golden Retriever owners say that having a pair of Goldens is a good thing. [], Your Resource for All Things Golden Retrievers, Copyright 2008 - 2016 Golden Woofs : Sugar The Golden Retriever, 2016 - 2022 Golden Woofs: Sugar The Golden Retriever. Do You Have the Space? Be prepared to plan your life and your time around your dogs. Putting another dog in the mix with a golden retriever who is already not the best with other dogs just isnt a good equation. A lot of them have to do with golden retriever behavior, and some of them have to do with owner preferences and abilities. On the other hand, German shepherds are famously known to be wonderful guard dogs. Determining which is better will ultimately be your decision, but to help make that choice, here are some explanations of all of the distinguishing traits. Additionally, remembering to stay patient and calm will help everyone involved including your golden retriever and his or her new companion. Go ahead and read on below to know details of which type of dog should be joining your family next! © 2022 My Golden Retriever Puppies. . No matter what, bringing a dog into your home will change your life. adroll_currency = "USD"; All youve got to do is just train and socialize them with each other and youll end up with two dogs who are extremely loyal to you. What does body language between newly introduced dogs look like if theyre getting along? Golden retrievers are great with children, but if youve got really young children especially ones that are learning to walk or just learned to walk you may want to wait on getting a companion for your golden retriever. Remember you will have to contribute a lot of your time and energy to this process also. Since golden retrievers were originally bred to retrieve waterfowl, they are powerful and full of energy. Ivywest Golden Retrievers. I did! Can You Afford Owning Two Dogs? But one thing is for sure if you do it right two dogs equal twice the fun, happiness, unconditional love, and enjoyable companionship for everyone around. Best 8 Shampoos and Grooming Items for Golden Retrievers. Beagles, just like golden retrievers, are filled with a lot of energy and are extremely friendly with other animals. That being said, golden retrievers can have a companion if you decide yours would do better with one (or even if youre just looking to add some more golden retriever love to your life). The GRCA provides puppy referral as a convenience to puppy buyers to find out about breeders who are GRCA members and their litters. Luckily, there are many types of dog breeds that you can choose as a companion for your retriever. Golden retrievers love people and need a good amount of attention from their owner(s) and/or others. There are lots of responsibilities to having two dogs, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. If one or both of them have relaxed movements and are playing together then you know theyre comfortable with each other. Now were going to walk you through some things that are even more fun: what to do if youve decided you do want to get a companion for your golden retriever! This is why both of these dog breeds will get along with each other pretty well. To make sure youre knowledgeable when it comes to your golden retriever and the potential for it needing a companion, were going to walk you through why golden retrievers dont necessarily need companions, reasons why you might want to consider getting a companion for your golden retriever, and even all the things to consider when getting a companion for your golden retriever. However, there may be some reasons to actually not get a companion for your golden retriever. Youll know your golden retriever and his or her new companion are beginning to get along, and things are going well if the dogs exhibit the following body language: Somebody language and behaviors are a sign that you need to take a break from the introductions and let the dogs recuperate. Having adequate space to play and for comfortable living, eating and sleeping is another important factor. Pugs were bred to be companion pets hence they love being around humans and other animals. Having a companion of the same kind to play with, exercise with, and ultimately expend energy with is a great benefit for many golden retrievers. No matter what, bringing a dog into your home will change your life. Golden retriever puppies are especially loyal companions, and have been known to take care of other animals (including cats). You may want to consider getting a companion for your golden retriever so that he or she doesnt have to be alone even when youre away. Theyve got amazing listening and understanding capabilities hence why youll notice that even in some movies such as Marley and me or Air Bud, golden retrievers were the dog of choice to cast. When we say neutral location, we mean an area that neither dog is familiar with. In the old eras, these dogs used to help the people hunt for prey as well. All that being said, lets take a look at some of the reasons you might want to get a companion for your golden retriever and some of the reasons you might want to hold off on getting one. When the owner introduced her third golden retriever to the family, one of her other goldens took to the new golden retriever in only a few days. It is important to make sure your household budget can cater to owning a second dog. GRCA takes no responsibility whatsoever for any puppies/dogs that you may acquire through GRCA puppy referral. Its pretty clear that these socialites of the dog world really dislike being alone. So before you decide whether you should get another dog, make sure you can provide both dogs the energy and attention they both need; especially the new dog that will require a lot of your time. This is majorly due to dogs having the trait of being super loyal to their human. Food, vet bills, dog care supplies, and pet insurance can add up to a hefty amount. Youve got this! Your first dog is used to being the only companion and might act upset or jealous and develop anxiety. Having a companion for your golden retriever means not only more play for them but less boredom too and of course, none of the dreaded alone time. Below are a few things listed that you should do in order to have a smooth introduction between your retriever and the new dog: This may not be possible to do but if youre able to then the first step before introduction between the two dogs should be bringing the scent of the new dog to your golden retriever. So, consider a thorough assessment evaluation of your current dog before adding a second dog. All Rights Reserved. Perhaps one of the best ways to describe golden retriever devotion is the way Golden Retriever Rescue of Mid-Floridaputs it: theyre velcro dogs always sticking by your side! Are Golden Retrievers Friendly With Other Dogs? They do, however, need ample attention from their owners, as well as plenty of time and room to play. 10. Cat VS Dog: Which Pet is the Best Pet For You? If youre ready for another dog, its likely that your golden retriever will enjoy all the benefits of having a companion, just as youll enjoy the benefits of having another dog around. Your first dog is used to being the only companion and might act upset or jealous and develop anxiety. Hopefully, the above points will help you to decide if getting a second dog is a good idea. Not only are these four-legged friends well-behaved and friendly with people in general, but theyre also good with children when socialized around them. One of the many reasons golden retrievers have been and are such a popular breed is due to their devotion. As weve mentioned a few times, its not absolutely necessary for golden retrievers to have a companion. Now that you know a bit more about golden retriever behavior and where it stems from, you can better understand some of the reasons you might or might not want to consider getting a companion for your golden retriever. We had two a few years ago.. This is one of the most prominent and popular reasons for not getting a companion for your golden retriever. There are some general behaviors we know fall into these two categories. You can do this by placing a dog gate or baby gate between the two while they eat; this allows them to be near each other and see each other but still have a healthy boundary. Like you read previously, these socialites of the dog world are high energy. Getting a companion for your golden retriever will mean your companion will likely more easily pick up bathroom routines, bedtime routines, food routines, and even some behaviors thanks to your golden. adroll_version = "2.0"; They even get worried if they dont see you for an extended amount of time. No, its not training in the traditional sense, but since your golden has already established their routine and place in your home and is likely already trained, he or she can pass on those behaviors to their new companion. Orvis explains that while goldens can be left alone for a few hours at a time, the social dogs really need family time and attention from their owner(s) or others every day or it could result in bad behavior. Apart from their owners, these furry creatures are affectionate and loving towards other dogs as well. Lauren Brownnotes that if you get a companion for your golden retriever, your golden can actually help train the companion (even if they might not totally be aware they are doing so). Does my golden retriever need a companion? We could write entire articles on the behavior of golden retrievers alone; however, well keep it brief and stick with the characteristics and behaviors that can affect if golden retrievers need a companion or not. Owning dogs involve a huge commitment. When life changes occur unexpectedly, your family must be able to continue providing the best life for your dogs. 6. So be honest and ask yourself Do you have the ability to commit to all the responsibilities for another dog? Let your golden retriever smell it and check it out. The smell can be introduced by a toy, blanket, collar, etc. If youre not ready to take on the responsibility of another dog, you shouldnt consider getting a companion for your golden retriever (or at least not yet). Give time and let both of the dogs get to know each other so that they can be comfortable. A big influence will likely be a breed you already know, like, or are interested in. Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds known to be service animals, working animals, and sometimes even TV and movie stars. 5. Is getting a second dog a good idea or not? Youve likely even thought of some that arent listed here that are specific to you and your golden. So, if youre an owner of a golden retriever whos wondering what kind of dog breed you should get so that your furry friend has someone they can play with and be happy with, let us guide you. If you decide to get a puppy, keep in mind that. Make sure to include your whole family in making decisions. At What Age Does a Golden Retriever Puppy Stop Growing? One of the biggest things that factor into dogs needing companions is their behavior. The best place to introduce the dogs face to face would be on a neutral ground where neither of the dogs has marked their territory over. Mix golden retrievers and poodles together and the end product youll get is a Goldendoodle. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Youve probably heard the term people-person to describe outgoing and social people in your life, and if theres an equivalent of that term for dogs, golden retrievers definitely fit the mold. Before bringing a new puppy or adult Golden dog into your home, it is important to evaluate your current Golden and carefully assess if having a second golden dog will be beneficial. However, when it comes to goldens, their high energy and social nature can leave owners wondering if two is better than one. Just like golden retrievers, they love to be around people and show their affection. Even though pugs are very small, it won't stop your golden retriever From becoming best friends with them. If you decide to get a puppy, keep in mind that a young pup requires a lot of training so think about whether youll be able to dedicate the time. What about if things arent going so well? So, what are some of the recommended things to do when introducing your golden retrievers companion to your golden retriever and the family? How will your dog feel? Its a known fact that these dogs are the most loyal friend youll ever find. Theyre also very easy to train and intelligent, just like golden retrievers, hence will match with the personality of your golden retriever.