Single Dogs, Multiple Dogs
Whether you only have one dog, two, or a whole pack, each scenario has its own unique set of benefits, drawbacks, challenges, and realities.
Living with a Single Dog
Living with only one dog is, for the most part, a little easier, or at least less labor-intensive than living with multiple dogs. However, only dogs can sometimes have a skewed sense of reality, and become antisocial and spoiled if their needs for regular socialization with their own species are neglected. Oftentimes, owners of single dogs are overprotective of their “furbabies,” and cater to their every whim to the point of obsession, unfortunately often resulting in a dog that is a neurotic mess.
To be really happy, your single dog needs leadership, boundaries, exercise, affection, training, and socialization more than he needs to be showered with loads of undeserved adoration.
Living with Multiple Dogs
Living with multiple dogs has its own challenges. In general, or at least without really good leadership, the more dogs you have, the more they tend to act like dogs. You have to make an effort to make sure each dog bonds to you and respects you as the leader. To some extent, you have to let the dogs sort out their own pack order, but you always have to be the pack leader, without an iota of doubt in any of your dogs' minds.
Don't get a dog as a pet or playmate for another dog. You never know how they're going to get along, and if you don't have the time or energy to exercise and play with one dog, you definitely don't have time for two! Littermates are exceptionally difficult. They usually overbond to each other, and basic temperament traits like dominance or shyness tend to become exaggerated.
It's a lot of work each time you add a dog to your household, who will naturally bond easily to other dogs, but probably not as easily to you. Crate the new dog separately, and do lots of individual work with her (and with your other dogs). She should have some freedom within the pack, but much of her early time in her new home will be spent tethered to you. When you can easily call her away from playing with the other dogs, she can have more freedom with the rest of the pack.
