When it comes to adding a furry friend to your family, there are a lot of things to consider.
You have to think about if you have enough space for another animal, what kind of personality would be a good fit for your household, and if you’re prepared to handle the additional financial responsibilities that come with dog ownership.
It can be tough to decide whether or not getting a third dog is the right choice for your family.
In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of owning a third dog. So, if you’re on the fence about whether or not to add another pup to your pack, read on!
Contents of this article:
- What are the pros and cons of owning a third dog?
- Pros.
- Cons.
- What’s it like owning three dogs?
- Is three dogs too many?
- Does gender matter when getting a third dog?
- How to introduce a third dog.
- What to consider when getting a third dog.
What are the pros and cons of owning a third dog?
Any good animal lover will tell you that one dog is never enough. But is a third dog really worth the hassle?
There are a lot of pros to getting a 3rd dog – more love, companionship, and fun in your home. But there are also some cons to consider – like more vet bills, more mess and more responsibility. It’s important to think about all of the factors before making a decision to add another dog to your family.
Let’s explore the pros and cons of getting a third dog.
Pros.
What are some of the benefits?
More companionship.
If you’re able to make it work, having three dogs can be incredibly rewarding. Three dogs means triple the amount of cuddles, kisses, and tail wags.
With another dog in the house, they’ll always have someone to play with – even when you’re not home. Not to mention, it’s always fun to see the special bond that forms between two dogs.
Added security.
A third dog can be helpful in terms of security. With three dogs in the family, you’ll never have to worry about being home alone again.
And depending on the size and breed of the third dog, they could also serve as an effective deterrent against would-be burglars.
More options and incentives for exercise.
A third dog means more options and opportunities for exercise. When it’s just you and one other dog, there are only so many ways to get your steps in. But with three dogs, there are endless possibilities.
Having three dogs also means you’re less likely to skip a walk or playtime because you’ll always have at least one dog who’s excited and ready to go.
Since walking 3 dogs at once can be a bit of a workout in itself, you may find that you’re finally getting the daily exercise you’ve been meaning to start! And if you’re not in the mood to walk all three at once, no problem – you can split them up into pairs and rotate.
So if you’re thinking of adding another furry friend to your family, don’t let concerns about exercise stop you – it may just be the motivation you need to get moving.
Your life will never be boring.
If you’re looking for a way to spice up your life, getting a third dog is definitely one way to do it. With three dogs in the house, there’s never a dull moment.
From wrestling matches to races down the hallway, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of entertainment. Not to mention, having three dogs means triple the amount of love, laughter, and happiness in your life.
Your dog won’t ever have to be alone again.
Another pro of having three dogs is that your furry friend will never have to be alone again. Whether you’re at work or running errands, someone will always be there to keep your dog company.
Unfortunately, dogs don’t live forever and sooner or later you’ll have to say goodbye to one of your furry friends. But with three dogs, hopefully none of your pooches will ever have to be an only dog.
Cons.
Although having three dogs can be wonderful, let’s explore the downsides of getting a third dog.
More mess to clean up.
If you’re not the type of person who’s okay with a little extra dog hair and drool around the house, then having three dogs is probably not for you.
With three dogs comes three times the amount of food, water, and toys – which means more cleanup for you.
You’ll also have to be extra vigilant about keeping the house clean and tidy to prevent any accidents from happening.
More expense.
Owning three dogs also means additional financial responsibilities. You’ll need to factor in the cost of food, toys, grooming, vet bills, and more when budgeting for a third dog. Depending on the size and breed of your third dog, these costs can add up quickly.
More work, less play.
Another potential downside of having three dogs is that you may find yourself working more and playing less. While it’s great to have someone to walk with or play fetch with when you’re taking a break from work, owning three dogs also means more responsibility.
You’ll need to make sure they’re all fed, watered, and exercised – which can leave little time for anything else.
Less freedom.
If you’re used to having just one or two dogs, you may find yourself feeling a bit constricted with three. With three dogs in the house, you’ll need to be more careful about where you go and what you do.
You may need to pass on certain hikes or trips to the dog park because it’s just too much work to keep three dogs happy and safe.
And if you’re the type of person who likes to travel, you may need to make arrangements for someone to watch your dogs while you’re gone.
Having three dogs means less freedom and flexibility – but it’s all worth it when you see those tail wags and kisses at the end of the day.
Potential behavior problems.
Another potential downside of having three dogs is that it can sometimes lead to behavioral problems. If you’re not careful, your dogs may start vying for your attention or acting out in other ways.
This is especially true if you have two dogs of the same gender – they may start competing for your affection and attention, which can lead to jealousy and resentment.
Overall, owning three dogs has both its pros and cons. It’s important to carefully consider all of the factors before making the decision to add another furry friend to your family.
What’s it like owning three dogs?
For starters, it’s important to note that owning three dogs is not for everyone. It takes a lot of time, effort, and money to care for three dogs properly – so if you’re not up for the challenge, it’s probably best to stick with one or two dogs.
That being said, there are certainly some upsides to owning three dogs. For one, you’re guaranteed to have plenty of entertainment. Not to mention, having three dogs means triple the amount of love, laughter, and happiness in your life.
Is three dogs too many?
There’s no easy answer to this question, as it depends on a variety of factors such as your lifestyle, personality, and living situation.
If you’re considering getting a third dog, weigh the pros and cons carefully to see if it’s right for you.
Does gender matter when getting a third dog?
What gender should the third dog be?
This is a common question people ask when they are trying to decide if they should add a third dog to their family. While there is no definitive answer for the best gender combination for 3 dogs, there are some things you should keep in mind when making your decision.
We have two intact male dogs at home here with no issues. However, hormones can sometimes cause problems between two dogs of the same gender.
If you have two dogs of the same gender, it is important to be aware of the potential for behavioral problems and take steps to prevent them.
Typically, in my experience as a qualified dog trainer, the hardest combination is all female dogs. If you have female dogs who do not get along, neutering doesn’t always make a difference as it sometimes can with male dogs.
If you have two male dogs and one female dog, this can cause fights between the boys when your female dog comes into season.
And there’s a much higher risk of an unplanned litter if your dogs are unneutered and not all of the same gender. You’ll need a plan to keep them separate if you have an unspayed female in your household.
Ultimately, the decision of what gender the third dog should be is up to you and what you think will work best for your family, but if one of your current dogs is a bit feisty, it may be best to add one of the opposite gender.
How to introduce a third dog.
If you want to become a three dog household, here are some tips that might help make it go more smoothly.
1. Make sure that you have enough space for another dog. This means having enough room in your house and yard, as well as enough time to care for another pet.
2. Choose a compatible breed or mix. This is especially important if you have two dogs of the same gender. You’ll want to avoid any breeds that are known to be territorial or prefer their own company.
3. Consider your current dogs’ personalities. If your dogs are very active, you’ll want to choose a third dog that can keep up with them.
Conversely, if your dogs are more low-key, you don’t want to choose a high-energy breed that will wear them out.
4. Socialize your new dog carefully. Introduce your new dog to your other dogs gradually, in a calm and controlled manner.
Introduce your existing dogs to the new dog one at a time, so that nobody is overwhelmed.
Allow them to get used to each other’s smell and presence before allowing them to interact too much.
Don’t leave them alone together until they have had time to get to know each other and you are absolutely sure there will be no problems.
5. Be prepared for some adjustments. It will probably take some time for your dogs to get used to each other. Be patient and keep up with their training, including obedience and manners.
6. Get professional help if needed. If you’re having trouble introducing your new dog to your other dogs, or if there are any behavioral problems, seek out the advice of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist before things get out of hand.
With time and patience, they should be able to adjust to living together peacefully, but remember, there are no guarantees. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows – many people live a “crate and rotate” lifestyle because one of their dogs doesn’t get along with the others.
What to consider when getting a third dog.
These are just a few things to keep in mind when adding a third dog to your home. With careful planning and preparation, you can do your best to make it a successful transition for everyone involved.
Have you ever thought about getting a third dog? Or do you already have three dogs? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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