The amount of joy that a new dog brings to a household is hard to resist. If you already have a fur baby, the temptation to get another can be overwhelming. If you have the time and money to devote to a second dog, you may think you're ready. However, there are some things that people don't think about when they are thinking about adopting another pet. Here are a few things you need to know before welcoming a second dog into your home.

1. Make Sure Your Current Dog is Properly Trained

Nothing is worse than when two disobedient dogs get in the same room together. If you're lucky, they won't be aggressive towards each other and will just run wild around your living room. If you're planning on adopting a second dog, you need to be sure that the dog you already have gets along well with other dogs, and can set a good behavioural example for the next one.

2. The Cleaning Requirements Go Up

It makes sense, you add another dog to your home, it’s bound to be messier. Make sure you're aware of the amount of vacuuming and cleaning that goes into maintaining a home with multiple pets. If you have a dog that doesn't shed, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise if you adopt a heavy shedder. Some homeowners with multiple pets will opt to invest in top-level robot vacuums to help take the edge off of cleaning. The Roomba 900 series is great for homes with multiple pets.

3. Pick a Pup That's Compatible

If you've got a senior pet at home, it's not a good idea to go out and adopt a wild and energetic 6-month-old puppy. The dogs should be compatible. This doesn't mean that you can't get a puppy if you have a senior dog, but try to be aware of how your current dog may react to the situation and prioritize their comfort in the matter.

Adopting a new dog can be a wonderful experience, but you need to go into it knowing what you're getting yourself into. Welcoming a second dog into your home can bring you twice the joy of only having one dog, but they can also bring twice the mess and twice the stress if you aren't prepared for it. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to decide if adopting a second dog is the right choice for you.