Will getting a second dog help separation anxiety?

“Get another dog — they’ll keep each other company.” You’ve probably heard it from friends, family, maybe even a trainer. It’s appealing. It’s also a big commitment to make on a guess.

What the research says

Why it works for some dogs and not others

If your dog’s distress is about being alone, a companion might help. If it’s about being apart from you, another dog won’t change that — and you’ll have two dogs to care for.

Test it before you commit

If you already have two dogs

Having another dog at home doesn’t appear to protect against separation anxiety (Flannigan & Dodman, 2001). If both dogs are distressed, each may need its own plan — a professional’s view is worth having. If one copes and the other doesn’t, practice may need to include separating the dogs from each other for short periods (our rule of thumb).

What reliably helps

The approach with the best evidence isn’t company — it’s teaching your dog that being alone is safe, one short, calm absence at a time (Butler et al., 2011; Sargisson, 2014). Company is still useful while you train: most dogs with separation anxiety are fine as long as someone is with them (ASPCA), so a sitter, friend or daycare can cover long absences.