Fixing Separation Anxiety with Another Dog

I still remember the first time I noticed my dog struggling when I left the house. At first, it was just a little whining near the door. But soon it turned into pacing, barking, and chewed-up cushions waiting for me when I returned. That’s when I started wondering: was my dog lonely when I wasn’t around?

Hi, I’m Jason. I’m a remote business owner living in Denver, and my home is a bit of a zoo with my high-energy Lab, Max, my sensitive Beagle, Charlie, and my cat, Luna. Because I work from home, the "velcro" attachment was real. I actually managed to fix Charlie’s intense separation anxiety with the help of Max’s calm presence, but it wasn't a "plug-and-play" solution. It took a lot of trial and error to ensure they were helping each other rather than just feeding into a pack panic.

Like many pet parents, I began searching for ways to help. One suggestion kept appearing everywhere: “Get another dog. They’ll keep each other company.” It sounded like the perfect solution, two dogs playing together, keeping each other calm, and ending the anxiety once and for all. But as I learned, managing Separation Anxiety in Dogs is rarely that simple.

In this guide, I’ll walk through whether getting another dog can actually help, the pros and cons of this approach, and the steps you should take to ensure a happy, multi-pet home.

What Is Separation Anxiety?

Separation anxiety in dogs is a behavioral condition where a dog experiences intense stress when left alone or separated from their owner. Dogs are naturally social animals, and many form deep attachments with their humans. When that bond becomes too dependent, even short periods of separation can trigger anxiety.  While it often manifests as destruction, it can also affect a dog's physical health; for instance, some owners find themselves asking, Can Dogs Throw Up from Separation Anxiety? (the answer is yes, extreme stress can absolutely lead to digestive upset).

A dog suffering from separation anxiety may show behaviors such as:

• Excessive barking or howling when left alone

• Destructive chewing or scratching at doors and furniture

• Pacing, restlessness, or constant whining

• Urinating or defecating indoors despite being house-trained

• Attempting to escape from crates or rooms

If your dog is injuring themselves trying to get out, you might need to look into the Best High Anxiety Dog Crates designed for safety. However, it is also important to distinguish if your dog has true separation issues or Separation Anxiety, Confinement Anxiety Or Incomplete Crate Training?. In many cases, these behaviors are not signs of disobedience but rather symptoms of panic. Dogs experiencing separation anxiety often feel abandoned or unsafe when their owner leaves, even if it’s only for a short time.

Several factors can contribute to separation anxiety, including:

• Sudden changes in routine

• Moving to a new home

• Being rehomed or adopted from a shelter

• Spending long periods alone without stimulation

• Strong attachment to one specific person

For many pet parents, especially those who work long hours or travel frequently, this can become a serious concern. Understanding the root cause of separation anxiety is the first step toward finding a solution that helps your dog feel safe, calm, and secure when you're away.

Fixing Separation Anxiety With Another Dog – A Popular Solution

One common suggestion many pet parents hear when their dog struggles with separation anxiety is: “Get another dog so they won’t feel lonely.”

This idea has become popular because dogs naturally evolved as pack animals. In the wild, dogs and their ancestors lived in groups where companionship and social bonds were essential for survival. Because of this instinct, many people believe that their dog sees the family as its pack, and when the owner leaves the house, the dog feels as if the pack has disappeared.

The logic behind getting another dog is simple: if your dog becomes anxious when the “pack leader” leaves, adding another dog could recreate that sense of a pack at home. With a companion around, the dog may feel less alone and less stressed during your absence. Before committing to a second pet, you must have a plan for how to cure separation anxiety in dogs through behavior modification, as a companion is a support tool, not a standalone cure.

While this reasoning makes sense on the surface, the reality can be more complex. Some dogs benefit from having a companion, while others may continue to experience anxiety even when another dog is present.

Because of this, getting another dog should always be considered carefully and realistically. It should be done with the goal of adding a compatible companion not simply as a quick fix for behavioral problems.

Before deciding to bring another dog into your home, it’s important to understand both the advantages and potential drawbacks of this approach.

What Are the Positives and Negatives of Using Another Dog to Solve Separation Anxiety in the First Dog

Bringing another dog into the home can sometimes help a dog that struggles with separation anxiety, but it is important to understand that the results can vary. While companionship can benefit some dogs, it may not fully solve the underlying emotional stress caused by being separated from their owner.

What Kind Of Second Dog Should You Get

If you decide to bring a second dog into your home to help with separation anxiety, choosing the right companion dog is extremely important. The goal is not simply to add another pet, but to introduce a dog whose personality and behavior can positively influence your current dog. For example, if you are specifically looking at how to deal with separation anxiety in cattle dogs, you’ll need a companion that can keep up with their high energy without adding to the neuroticism.

A poorly matched dog can increase stress, create rivalry, or even worsen anxiety. For this reason, it’s important to look beyond appearance or breed popularity and focus on temperament, energy level, and compatibility. If you are adopting, be sure to read up on Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety 101, as two rescue dogs might both bring abandonment trauma into the home, potentially doubling the anxiety levels

Here are some key factors to consider when choosing a second dog:

Calm and Confident Temperament

A confident dog that remains relaxed when alone can have a stabilizing effect on an anxious dog. Dogs often learn behaviors from each other, so a calm companion can help create a more balanced environment.

Similar Energy Levels

Dogs with similar activity levels tend to get along better. For example, pairing a highly energetic dog with a very relaxed dog may lead to frustration for both.

Friendly and Social Personality

Look for a dog that enjoys interacting with other dogs. A naturally social dog is more likely to form a positive bond with your current dog.

Age Considerations

Adult dogs with stable temperaments are often better companions for anxious dogs than very young puppies, which may require extra attention and training.

Opposite Gender Pairing (Often Works Better)

In many households, male–female dog pairs tend to experience fewer dominance conflicts compared to same-gender pairs, though this can vary depending on individual personalities.

Health and Training Background

A well-socialized dog that has basic obedience training will generally adjust more smoothly to a new environment and family routine.

Ultimately, the best second dog is one that complements your current dog’s personality rather than competing with it. Taking the time to choose carefully can make the transition smoother for both dogs and increase the chances of creating a peaceful, supportive environment.

If you happen to be living and working with deaf dogs, your choice of a second dog should be one that communicates well through body language.

How To Make Your New And Old Dogs Get Along

Introducing a second dog into your home requires patience and careful planning. Even if both dogs are friendly, sudden introductions or poor management can lead to confusion, stress, or rivalry. A gradual and controlled introduction helps both dogs feel safe and gives them time to adjust to each other.

Here are some important steps to help your new and existing dogs build a healthy relationship.

Talk To Your Family First

Before bringing another dog home, make sure everyone in your household agrees with the decision. A second dog means additional responsibility, time, and financial commitment. Discuss roles such as feeding, walking, and training so that the transition becomes smoother for both dogs and family members.

Keep Your Dogs Under Control

During the first meeting, both dogs should be under control. Using leashes or having handlers for each dog helps prevent sudden reactions. Controlled introductions allow the dogs to observe each other calmly without feeling threatened.

Allow The Dogs To Get To Know One Another

Dogs need time to understand each other's body language and boundaries. Allow short and positive interactions so they can gradually build trust. Avoid forcing them to interact if either dog seems uncomfortable.

Take Your Dogs Home

Once the initial introductions go well, you can slowly bring the new dog into your home environment. Let them explore the house while maintaining supervision to avoid territorial behavior from the existing dog.

Don't Take Your Current Dog With You

When you go to pick up the new dog from a shelter or breeder, it is often better not to take your current dog along. The new dog may already feel stressed due to the unfamiliar environment, and bringing another dog into that situation can increase tension.

Introduce Your Dogs On Neutral Grounds

A neutral location such as a park or open space works best for the first meeting. This reduces the chances of territorial behavior from the resident dog and allows both dogs to meet in a relaxed environment.

Reduce The Possibilities Of Rivalry

Provide separate food bowls, toys, and resting areas for each dog. This helps prevent competition over resources and allows both dogs to feel secure in their space.

Don't Forget To Monitor Playtime

Playtime is important for bonding, but it should always be supervised in the beginning. Watch for signs of aggression, excessive dominance, or discomfort, and intervene if necessary to keep interactions positive.

Taking these steps slowly can help both dogs develop a comfortable and trusting relationship, which increases the chances that they will eventually become good companions. Understand that it takes time. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, check out this guide on what to do if your dog has separation anxiety for immediate management tips.

How To Monitor Dogs When Left Alone At Home

Even if your dogs eventually become comfortable with each other, it’s important to monitor their behavior when they are left alone at home. Dogs that are newly introduced may still be adjusting to each other, and unsupervised interactions could sometimes lead to stress, rough play, or competition.

One of the safest approaches is to observe how they behave when you are not physically present. This helps you understand whether your dogs are truly calm together or if they still need time to adjust.

Start by leaving them alone for short periods and gradually increase the time as they become more comfortable. Make sure both dogs have access to water, comfortable resting spaces, and their own toys to avoid conflicts.

Even after a successful introduction, you need to know what happens when you close the front door. Are they playing, or is the first dog still howling? If the noise continues, you'll need specific strategies for how to stop your dog from barking when left alone.

Many pet parents also prefer using a pet monitoring camera so they can keep an eye on their dogs while away from home. Devices like the WaggleCam Pro make it easier to check on your pets, interact with them remotely, and ensure they are safe and relaxed during the day.

The WaggleCam Pro comes with several helpful features that support pet monitoring and engagement:

• Treat Dispensing Feature – Reward your dogs remotely with treats, which can help reinforce positive behavior when they stay calm together.

• Two-Way Audio – Speak to your dogs and hear them in real time, helping reassure anxious pets.

• HD Live Video Streaming – Watch your dogs clearly from anywhere through the mobile app.

• Night Vision – Monitor your pets even in low-light or nighttime conditions.

• Motion Detection Alerts – Receive notifications if unusual movement or activity occurs.

Using a monitoring device allows you to observe their interactions, understand their behavior patterns, and intervene when necessary. Over time, this can help you determine whether the presence of the second dog is actually helping reduce separation anxiety.

Conclusion

Adding another dog can sometimes help reduce separation anxiety, but it is not a guaranteed solution. While companionship can provide comfort and stimulation, the anxious dog may still struggle if the root cause of the problem is a strong attachment to their owner. For this reason, getting another dog should be seen as a long-term family decision, not just a quick behavioral fix. Successful recovery requires a holistic approach to Canine separation anxiety: strategies for treatment and management. For a deeper dive into behavioral exercises, read How to Deal with Dog Separation Anxiety.

The key to success lies in choosing the right companion dog, introducing them gradually, and carefully managing their interactions in the early stages. With patience, proper training, and supervision, many dogs eventually develop strong bonds that make them feel safer and more relaxed when left alone.

Monitoring your dogs’ behavior, providing enough mental stimulation, and maintaining a stable routine can all help create a calmer home environment. In the end, the goal is to ensure that both dogs feel secure, comfortable, and happy, whether you are at home or away.

FAQs

1. Can getting another dog cure separation anxiety?

Not always. While some dogs feel calmer with a companion, separation anxiety is often related to attachment to the owner, so the issue may still remain.

2. Is it better to adopt a puppy or an adult dog as the second dog?

A calm adult dog with a stable temperament is usually a better choice because puppies require more attention and training.

3. How long does it take for two dogs to get used to each other?

It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks depending on the personalities of the dogs and how carefully the introductions are managed.

4. Should I leave my dogs alone together immediately?

No. It’s best to supervise them first and gradually increase the time they spend together once you are confident they are comfortable around each other.

5. Can two dogs develop separation anxiety together?

Yes, in some cases one anxious dog can influence the other, which is why careful monitoring and training are important.

6. What are signs that my dogs are not getting along?

Signs include growling, guarding food or toys, excessive dominance, or avoiding each other. If these behaviors appear frequently, professional training may help.

7. What else can help reduce separation anxiety in dogs?

Providing mental stimulation, regular exercise, gradual desensitization to departures, and maintaining a consistent routine can all help reduce anxiety.