Pros And Cons Of Getting A 3rd Dog – Is It a Good Idea?

It all start with one dog, then escalated to two and now… You’re thinking about the third one.

Therefore, which are the pros and cons of getting a 3rd dog? Is it a good idea?

In this piece of writing, we’ll tell you what you could expect if you decide to go ahead with it.

Getting The Third Dog – Pros And Cons

It seems like dogs have always been with us. They are friendly, loving, playful and you can train them to do all sorts of different tricks. You might adopt both of your dogs and think about the third one.

Of course, living with multiple dogs have pros and cons.

Here we’ll mention some pros and cons of adopting a third dog. Before your decision, take your time and think about all these things. Your final decision will affect not only you but your two dogs and your family members as well.

The Pros

There are many good reasons why you should get a third dog, so we mentioned some of them:

• There can’t be too many dogs – To avoid misunderstandings, of course, you can have too many dogs. We want to say that more dogs mean more cuddles, more love, more fun and more happiness. If you have ample free space, three dogs will give more life to your home.
• The other two dogs will be happier – Having one dog is great if you have a lot of free time to play and walk with him. Two dogs will make company for each other, so you’ll have more time for yourself. Plus, that’s great when you’re away from home. Having a dog trio is even more fun. Three dogs will keep each other busy all day playing and running.



• No boring time – With three dogs, there will never be a dull moment in your life. Walks will be filled with many hours of fun and joy.
• More protection – This depends on the breed you have, but if you have big dogs (like labradors), you’ll get a lot of added security. If you are concerned about your safety, a third dog could be added level of security.
• Stronger emotional bonds – Having three dogs is like having a family. Each dog has its own personality, mischievous traits, favorite toy, etc. Each dog will have a unique bond with you.
• Dogs will be healthier – If you have three dogs, they will be healthier and fitter because playtime will last much longer. They will have the same amount of energy which means less work for you. 😉



• Different personalities may balance each other out – If you have one dog full of energy and the second dog is lazy, the third dog could balance out their energy levels. The same thing will apply on other situations, such as reactions to strangers, their attitudes towards other dogs, etc.
• It’s easier to train them – For those who want to train their dogs, it’s important to note that dogs are worse copycats than other primates. They will learn faster and you could easily have three well-behaved dogs.

The Cons

Of course, we should be realistic and accept that there are some cons, serious one, that you must consider before getting a third dog.

• It is expensive – It is very expensive to own three dogs. Just think about it – it’s triple vet bills, food bills, toys. You should have three dog beds, three food bowls, three sets of leashes and collars,…



• A lot of experience  – And a lot of patience. It is time-consuming to have three dogs and if you aren’t experienced in handling or training dogs, that can be very exhausting and overwhelming.
• Time-consuming activity – No matter is it training, walking, feeding, grooming, or playing, your dogs require your time and three dogs require even more time. Dogs are attention-seeking animals, so take the amount of time you need to spend with them into consideration.



• A lot of space – This one also depends on the breed you have, but if you want to have three medium or large-sized dogs, you’ll need a lot of space. You’ll need space not only for their beds, toys and bowls but for their play. And their playing can be very destructive.
• A lot of shedding – A single dog can cover your couch in hair and furballs, so just imagine what three will do to your house. You’ll need to spend a lot of time cleaning and vacuuming.
• Each dog requires attention – You should pay attention to each dog and give each dog equal time for playing and cuddling.



• Your freedom will be constrained – Owning three dogs could mean that spontaneous holidays and trips aren’t an option for you anymore. If you have enough money, you can leave them in daycare. Or with your family. But maybe they won’t be dealing with that.
• Transport issues – Moving your dogs can be challenging if there are three of them.



• Potential behavior problems – Dogs can be jealous and can vie for your attention. They may start competing for your time.

Best Gender Combination For 3 Dogs

This can be very tricky. For example, if you have two dogs of the same gender, they could start competing for your attention. That can lead to jealousy, resentment and potential behavior problems. Let’s check various gender combinations.

First Scenario – Female & Two Males

If you choose this combination, be aware that it can cause a fight between the boys when a female comes into the game. Also, if a female is unspayed, maybe you could deal with puppies, not just three dogs. 😀

Second Scenario – Two Females & Male

When it comes to gender combinations that include both males and females, there is a risk of an unplanned litter (of course, if dogs aren’t neutered). If you plan to keep unspayed females in your household, then you should have a plan on how to keep them separated.

Third Scenario  – Three Females

Well, actually, this is the hardest combination, according to one famous dog trainer. If there are three female dogs who don’t get along, neutering doesn’t always make a difference.

Fourth Scenario – Three Males

If all three male dogs are neutered, that can make a difference in their behavior. Otherwise, they can fight and compete for your attention.

It is important to note that there is no correct answer to this question. The decision of what gender the 3rd dog should be is up to you and what you think will work the best. It is important to introduce a new dog to your other dogs gradually.

How To Take Care Of 3 Dogs?

There are some things you should keep in mind when having multiple dogs. Otherwise, you could end up with a pack of dogs who don’t like each other.

Show The Authority

The first and very important thing is to assign yourself top authority. Make them know who is in charge. This task can require a plethora of time, but it’s important. Any of your dogs should think it is more powerful than you. If that happens, they will start to fight for supremacy.

Warning Signs

Dogs can be a little aggressive, so you have to watch and notice when a game is replaced by a real fight.

Care For Each Dog

Every dog needs its own special care and you should provide it. So, each dog should have its dinner bowl, sleeping space, and toys. Take care of these things and you’ll prevent fights and aggression.

Avoid Competition

Dogs need individual attention, they are just like kids. You should give them your attention, the right amount of exercise, a special toy just for them, etc. Each dog has its special needs and requires its own small territory. Dogs react very quickly to kindness and love.

3rd Dog – Single Or Family?

Whether you are single or have a family, there is no one answer to this question. Both combinations have their advantages and disadvantages.

Single Person – If you live alone, these three dogs will be your family. All their love will go to you. But what when you are at work? Well, you should provide them with enough food, water, toys, beds, space, etc. Also, you can ask for help. Ask your family member or friend to come by and check on your dogs. Or you can pay someone to look after them. Don’t leave them alone for too long.

Family – It seems a bit easier if there is always someone who can be with the dogs. So, they will never be by themself. But be careful if you have kids. They should be able to manage dogs and not be afraid of them. Teach your kids as well as your dogs to be around each other.