You've had so much fun with your dog, you've decided to adopt a second dog. Double the fun, right? If you're considering adopting a second dog, you should consider the dog you already have. To make sure that both dogs become friends, and not enemies, here are a few things to think about before adopting.
1. The first thing to consider is the breed, size and sex of both dogs. Did you know some breeds don't get along with one another? Make sure that the breed is similar (as well as the size) to the current dog you have. It's not that certain breeds are enemies with one another. This has more to do with temperament. You don't want a very hyper, over-zealous dog that may injure a dog that's not used to rough play, for example. Experts also recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex for best results.
2. Think about how your current dog will feel. If you are considering adopting another dog so that your current dog will have a playmate, don't make this the sole determining factor about adopting. Yes, dogs are social animals that usually live in packs. However the re-homing of a second dog will take some time. Don't expect the dogs to warm up to each other initially. Considering the normal stress of re-homing a pet, plan on several weeks of slowly introducing the dogs to each other.
3. A lot of people will bring their current dog to the shelter to meet the dog they are thinking about adopting. There are various thoughts on this, however it should be avoided. While it might seem like a good idea, if you're bringing home the second dog that day, think about how the car ride home will go! Remember that new furry friends need time to acclimate, slowly, to one another.
4. When you do introduce the new dog, make sure both pets are on a leash. Make sure the leash is relatively loose, so they don't feel too constrained and become scared. Try to introduce them at a neutral location, like a park. If you have two cars, transport each to the park, or have a friend help with this.
5. Give the dogs a chance to do what comes natural. It's normal for dogs to slowly circle one another upon meeting for the first time. Make sure that your tone is pleasant and calm when speaking to the dogs. This will help them feel at ease. Allow them to sniff each other, but be careful about warning signs of aggressive behavior, and intervene when necessary. This first meeting should be short, lasting only a few minutes. It's possible you'll want to have another (or several) meetings at a neutral location before the body language in both dogs is playful and it's safe to bring them home.
6. Once the dogs interact with each other well, it's time to bring them home. Make sure your current dog enters the home first, followed by the new dog. This will give the current dog time to "welcome" your new pet into the home. A hierarchy will be established, which will (hopefully) cut down on territorial scraps.
7. Make sure each dog has it's own feeding bowls in different areas of the home. Buy different toys for your new dog and keep those separate from your old dog's toys. Reward your old dog with treats for showing friendly behavior towards the new dog.
Don't forget to practice patience when adopting a second dog and introducing it to the home, and your new dog. It will take a village, so get the support of all the family members in your home, and get some outside help as needed.
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