Choosing a Second Dog

If you already have a dog you may be thinking of getting another for a variety of reasons. There are special considerations that you need to take into account before getting a second dog, however. Whether you're looking for another dog to keep your present one company or just getting one because you want to, you should ensure that another dog is the right fit for your family, including your current dog.

If you want another dog for the sole purpose of keeping your other dog company, it's not going to work. They will probably be companions and play together, but you cannot expect them to keep each other entertained all the time. They will still see you as the master and demand a lot of attention from you, and you'll have two dogs to attend to instead of just one. They'll both require a time and energy investment from you regularly. It is also important to understand that your expense will go up, and by how much. With addition of a second dog, your food and vet bills will go up.

Your current dog should be well trained before you consider adding another. Trying to train two dogs at the same time can be frightful and not very effective. However, your first dog can help train the second by setting a positive example if already trained.

Give the sex of your dog consideration. If you have a female, the easiest solution would be to add a male. Likewise, a male will likely get along better with a female. Both animals should be spayed or neutered before the addition of the other dog. Getting a dog of the opposite sex will aid in the adjustment and peacefulness of your home. Dogs of the same sex are more likely to fight, especially if they are not spayed or neutered.

The age of your current dog is also very important for adding the second. Dogs of around the same age are more likely to fight, so adding a younger dog is preferable. You should also consider your dog's temperament and energy level, however. My dog is highly intolerant of puppies and puppyish behaviors, and it would be in her best interests not to have a puppy added to the family. Similarly, pairing a highly energetic dog with a lazy one isn't the best idea either.

Before you bring a new dog into your home, you should first let both dogs meet on neutral ground to avoid territorial fighting. When you eventually bring the new dog home, do so carefully. Let the new dog explore the home by himself without your other dog's presence. Then switch roles, letting your first dog discover the smell of the new dog in his home. This will help both to become more tolerant of each other. The first few weeks they should not be left unsupervised so as to avoid any aggression or fighting when left alone.