Are you wanting a second dog and aren’t sure how to go about adding your next family member to your existing pack? I will try to explain some of the most important points about adding another dog to your family. And then some ways to do the introduction.
Points to focus on
Know your existing dog inside and out. This part is essential because many people just go and bring another dog home without considering their first dog. I have been called in to figure out how to “make it work” many times. Sometimes it can work, other times it just does not work.
Our first dog is our first responsibility. It is our job to give them a happy, safe and enriched life. So that means making educated decisions on adding #2.
Probably the first question to ask yourself is “do you want another dog?” Or are you just getting one for your dog? It is VERY important that you the people want another dog.
How old is your dog? Are they past the age that it would be a good idea to bring home another dog?
Does your dog like other dogs, puppies? Many, many dogs like other dogs but not puppies. Adding a puppy to your home means a lot of work for you, the humans.
Is your existing dog trained and fully connected/bonded to you and the family? Bringing home a second dog too early in your existing dog’s life can cause them to connect with each other and leave you out of the relationship.
Does your existing dog love to play with other dogs? Yes, no, a little?
Perhaps ask a professional trainer what type of temperament they think would be the best sort of match for your existing dog.
Every dog is an individual, just because you put two together does not mean that it will work out.
It takes quite a while for dogs to become “family.” It rarely happens overnight.
So you’ve found the dog that you will add to your family. Now, how do you bring home the dog without causing undo stress on your #1? If you are bringing home an adult rescue or adult second hand dog; the best thing to do is introduce the dogs on neutral territory. In other words, not your house; because your house is your #1 dog’s territory.
Off leash is the best way to introduce dogs so that they feel that they can move away if needed. Leashes can cause unwanted behavior issues. If you have a friend who is up for volunteering their backyard, take them up on the offer. If their first meeting goes well; then walk the dogs on leash together. Watch for any stress signals from either of the dogs. If possible, meet several days in a row before bringing the dog home with you. Of course this is not always possible.
Once you are bringing the second dog home; have them meet once again outside on leash. If you can, go into the backyard without going through the house. Allow them to interact in the backyard before bringing them inside. Inside has less room to move away and can bring up territorial issues. Make sure to leave a short grab leash on the new addition, in case.
Bringing home puppy
Depending on your #1, bringing home a puppy can be easier or more difficult. My girl Elsa adores puppies so it is easy peasy to bring a new puppy home. Because she loves puppies so much we simply keep a screen door between them until I get to see how the puppy feels about Elsa. I know that Elsa is going to be great, so it is the puppy I am watching.
Having a meet and greet off property can be difficult with a new puppy because of germs. So meeting at home is more than likely going to be what happens. But it is always best to do it outside with several hands on deck in case. If you are concerned about the safety of the puppy, leash your #1 before they meet.
Having a friend come over and deal with the puppy is helpful; it takes you out of the picture as far as jealousy behaviors with your #1. Most dogs know that puppies are baby dogs and will act accordingly. Growling will almost always happen which is normal. It is your #1’s job to give feedback to the puppy. Left unchecked by #1, #2’s can turn into monsters.
Many k9 guardians discipline their #1 for giving feedback and that is where things start to go wrong. Growling and the occasional snap is how the adult will communicate to the puppy. Of course there is safe communication and unsafe, anything too aggressive needs to be stopped.
But it is also important to know that we humans HAVE to step in. If we just sit back and let them figure out, things could go very wrong. It is our job to protect #1 and #2.
Questions? I love questions.