How to Bring a Second Dog into Your Home

Having a dog is wonderful, so why not two dogs? If you are thinking of bringing a second dog into your home, consider these steps to assure a smooth transition and a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leash
• Collar
• Dog food
• Treats
• Toys
• Blankets

1. When looking around for a second dog, try to find one with a similar personality and temperament to your family dog. If your dog is old and sleepy, a high energy puppy might not be the best fit. If he is shy, a very outgoing dog might overwhelm him.

2. Observe the way a possible second dog interacts with other dogs and people. Make sure she is friendly and not aggressive or too dominant. She should take an interest in humans and other dogs, and enjoy the company of both.

3. When you find a dog you might like to make part of your household, ask the seller or shelter if you can bring your dog in to meet him. Watch for a while to see how they interact. Are they interested in one another? Do they play well together? Is one of the dogs afraid or aggressive with the other? If they get along well, this may be the perfect companion for your dog.

4. When you bring home your second dog, don't bring her into the house right away. Your dog may feel very protective of her territory and not quite ready to welcome someone new. Let someone in your family bring your dog outside so that she and her new friend can get to know each other on neutral territory. If weather permits, taking the two of them for a long walk together is a great way to begin their friendship.

5. When your new dog comes home, it is natural to want to give him lots of attention. That is fine as long as you don't forget your old friend. Your first dog will need lots of love to reassure him that he hasn't been forgotten in the excitement of the new arrival.

6. Give both dogs lots of opportunities to go outside for walks. This gives your first dog the chance to be the teacher about where to "go" rather than forgetting her training when her new friend has an accident.

7. When you bring a new dog to your home, it is a great time to work on obedience training. Dogs enjoy the attention and rewards of training time, and well trained dogs are more likely to get along with both their human and canine friends. You will be giving them a solid foundation for a long and happy life together.

Tips & Warnings

• Until you are absolutely sure your two dogs get along, never leave them together unsupervised.

[CSeida08]

on 1/15/2009 Thank you for writing this article. It's great advice all around, and very well put. Thanks again!

[MicheleS]

on 2/11/2008 I am considering getting a puppy. Now I am considering 2!!