Here's my story about bringing home a second dog: tips for a good first meeting - I'm sharing this because I wish someone had told me earlier. Bringing home a second dog or puppy can be a stressful situation for everyone involved. While the initial meeting is important, there are many steps you can take to help ease the transition, even if both pets don’t get along at first. Before you prepare a second dog into your home, it’s best to consider what type of dog you want to add in relation to your current dog. Dogs may live well in groups, that doesn’t mean two dogs will necessarily get along.. Watching Rocky go through this was heartbreaking. it’s recommended that both dogs are roughly the same size, so that one isn’t able to overwhelm or accidentally hurt the other. Some dogs have different needs when it comes to personal space, so while it might seem as though it would be good to give your first dog a friend, there are some dogs that would prefer being the only dog instead. Optimally, the age difference between both dogs shouldn’t be too far apart. I felt so guilty when I realized what was happening. if you’re thinking about bringing home a second dog, one tip is to go on a trial run by fostering a dog from a local shelter. Before introducing your new puppy or dog, you can prepare by taking away all items your resident dog might feel protective of. This can help avoid disputes over resource items, such as food, toys, treats, and bedding. For bedding and food dishes, setting up multiple stations in different rooms can help as your dogs get comfortable. This gives each dog a designated spot without being bothered, which can lower overall stress.. I felt so guilty when I realized what was happening. if you’re able, introduce your new dog to your current dog in a neutral space. Be sure there is another person to handle one of the dogs. Each of you should bring a dog separately to the meeting place. Watching Rocky go through this was heartbreaking. if you have several dogs, introduce each separately before allowing them to meet together. After the initial introduction and walk, you can bring both dogs home. If they got along well at the neutral ground, let them off leash in a yard or fenced area if possible. Your new dog or puppy should be left on their lead and allowed to explore the house room by room. If the first dog seems comfortable and accepting, you can set the new dog loose. It’s best to start your second dog on the same routine as your resident dog. This can help prevent disruptions for your current dog, while helping your new dog settle in. Always introduce both dogs on leash — even puppies. Holding a small puppy or dog in your arms may cause extra stress if the puppy can’t get away from your larger dog. Feed both dogs separately in their own bowls and under supervision. This can help avoid disputes over food. Sometimes a fight breaks out, even when you’ve taken all of the above precautions. This can be a scary prospect. That said, well-tempered dogs should not snap or bite their owners in the first place. If your first dog has shown aggressive behavior toward you or other dogs in the past and this hasn’t improved through increased exposure, training, or appointments with a behaviorist, then bringing a second dog into your home is not advisable.. If you have an object available...
Source: This article is based on information from DogTime