Take care when you bring a second dog into your home.
Dogs make great pets, and for many families, the more the merrier. While many dogs play well with other dogs and would enjoy having some company when you are not around, introducing a second dog into your home can be problematic. Make sure the introduction is seamless so you don't have to worry about the dogs not getting along -- or even fighting. Just like with children, jealousy is always a possibility, so keep that in mind when you bring a new dog into your home.
Instructions
Choosing the Dog
1. Research your dog's breed to find out how the dogs generally interact with other breeds. If you aren't sure what breed your dog is, simply think about how it generally interacts with other adult dogs and puppies. If your dog generally plays well with all adult dogs and puppies, you should have many options for your new dog. If your dog does not like puppies, adopt an older dog.
2. Bring the two dogs together in a neutral area and watch them interact before you adopt or purchase the dog. Place both dogs on leashes and let them see each other from a distance, gradually bringing them closer. Watch for body language such as raised hair, growling and bared teeth. If you see those things, keep the dogs leashed until they are used to each other's scent. When they appear comfortable with each other, let them off the leashes but stay close. Don't choose a new dog if the dog does not react comfortably with your current dog, or vice versa.
3. Choose a dog with an energy level that matches your dog's. If your dog is fairly laid-back and inactive, an active puppy can cause problems.
Bringing the Dog Home
4. Put up baby gates or other boundaries to keep the two dogs separated at first. This way, the first dog will not feel so much like the second dog is invading its space, and it can gradually get used to the new dog being in its space. This also will prevent fighting.
5. Feed the dogs out of separate bowls placed on either side of a boundary, such as a baby gate. This will help ease any food aggression that could occur. Place their beds on either side of a boundary so they can get even more used to each other's scents.
6. Let the dogs play together each day for a short time, then gradually lengthen their time together as they seem to be completely comfortable. Remove the boundaries every day at a time when you can supervise the dogs. Gradually lengthen the time that the boundaries are down. You can quit using them entirely when the first dog completely stops being territorial.
7. Supervise the dogs when they are together and separate them with baby gates or crates when you are not home until you can completely trust them together alone.
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