Considering a Second Dog

Dogs are fun-loving animals and they’re sociable too, but welcoming a second dog into the family can be problematic, as dogs are known to be territorial animals. It’s important that you have a basic understanding of how to handle this introduction before you bring home dog number two.
Here are five ways to make this transition easy:

Be sure to prepare your new dog’s supplies well in advance (e.g. feeding bowl, toy, and crate)
Let the two dogs meet in a neutral place, not in the backyard or inside your home. A local park is a great option.
Schedule a day where you can watch them interacting together and keep in mind that you will still be watching them in a couple of weeks until they have built up a strong rapport.
Allow them to sniff at each other, pups tend to be submissive while adults will check the puppy either to play with him or ignore him. Be sure to keep them on a leash so if tension becomes high, you can pull them away from each other.
After the dogs greet for the first time, walk them both on–leash together for at least 30 minutes

Most dog minders already know these steps, especially those that have experience with dog training and education. To those who don’t however, it’s not too late to ensure you’re prepared should a second dog be on the way!

Published by

Felicity Thompson

My name is Felicity Thompson and I grew up on a farm in Swan Hill. As a child, I loved animals and spent most of my free time caring for them. From horses to cats, dogs to sheep, they were all part of my life. My horse was named Sunshine and she was so gentle and kind – even as a young girl she could carry me around with ease! My dog was Max, a loyal and faithful companion who always had my back. I now write articles for pet blogs and websites. I'm passionate about helping people care for their animals in the best way possible – from providing proper nutrition to offering emotional support.