So things are going well at home, you have raised a polite dog who is crate trained, walks nicely on a leash and doesn’t beg at the table. If you are anything like most dogs owners you might be thinking that it is a good time to add another dog to the pack. While this may indeed be true there are many factors to consider when bringing another dog into the mix. You must consider the personality of your current dog when selecting your second. You must also be prepared for vigilance during the introductory period. 

Chances are that you love everything about your dog and you want an exact replica of him in your new dog. The first thing to consider when selecting a companion for your current dog is his overall temperament. Is he dominant or submissive? While it is fine to prefer a certain breed of dog and continue adding them to your pack, try to avoid finding a dog exactly like yours if he is on the dominant side. You might try for a more submissive dog to compliment your dominant one. Two dominant dogs can live together in peace and harmony, but it is substantially more difficult to achieve a safe and healthy environment this way.

Another thing to consider about your current dog is his energy level. If he is 6 year old couch potato he might not enjoy having an adolescent sibling around who wants to play with him 24-7. Your lazy guy might prefer having a lower energy companion to stop and smell the roses with. Conversely, if your dog is an active and energetic mighty dog type then bring home a dog who will enjoy playing with him. Size might also be a factor to consider when thinking about a companion for your current dog. Is he better with small or large dogs? Some dogs are threatened by larger dogs while others are put off by smaller yappy type dogs. Try taking your dog to the dog park to see which kind of dog yours prefers interacting with and you should have some kind of a starting point for selecting the newest member of your pack.

Once you have selected a possible addition do not make your final decision until you have introduced the dogs. Any respectable rescue group or breeder will allow you to do so before making your final selection. Think of this as a cocktail party or meet and greet for your pooch. When making first time introductions you should go to a neutral location to avoid territorial issues. If possible have someone else handle the new dog while you bring yours. It always helps to have someone else around in case human intervention is required. Allow the pooches to sniff each other upon introduction; this is complexly normal greeting in the canine world. If they are doing well then you can allow them to play more vigorously. If the dogs seem agitated then take them for a long walk to tire them out. An exercised dog is more balanced and less apt to show aggression.

If the introduction went well it is time to prepare for bringing the new addition home. When doing so make sure to have a crate ready for the new dog. Allow him time to adjust in his new home. His own space is necessary and will provide a respite from excitement should things get heated. For the first couple of days never leave the dogs alone unattended as fights over toys and food could cause serious injuries. Make sure and give your original dog plenty of attention during this adjustment period. Some people have a tendency to shower attention on the new dog and neglect the old one like a new toy on Christmas morning. The new dog will find its place in the pack eventually without much effort on your part if you remain consistent, provide adequate exercise and keep your position as leader of the pack. Soon you will be well on your way to experiencing the joys of a happy and well adjusted multi-dog household.

This article was submitted by a pet supplies site featuring invisible fence, shock collars, and dog tracking collars