Don't Double Your Trouble When Bringing a 2nd Dog into Your Home

Sometimes having one dog is not enough. A second dog can be a wonderful addition to any family and has real benefits if you have an older dog and want to start integrating the new dog into your family before you lose the old dog. Two dogs can keep each other happy and healthy too. If you ever decide that you need to get another dog or puppy, you have to be ready for potential chaos. This is especially true if you have had your first dog for more than a couple of months. Within a short time dogs become very territorial. It is not as bad if the dog is still a young puppy, but if they are a bit older look out. Dogs can become very protective of their belongings such as their toys. If they have a nice comfortable dog bed, they usually don't want a newcomer stealing it. Dogs have different temperaments, so sometimes a dog is overjoyed when a new dog comes to be a part of the family. I have seen many cases when 2 dogs get along like they are best friends.

If you do decide to bring a new dog or puppy into the home, the best way to cure potential jealousy is to get them their own toys, dog bowls and bed. Chances are that your new dog will inevitably try to play with the other dog's toys, sleep on their bed, or eat their food. If the other dog reacts in a positive way than it should be an instant friendship. If not, it might take a little time before they buddy up. In a lot of cases one dog will establish dominance over the other one. This usually leads to fighting until one dog submits. It is not abnormal, dogs are pack animals. In very unusual circumstances, both dogs will be submissive, but is not common.

One of the best ways to curb some of this is to establish who the pack leader of the family is. That person needs to be you. Dogs will usually try to establish dominance if they feel that there is no apparent leader. Another way to get rid of dog fights is to neuter your dog or dogs if one or both are males. This will reduce the hormones and cause them to be more docile towards each other. Remember though, sometimes a little roughhousing is natural dog behavior. You just need to stop it if it gets out of hand.

During feeding time, it is better to feed both dogs at the same time of day. It is best to make sure that you fill up and put down the leader or alpha dogs food first. Then cater to the other dog. Meal time is critically important to dogs. Feeding the more submissive dog first can lead to jealousy in the alpha dog and they could feel the need to establish dominance over the other dog. Once both tummies are filled, both dogs will be happy.

Remember to make sure that you interact with both dogs at the same time when you are giving them attention. This is especially true when you have been gone for a while and first get home. The problem is that like all dogs they can get overly excited, and jump on you, and bark. In order to regain control and train your dogs not to do that, it is best not to reward that behavior. If you ignore your dogs until they calm down they should catch on that they will not be paid attention to until they stop.

When you get ready to outfit your home for the new dog, remember that you don't need to buy a designer or luxury dog bed, a practical bumper dog bed is fine - even an old blanket you were going to give away will work. The same goes for other dog needs. Keep your focus on the raising a healthy dog and the whole family will benefit.