Sarah Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 A lot of dog people think that getting their dog a puppy or another adult dog for companionship is a terrific idea, and it IS! But then it seems like fights break out, or the two dogs together seem to feed off each other's misbehavior. Or even worse, the initial meeting goes awry and you end up with one very angry and territorial established pet. In an effort to help smooth things out for you, I've compiled a list of Do's and Don'ts for that first meeting, and thrown in a few of the later frequently asked questions as well. Meeting for the First Time The very first thing you should do, is make sure that the established dog is at least somewhat agreeable to other dogs. If he tries to annihilate every dog he meets though, maybe getting him a canine playmate is not such a good idea. It is also recommended that you get a dog of similiar energy and in some cases, temperament. Two easy-going, hyper dogs will co-exist better than a somewhat sour, couch-potato dog and a hyper dog combination. # Always take both the established dog and the new dog to a neutral setting. A parking lot, a park, down the street, a friend's house... This will circumvent the first territorial instincts. # Keep both dogs on leashes and approach slowly. You'll need a friend, or keep one dog confined in a car or crate. # If all is going well, bring the dogs home, but leave them outside for a while and keep an eye on their interaction. This will help reduce the chance of any territorial marking that may happen indoors. # Allow the dogs to establish their pack order, do not attempt to intervene if male posturing occurs. One dog will most likely back down, and it will be up to you to reinforce that order. # Do NOT try to force sharing of toys, beds, or dishes. Each dog should have his own, and the dominant dog should be fed first. Hopefully all goes well these critical first few days and dog number two becomes a permanent and welcome fixture in the family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chezell Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Fantastic info, would add to rep but I must spread it around.. What is the best age to introduce a new pack member, Skye is 6 months old now, also would you advise another puppy ...or an older maybe rescue playmate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah Posted May 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 good question, I got kaiser when Kimba was about 6 months old with them both being young and playful they tired each other out and bonded really quickly. I suppose it depends on the individual dogs temperament? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siberian_wolf Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 fantastic info, added to rep Somedays I wish we took this approach when we first bought home Marley and Bandit. We kept them the living room with all of us around and let them say hi to gizmo and gizmo say hi to them and within minutes marley and bandit both fell asleep again! We kept them in the one room on the first day and let them into a small area of the garden too and kept an eye on them at all times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siberianandy Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 great info there sarah thanks should make it easier if we decide to get another dog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammie Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 that was a really interesting read thanks Sarah, would add to your rep but i gotta spread it! xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sqwidge Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 Sarah you have really tempted me to get another dog when she gets to around 6 months, and if we can afford it we will! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BingBlaze n Skyla Posted May 8, 2009 Report Share Posted May 8, 2009 i want another 1 but cnt :cry_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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