Behavior With Kids Some people believe females are better with children because of their protective, maternal instincts. While male dogs don't have much of a parental nature, they can be every bit as loving and protective of kids.
Usually, female dogs are smaller in size and warmer in behavior. There are, however, some male dogs that are just as loving as female dogs. Several dog trainers and breeders recommend a female dog for homes with young children.
Mother dogs tend to be protective and nurturing. But male dogs—at least, the domesticated male dogs that we have as pets today—don't have quite the same fatherly instincts. In fact, father dogs most often display a general disinterest in their puppies.
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex, but two dogs of the same gender can get along. It depends on each dog's personality and level of dominance.
Are Male or Female Dogs More Protective? There is no significant difference between male or female dogs in terms of protective behaviors. Territorial or protective behaviors are more pronounced in unaltered dogs than in neutered dogs, and breed plays a role as well.
If you have several dogs or intend to add to your canine family, a male may be a better fit. Females tend to have more problems with anxiety and phobias. If your house is a loud and busy place with lots of chaos, a male puppy may be more likely to be content.
Whether or not dogs are more attracted to one gender can't be objectively answered because all dogs and people are different. But, dogs generally tend to be more attracted to a specific set of behaviors that are exhibited mostly by adult women. It's not that dogs are exclusively attracted to female adults.
By nature, dogs are social and thrive in group environments. Therefore, there are many advantages to adopting a second dog, such as: They can keep each other company. Both dogs will be able to entertain each other and get exercise together.
In general, when it comes to deciding whether you should get a male or female, opposite-sex dogs tend to work best. A male dog will have fewer issues with a new female dog, and vice versa. This has to do with dominance. Physical fights may occur as dogs of the same gender fight to become the alpha.
Although males are typically the dominant sex in mammals, the authors note that females obtain power differently than their male counterparts, and that this power depends on the type of mating system the species employs.
It's generally advised to keep the male away from the mother and litter entirely, from the last weeks of pregnancy and until the pups are at least four weeks old when the mother is starting to wean them—ideally for five to six weeks. By then, the father can be a part of the socialization process.
'” When a dog has a strong pack drive and is tightly bonded with his family, it's only natural that he becomes protective of a new baby when he or she arrives. Canines are smitten with babies and can form strong connections because of the amount of time spent together.
There is no evidence to suggest that a male dog can tell if a litter is his. Some breeders argue that due to their dog being so gentle and compassionate with their pups, they can in fact recognize their litter. However, there is no definitive proof that this is the cause.
Behavior With Kids
Some people believe females are better with children because of their protective, maternal instincts. While male dogs don't have much of a parental nature, they can be every bit as loving and protective of kids.
One long-standing myth about dogs, is that female dogs tend to be more loyal than their male counterparts. This myth has passed down generations of dog breeders and dog lovers. And can be traced back as far as when dogs were wild and living in packs.
There is no difference in their gender. Some dogs are easier to potty-train than others, but this mostly comes down to size and breed. Large breed puppies are easier to potty train in general, whereas small breed pups take longer and have more accidents. It does not come down to whether they are boys or girls though!
Experts believe that the best time to add a second dog is in the first 2 to 3 years of age of the first dog. Some have found that older dogs are not as excited about adding a young energetic puppy to the family. However, it is a total case-by-case basis for your dog and particular circumstances.
Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.
“For 95 to 98 percent of dogs, the simple answer is yes, they like having doggy buddies,” says Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, professor emeritus at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist. “But not every dog wants a doggy buddy and that's okay.”
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
There will be additional costs to consider for veterinary care, boarding, food, bedding, and toys. Sibling rivalry can occur if the dogs feel there is competition between them over resources. This can include feeling competititve over food, toys, attention, and space, as well as the humans in their lives.
Experts think dogs are capable of “falling in love” in a way, though it doesn't look anything like a big-screen rom-com. According to a May 2014 study published in the journal PNAS, positive reactions betweens dogs and humans or other dogs triggered a release of oxytocin in dogs' brains.
Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!