For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.
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. If you decide to go ahead and get a dog of the same gender, some experts suggest bringing in a much younger dog than your current one.
Most experts agree that, as a rule, male and female dogs get along better than two females or two males. However, that being said, I've known many households (including my own) that successfully have two of the same gender dogs without any problems at all.
There isn't research for dogs, as there is for cats, that show how long it takes dogs to adjust to each other. Phifer, however, says that two to four weeks is usually enough time to know if dogs can be friends.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Most dogs will welcome a new sibling, but it is not always smooth sailing. The furry family member you have now will face many changes when a new dog enters the picture and may feel a bit displaced. He may not like sharing his territory, toys, food, resting places, or humans.
Many people are hesitant to adopt a second dog because they assume it will be twice the work and twice the money. But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount.
While many female dogs do get along peacefully, adopting two puppies of the same sex can sometimes be like playing Russian roulette, their future may be a question mark.
Two alpha females can get along just fine if the owners are true leaders or they may fight if the owners are not. On the other hand even two submissive-follower type females can begin to fight if the humans are weak pack leaders. Dogs can also begin to fight if the humans allow the pack to become unstable.
Let your dogs sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal affirmations. After letting them play for a while, put both dogs in a “sit” or “stay”, then let them interact again. Finally, take them on walks together, allowing them to sniff each other along the way.
It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required. But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. It's just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.
There are a few general personality differences between male and female dogs. Males tend to be more affectionate, and females tend to socialise more easily, for example.
Throw a blanket or jacket over each dog so they can no longer see each other. Or spray the dogs' faces with citronella spray, lemon juice spray, or a vinegar spray. Use an object to separate the dogs. Be certain to keep your hands and face as far from the dogs' mouths as possible.
More Irritable or "Cranky" With Other Dogs: As their hormone levels change, you might see your dog become less tolerant of other dogs in your home. During the first phase of the heat cycle, female dogs are not receptive to mating and might act more aggressively than usual in telling other dogs to give them space.
Female dogs are often said to be easier to house train than male dogs. "Many pet owners report that female dogs are easier to house train and are more attentive to their owners than male dogs, with male dogs being more aloof," Johanna Reel, registered vet technician for NHV Natural Pet, told INSIDER.
Heat cycles and pregnancy affect hormones and intensify the odds of such fights even between two previously friendly females. In a natural environment a particular female breeds with one male and the other female will accept this breeding right humbly or move away to form her own pack with another male.
Female dogs are more often involved in household fights with other dogs than are males. Seventy percent of the time, the newest dog is the instigator of a household fight with another dog. One way to prevent household dog fights is to require the dogs to respond to a command before getting what they want.
Unneutered male dogs may be more territorial than females, and more likely to 'mark' their territory. Sex-specific diseases and infections may occur in intact dogs. Unless you plan to breed or show your dog, spaying or neutering provides health and behavioral benefits.
Some dogs prefer to live alone with their owners, while others prefer having another dog friend in the house. How can you decide if your particular dog would enjoy having another dog in the house? It starts with a little observation and research.
Sometimes two female dogs in the same pack will cycle at the same time. Just like an office of women will eventually get in sync with each other.
Coren's research, dogs won't feel more complex emotions like shame, pride, or guilt. It depends on your definition of love, but it appears as though science believes that yes, dogs fall in love with other dogs.
It's good to have a friend
Dogs are social animals; generally speaking, they like having friends. While every dog should be able to take part in some relaxing alone time, many would appreciate the company of a canine pal.
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.