Before settling on a breed, think about the gender of the dog. 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.
Gender: While there is no set rule that a female dog will be a better friend for a male dog, if you have never had two dogs at the same time it is generally easier and often safer to have dogs of the opposite sex. Same-sex combinations can be tricky to manage as dogs work out their dominance or pack order.
Some of the things to consider are gender, size, and age. Most experts agree that, as a rule, male and female dogs get along better than two females or two males.
Gender matters with a second dog
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally, gender will play an essential role in whether your new dog will get along with your existing dog. Experts agree that the second dog should be of the opposite sex for the best possible chance of success.
Allocate the Time and Resources for Another Pup
You also have to keep in mind that you'll need to invest extra for essential gear — collars, leashes and crates, to name a just a few items — as well as unexpected vet visits, potential boarding and possible pet sitters and dog walkers.
In dogdom, there's a turn of phrase called, "Second Dog Syndrome". This describes the process of adding another dog to the home quite well, but not necessarily in a positive light. As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right.
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.
Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family. If you have an old dog, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup.
In some cases, two dogs of the same sex may get along fine, but some experts feel it is best to choose a new pup of the opposite sex. Same sex dogs may become rivals, and there is a greater chance of competition among the two. If you want to play it safe, team your female dog with a male counterpart and vice versa.
In general, choosing the other gender is wisest. So if you already have a male dog, choose a female, and vice-versa. Select a younger dog (although, as stated above, not too young), as dogs close in age are more likely to have disagreements. Bringing in a dog older than your resident dog can create tension.
Two female dogs could act exactly like their male counterparts. As young pups, these two new female puppies may be friendly and pal around as you'd expect. But when they get a little older, they could vie for dominance.
Yep, it's fairly normal to regret getting a puppy or dog. You're not a bad person! If you've recently added a new dog or puppy to your family and you're wondering if you've made a mistake, just know that others go through the same feelings.
If you want to have another dog and your only hesitation is the fear that you won't love them the same as you do your first dog, let me tell you this: you will not the love them the same - you will love them differently, but equally.
Getting your dog a companion usually doesn't help an anxious dog because their anxiety is the result of their separation from you, not just the result of being alone.
They enjoy friendly interactions with familiar humans or other animals and tend to avoid isolation. That being said, every dog is different has its own temperament and preferences. Some dogs prefer to live alone with their owners, while others prefer having another dog friend in the house.
Introduction of a New Pet
Bringing home a new puppy or another adult dog can trigger jealousy in your dog, and they may show signs of aggression toward the new addition. Your dog might growl at the new dog, guard your lap, or try to get in between you and your new furry family member.
Not all dogs will be comfortable with another dog in the house. Depending on their past experiences, their temperament, age, and health, adding another pup might be stressful--for both your dog, and for you. Training two dogs can be tricky.
As a general rule, if your child is under 6 years old, it is usually best to adopt a dog over 2 years old. Many families picture a puppy and child growing up together, but there are a few things to consider before adopting a puppy (under 1 year of age) if you have a young child.
Whether you are considering adding another pup to the family, a totally different kind of pet, or if you are expecting a baby of your own, it is quite possible that your doggo will feel sad and even replaced at the presence of a new family member.
It's An Individual Choice
For some people, one or two dogs is the right number. For others, especially those who compete in dog sports, the right number of dogs might be more. More dogs can mean a lot of fun, but also a lot more responsibility.
By having two dogs, it provides companionship while you are away. Both dogs are less likely to get lonely, and instead, have someone to sleep with, play with, and socialize with while you are gone.
It can take up to one month for an old dog and new dog to really settle in and accept each other's position in the pack. If you want a second dog, you need to be ready to commit to this process and not panic.
As dogs get older, their social circles shrink. They enter sexual maturity around 7-9 months and social maturity at 1-3 years. With that maturity and wisdom, they may be less interested in playing or they might play more roughly when excited. That rough play may lead to aggressive habits.
It's very common for dogs of certain breeds to be 100% loyal, devoted, and attached to “their person”. They may be friendly and happy to be around different family members, but they always see that one relationship as elevated far above any other.