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.
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.
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.
Fights Could Get Violent
Same-sex sibling puppies might be cute and playful, but once they mature, chances are they'll engage in some serious discussions that could turn bloody. Don't assume the ladies will work it out together. Very likely, fights will escalate, and one dog may severely injure or kill the other.
Dogs don't prefer a gender unless it's associated with bad things (like a man with a deep voice who yells at their dog, the dog will avoid deep, loud voices) It's not all about who feeds the dog; they are capable of a very personal connection.
Ultimately your dog is not only seeking a trustworthy, long-term caregiver, but a friend and companion who likes to play and respects their autonomy when they need it. The favorite parent is usually the one that invests the most into the bonding process.
Generally, female dogs are more intelligent than male dogs, although males may be better at some tasks. No, there is no evidence to suggest that certain breeds of dogs are more intelligent than others. Intelligence levels vary from individual to individual, regardless of breed and gender.
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.
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.
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.
What's the age of your current dog? Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family.
Introducing Dogs to Dogs HOMEWARD TRAILS RESOURCE LIBRARY: DOGS! Many people do not give two dogs time to adequately adjust to one another before deciding that having two dogs will simply not work. 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.
You cannot keep intact males and females in the same house. If you have an unneutered male dog in your household, and you want to let your female go through one or more heat cycles before spaying her, the smartest and safest thing is to remove one of them for the duration of the female's heat.
Karen Nash, animal rescuer and owner of pet care service Sniff Snout, agrees that two or three dogs are better than one, though more than three can pose a problem. She explains, “I find for the owner, two or three at the max is a comfortable number to handle.
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.
This is when you see one dog trying to engage another dog in play, but the other dog is ignoring that dog by looking away, walking to a different play space or flashing their teeth at the dog. These are all signs that at least one dog doesn't like the other. If you see this behavior, move the dogs away from each other.
Same sex pairs can feel more pressure to assert themselves and be the dominant, or alpha, in the pack, which can lead to conflicts and, sometimes, vicious fights that can leave one pet, or both, with serious injuries.
Head to the meeting spot with the dogs separately. Try bringing the dogs together and let them greet each other. Human escorts must keep the leashes slack so the dogs don't feel as if they're being held back. Expect the dogs to sniff, circle, play, urinate or simply ignore each other.
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.
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.
There are some studies that show that male dogs tend to be more aggressive and bolder than female dogs. Male dogs also historically do better in competitions. However, most dogs that compete are not fixed, you can find significant evidence that female dogs are more likely to be used for breeding rather than competing.
Breaking Eye Contact
In the wild, alphas put betas and omegas in their place with a decisive stare. If your dog breaks eye contact with you first, this is a dramatic sign of them viewing you as the alpha. It also demonstrates that you can discipline your dog with nothing more than a look.