Dog Lover's Daily Companion: 365 Days of Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Living a Rich Life with Your Dog

Introducing a Second Dog into the Family

Dogs rely extensively on smell, so it helps to introduce the dogs to each other’s scent before bringing the new dog home, if possible. Once you have picked out your new dog, bring home a blanket that your new dog has been playing with at the breeder’s or the rescue center, and vice versa. Allow each dog to sniff their future sibling’s towel. Offer the towel like it is a toy or treat—something special that the dog will want to sniff and love.

When you bring your new dog home, introduce the dogs outdoors—not in the house, where the “older sibling” is in charge. Place the new one in front of your dog gently, and say, “Look! For you!” or a similar cooing phrase. Then, give your dog a treat and praise her. Lead her to believe the new puppy is just for her. This will assure her right away that she is the big sister, and the “alpha” of the two.

The first few days in the home, confine your new puppy to a crate or special room, and be sure to allot special play and feeding times to both your dog and the puppy. They each need their own time with you. Allow your new puppy to adapt to her new surroundings, get used to her bedding, and learn how she fits into the family. Gradually, for a few minutes each day, introduce your first dog to your new addition.

Once your new puppy has adjusted to her crate or special room, your next step is to bring her out on her leash into the main room of your house while your first dog is confined to another room. This gradual introduction to the home is important so your dog does not feel threatened, and your puppy can learn her surroundings and feel comfortable. Let her wander around without the fear of being attacked by the first dog. After about an hour, slowly introduce both dogs. They will show interest in each other; let them smell each other and get to know each other. If you see any aggressive behavior, step in, separate them, and start all over again. If there is no aggressive behavior from either dog, keep a close eye and hopefully you will see the beginning of the bonding process and a lifelong friendship.

Feed each dog separately until you know that they are safe and comfortable with each other. Even after they are comfortable, you should feed them in the same room, but don’t set their bowls right next to each other. Talk with your vet for additional suggestions on what to watch for to make this as smooth and easy a transition as possible.

Multiple dogs are no harder to take care of than just one, and you are not only giving another dog a home, you are giving your dog a playmate to help keep him young and an additional outlet for his extra energy.