6 Tips for Pet Owners Who Are Ready to Add an Additional Dog to the Family

If you already have a dog, you might be wondering how you can integrate a new one without hassle.

Keep reading to learn all about adding a second dog to the family.

What Can You Do to Help the Old and the New Dogs Get Along?

The good news is that there are plenty of strategies you can use to make sure your old pup and new pup get along as well as possible.

For instance, it’s a good idea to separate their food bowls, as well as their beds. Also, don’t forget to reward them for good behavior.

Evaluate Your Current Dog

Before you can even think about getting a dog, it’s important to make sure the one you already have is ready. This is a red flag if your current dog is aggressive and overly protective when other dogs and humans enter your home.

You should nip these problems in the bud before introducing a new dog. This can involve a lot of dedicated training and patience.

Don’t Choose a New Dog of the Same Sex

It may seem like two dogs of the same sex are more likely to get along, like a pair of sisters or brothers, but this is sometimes not the case.

A new dog that’s the opposite sex stands a much better chance of smoothly integrating into the family.

Introduce Them in a Neutral Territory

Are you worried about dog conflict? The first meeting is always the tensest because we can’t predict with 100% certainty what will happen. This is why it’s important to choose a neutral territory where the dogs don’t feel like they need to be on high alert.

Rather than near their food bowls, you should take them to a park to meet for the first time.

Don’t Leave Unsupervised

A settling dog is going to need a lot of supervision and support. Unless you’re fortunate, they won’t feel at home until at least a week or longer. During this time, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them.

If you leave them unsupervised, they could take their anxiety out on your furniture, for instance. It’s also possible for the dogs to fight when you’re not around.

Remain Patient

Simply put, adopting a dog takes patience. You should never dive into the decision without ensuring you and your other family members are ready for the commitment.

Despite the work and patience involved, it’ll be worth it to have another furry baby as part of your loving family.

Adding a Second Dog Is Possible

While it may have seemed impossible at first, now you know all about adding a second dog to the family.

At Hugo Coffee Roasters, we believe in great coffee and compassion for animals. So feel free to stop by for a cup of joe or order online. Each cup sold helps our rescue mission.