Mary Allen
A second dog in the house can change your family life positively. But keep in mind that the animals first have to get used to each other. With the right tips, you can bring your favorites together without any major problems.
A second dog in the family is not only a blessing for the people but above all for both dogs. After all, nothing beats a dear friend to play with. Here you can find out how you can get two dogs used to each other and how long it takes.
Union Must Be Right
Before you buy a second dog, you should feel whether your four-legged friend is open to family growth. Does your darling like to play with his fellows in the park? Then the chances are good that he can also live harmoniously with a second dog. As a rule, males and males get along particularly well with each other.
In addition to gender, the breed, and nature of the dogs also play a major role. The animals should complement each other well, but not be too similar. Two very energetic four-legged friends, for example, can goad each other too much. An older dog and a puppy, on the other hand, can get along very well and the senior can even thrive. However, it is also possible that an older dog is annoyed by the youngster. This has to be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Second Dog in the Household: the Right Preparation
In dogs, love does not only go through the stomach but above all through the nose. So take your dog’s toys, blankets, and leashes and let the other dog sniff them.
Tip: Pay attention to how your four-legged friends react to each other’s smell. If the objects are growled at or buried, then the second dog should only be introduced at a later point in time. The main thing is that when you get them used to each other, none of your loved ones feel disadvantaged or neglected by the second dog.
First encounter: Getting Used to Each Other at a Safe Distance
A neutral environment is ideal for the first encounter. Choose a secluded spot, such as a cordoned-off green space or a nearby park. You need a helper to bring the two four-legged friends together. Everyone takes on a dog until the two animals meet directly after a short familiarization phase.
Socialized dogs can socialize off-leash. But if you don’t know how your four-legged friend will react, then it is best to use a tow line to be on the safe side.
How Long Does It Take for Dogs to Get Used to Each Other?
If both dogs are relaxed, you can lead them into the apartment or into the house. You should accompany the acclimatization as gently and confidently as possible. It can take up to two weeks for everyone to find their place in the new pack. Rank Battles are usually normal. The hierarchy within a group of dogs must be regulated, even if things get a bit rough at times. However, make sure that everything stays within limits.
7 tips for getting two dogs together
- Take enough time to bring your four-legged friends together. Patience and calm are particularly important.
- Provides both dogs with their own separate feeding areas.
- Each dog needs its own separate sleeping space.
- Give both dogs equal attention. Do not spend more time with the newcomer, otherwise, the long-established four-legged friend will become jealous.
- Don’t be shy about fighting for priority – it’s quite normal for one dog to have to submit to the other at first. Supervises both brawlers very well in the early days.
- Ensures plenty of playtimes together: Visit a dog park, for example, and always take both dogs on excursions. Playing together is very important because fun connects.
- Attends the dog school as a freshly formed pack: the trainer can assess impartially whether the dogs understand each other and provide assistance if necessary.