Getting a Second Dog?
Q & A with Animal Expert Dr. Grey Stafford
 A Sweet Connection member is thinking getting a new puppy. She's looking for advice on introducing him to the family.
"I possibly have the opportunity to adopt a new (10 month old) puppy. He would be an addition to our family of seven, one of which is our 4 year old Shepherd/Lab/Ridgeback Mix. I am unsure of exactly how to introduce the dogs to make them comfortable and see if they like each other. Our dog, Riley Renee, is a girl and for the most part quiet around the house, but when we see other dogs she gets CRAZY. I think it is because she is lonely, especially since she originally came from a home with 5 other dogs. The new puppy is a boy, Buster, so far everyone I have talked to says, "Don't do it! Boy dogs are difficult"
Dear “Don’t Do It",
Everyone can have an opinion but ultimately, only you and your family have to live with the choice you make! I try not to believe generalizations about species, breeds, or even sexes because they really are not all that helpful. True, a young male puppy reaching maturity will behave differently than a female, but whether an animal is “difficult” or not depends upon your commitment to teaching him to succeed in your home. Success like that is only achieved by using positive reinforcement to reward desirable behaviors like sit, stay, and so on.
Let me add one disclaimer: if you decide to adopt him, I urge you to have him neutered to prevent adding to our overcrowded pet population. Neutering a dog will not teach him how to succeed or prevent all problems, but it may help reduce the intensity of some unwanted behaviors.
The Introductions
To introduce two animals, pick a neutral location away from either pet’s “home” and bring plenty of their favorite toys and treats. Since your female is used to having you and your house all to herself, she may feel her space has been invaded by this new dog if their first encounters are at your house. Ideally, your first few introductions should be short in duration. If you are fortunate to be able to spread these meetings out over a few days by returning the new dog to his present owners, that’s great. If not, break up the introduction into as many shorter and completely successful (i.e. no aggression) encounters as you can before you pack up the car and all go home together.
Rather than letting the dogs loose in order to work it out on their own, it is best to provide them some structure and ensure both animals succeed as they meet their new roommate for the first time. End the introductions sooner rather than later, while they still are cooperating with you and each other. You can always resume things after a quick break.
Close Encounters
For example, go to a park and have someone else hold the new dog’s leash while you hold your dog. Then bring the two animals closer. How close? It depends on their behavior. You may even want to ask them for some known behaviors like a sit. This gives each dog something constructive to focus on besides the other dog. It also gives you an opportunity to reward them for a calm behavior that’s usually easy for them to do. Let their success (or failure) determine how quickly you let them spend more time together.
Going Home
Once you're all home, always provide each animal with ample positive reinforcement so they understand there’s plenty for everyone! Avoid creating situations that force the animals to compete for your attention, toys, favorite sleeping areas and especially, the food bowl. Be sure to supervise feeding times until every morsel of food is gone from each bowl.
Enjoy getting to know your new puppy, and be sure to let us know how it all turns out.
Good Luck!
Dr. Grey
Learn more about Dr. Grey Stafford
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