Tips for Getting a Second Dog

Tips for Getting a Second Dog 

1. Understand that an existing canine pet have a different reaction than you anticipated. It could feel angry or hurt at the idea you're getting a second dog and that he won't be number one any longer. He may also become increasingly territorial. Continue reading this lens for more on introducing a new dog to the other dogs in your home for tips on handling potential aggression.
2. Thwart feelings of jealousy or resentment by lavishing attention on all your pets. Never show favoritism. Chances are when you pet or play with one dog, the other one will try to get some of the action anyway so you don't have to work too hard in this regard. What you do have to work on however, is being careful not to ignore or push one dog away just so you can focus on the other. You have two hands. Use them! A dual belly rub will be greatly appreciated and reassure both dogs that they're valued.
3. Of course you can't always do everything at the same time. You can't for instance groom two dogs at once (although if you've figured out a way to do that, please send us a video - we'd love to see it!). You'll eventually have to teach your dog to take turns - a feat that's fairly easy to accomplish by simply calling out the name of each dog and then treating the dog that responds.
4. If either pet refuses to obey commands or becomes difficult to handle, put it in an area that's separate from the other. This "time-out" period should calm it down.
5. Avoid leaving both dogs alone unsupervised for long periods of time. If you have to leave your dogs home alone (even if for just 20 minutes), separate them first. Keep one dog in the yard and let the other dog stay inside the house until you return home. You won't have to separate them all the time forever, but in the beginning, it will prevent fighting and keep your home in the same condition it was in before you left it.