Considering Becoming a Multi-Dog Household? Be Prepared with these 9 Tips

Dogs can be amazing companion animals, and it’s easy to want more than one. However, adding a new dog to a home where another already rules the roost should be done carefully. These guidelines can help you safely introduce a new dog to your existing one!

1. Consider your current dog’s temperament. Does he get along with other dogs? If you aren’t sure, try taking her to a dog park to play. If that goes well, ask a friend who owns a dog to bring theirs over to visit so you can see how territorial your own is. If that goes well, your dog will probably accept another dog.
2. Consider the kind of dog you are going to get. If you have a rowdy Labrador, a tiny Pekingese might not be the best second dog – she’d be outmatched even in a playful game of roughhousing. If you have an older dog, a high energy puppy might not be appreciated.
3. Consider your time. It’s not fair to your existing dog to ask him or her to share you if you are already only around a few waking hours of the day. Make sure you have the time as well as the emotional reserves to handle dishing out love to those under your roof!
4. Once you’ve decided on your new dog, plan on bringing her home early on a weekend or during a few days of vacation so you’ll be around to ease the transition.
5. Choose a neutral space for the initial meet, like a park, or – if you are adopting from a shelter – see if they have a socialization room you can bring your dog to in order to meet his prospective new roomie.
6. Feed both dogs before you introduce them, and spend some time petting each one so they can feel loved and safe. Go back and forth between them in separate rooms so they can smell each other on your clothes.
7. When you bring your new dog home, bring your current dog outside to meet her before taking them both inside. This will cut down on territorialism.
8. Make sure your current dog has a safe space of their own they can retreat to and not be bothered, and prepare to help them defend it if necessary against the newcomer.
9. Give your dog a few days to get used to the new dog in the house, and be sure to provide plenty of love, pats and treats so he knows he’s not being supplanted.

Remember that if the worst happens, and your two dogs get in a scuffle, that your Pet Care Benefit from 2BenefitU covers all of the pets in your household. You can always bring your new pet in for her shots and any other needs, and she’ll get the same great care and discount. They’ll be best of pals in no-time!