If you are considering getting a second dog or two dogs at the same time keep reading to learn about the Common Mistakes to Avoid when Getting a Second Dog. Getting a second dog can be double trouble or double the fun. Behavioral problems may occur when a second dog joins the household. Make sure you do your research on the breed, rescue/shelter, temperament and consult a professional dog trainer prior to agreeing to getting a second dog.
Same Sex and Breed
Inter-dog aggression has been shown in multiple dog homes are more likely with littermates, particularly of the same sex. If you already have a female dog, I strongly encourage the second dg be a male and vice versa.
Many owners fall in love with a specific breed and want to own that breed. However consider two working breeds require twice the work to keep them active and needs to be met. That is a lot for the average dog owner. Especially in the earlier training phases. If you own a working breed consider a breed that compliments your first dog but not duplicate it. If you want help deciding breeds to compliment your current dogs breed please reach out.
First Dog is not Trained yet
Before you get a second dog make sure your first dog is well behaved. If not you may end up with double the work and the second dog may learn problem behaviors from the first dog.
Make sure each dog gets separate individual training as well as group training. They need to know how to behave alone before doing it together. Behaviors such as loose leash walking should be addressed individually. This is also why having your first dog trained prior is an easier transition.
Second Dog Separation Anxiety
The first dog is most likely fine being home alone as that is what they are accustomed to. But the second dog they will most likely always have that first dog their. Make sure to take the first dog our sometimes alone and vice versa. Make sure both can be alone safely.
Proper introductions
The biggest mistake people make is expecting pets to get along quickly. Friendships take time! It can take several weeks with gradual supervised interactions on leads (you will need two people) before you progress to supervised interaction off lead and finally being left on their own together without hurting each other. The key is to keep the dogs separate unless you can supervise.
