Free Veterinary Advice for Choosing a Second Puppy

It is a big decision whether or not to bring a second puppy into your home. Often, it's to provide a playmate for the dog already in the home. Other times it is just done out of love for puppies. In either case, the decision should be made after careful consideration in order to create a happy home for both dogs and their owners.

  1. Your Choice of Dog

    • The Minnesota Humane Society on their website, MVHpets.org advises people to choose a second puppy that is the opposite gender of the dog they already have. Be aware that older dogs have more difficulty accepting a puppy; they may be annoyed by the puppy's active nature.

    Compatibility Issues

    • Younger dogs typically adapt more quickly to the addition of a new dog in the home. If the dog is well socialized and accustomed to interacting with other dogs, she is also more likely to be accepting of a new family member.

      Consider whether or not your dog is territorial about his home or items like toys or food dishes. If so, he might be wary of another dog entering his domain.

      BringPetsHome.com recommends that you arrange a play date with the prospective new puppy before making a decision to bring him home.

      The Humane Society of Silicon Valley tells readers of their website HSSV.org, to be prepared for the fact that dogs have a natural 'pecking order.' One of the dogs will come out at the leader and the other as the follower.

      Realize that if your current dog has unwanted or destructive habits, the new puppy may very well learn them from her.

    Introducing the Dogs

    • The advice given by the Minnesota Humane Society includes keeping both dogs on a leash and introducing them for the first time in a neutral location so that there are no territorial issues. Taking the two dogs for a walk together gives them the opportunity to get acquainted and gather information by sniffing one another. If you see any signs of aggression, separate the dogs and avoid getting between the two; otherwise, you might get bitten.

      If the dogs take the play bow stance--lowering the front, raising the back end and wagging the tail--it is a positive indication that they are accepting one another.