Separating Two Dogs Who Have Lived Together Their Whole Lives

Re-homing a dog is a difficult and emotional process, and is even more so when it requires separating dogs that have a close bond. The degree of difficulty depends on several factors, such as the age of the dogs, whether they are littermates, and the degree to which they get along and rely on each other. It also depends on the quality of care and the amount of love and attention each dog receives, both before and after the separation. Whether one or both of the dogs are going to new homes, they will need extra nurturing after the separation to help them get over being parted.

  1. Separation

    • When the time comes to separate the dogs, do it with as little fuss as possible. (Refs 4, When you leave him, do so quietly and don̵7;t provide cues) Dogs will not understand that they are being separated, but they will understand that something is happening in the household. If one dog is to be taken away from the house, take the other out for a walk while it occurs so that he doesn̵7;t have the chance to become upset when his friend leaves. Try to create an atmosphere of quiet and calm for the dog̵7;s departure. Take familiar items with him, such as his bed or a favorite blanket, a much-loved toy, his food bowl and his leash. Take something with the scent of the other dog too, which will comfort him during their first few days apart.

    New Home

    • When the dog arrives at his new home, continue to keep the mood as calm and stress-free as possible. Ask the people who live there to continue with their normal activities, not gather in the living room to meet the dog. Bring him into the yard first and then into the house, and allow him to sniff around uninterrupted until he has familiarized himself with the entire layout. Set out his food and water bowls and show him where to find them. Find out where the dog is going to sleep and put his bed and other items in the right place, along with the item carrying the other dog̵7;s scent.

    New Friends

    • Introduce the dog to the people and pets in his new home calmly and without fuss. Allow him to meet the dominant pet first, preferably in a neutral space such as outdoors or on the sidewalk. If the other pet is a dog and either one has a tendency to be aggressive, keep them both on leash until you are sure they will get along. Being attacked by the resident pet will make it difficult for the dog to settle down in his new home. Ask the people to sit down to meet the dog, because a seated person is less intimidating to a dog than having one standing over him. Introduce him to each of the people in the house one by one, and avoid having them all trying to pat him at the same time.

    Settling In

    • Explain to the dog̵7;s new owners that he has been separated from another dog after several years together, so that they understand if he has difficulty adjusting. The owners should leave the item with the other dog̵7;s scent in his bed for the first week, and then to remove it. They should make a point of including the dog in all their activities for the first few days, to avoid giving him time to become lonely and start pining. The dog will enjoy lots of love and attention too, and if he is happy in his new home he is less likely to miss the other dog.