bringing another dog into the household

Question
Hi. I happen to have a 9 year old German shepherd. I moved out and he loves with my parents right now. I moved in with my boyfriend and he has a 3 year old boxer. I'd like to be able to the shepherd home with us, but not really sure if its a good or bad idea. So I thought I'd ask your opinion. Both dogs are very lovable and pretty mellow. The shepherd is really good with other dogs and household pets and definitely good with people, as well as the boxer too. I'm not too concerned with bringing the shepherd here, but I thought is ask to see what you think or have and idea on how the boxer is gonna react. He's really good with other dogs when friends come and visit with them. I've taken the boxer to my parents house and he was really good with the shepherd. But like kids (not your own) they go home at the end of the day. Would it be too risky, or would it be find to bring the shepherd home with us? Thanks a lot for takin the time to read this. I hope to hear from you soon. From Collette

Answer
Hi Collette,

It can be tough bringing an adult dog into the household of another adult dog, but not always impossible! Same-sex pairings are generally more prone to problems than opposite-sex pairings, but that also depends a great deal on the individual dogs involved. Two males are more likely to fight, but two females fight more seriously. Neutered males tend to get along better than intact males. Again, though, individual personalities play a larger role than gender or reproductive status.

The Boxer and Shepherd already know each other, which is helpful, but from the sounds of it have never been together at your home, only at your parents? I would probably start with a few "play dates" where you bring the Shepherd to your home for a few hours -- see how the Boxer feels about sharing "his turf" with the Shepherd, rather than visiting on the Shepherd's turf. If those go well, I'd try a weekend, and then from there you should know whether they'll be able to get along as "roommates" or not. It doesn't sound like the Boxer is especially territorial, but at 3 years old he's old enough to be protective of his territory and young enough to feel threatened by an "intruder". Introduce the dogs outside the home, and then bring them in (Boxer first) -- starting in a neutral area may avoid some potential problems.

Once the Shepherd has "moved in", be sure that both dogs have their own space -- either a crate or designated dog bed/blanket area -- and spend individual time with each. This would be a good time to review basic obedience training -- five to ten minutes a day with each dog will brush up their skills and remind them that the humans are the "Leaders" in your household.

This article discusses introducing a second dog in a positive fashion:
http://www.thebark.com/content/bringing-home-second-dog

Good luck!!