bringing a new dog into a 1 dog family

Question
Hi Patti,

Being that you have owned numerous dogs over the years I'm hoping you can provide me with some insight into how we can best bring a new dog into our home.  We have an 11 month old male chocolate lab who's very friendly, loves other dogs and people and has responded very well to training.  Over the next year or so we would like to bring another dog into our family, but we want to make sure we're not instilling any kind of "only childness" (only term I can think of, sorry) into our dog.  We've been looking into getting a female Rhodesian Ridgeback and I've done a lot of research into the particular breed.  We would really appreciate any kind of advice you can give us on how to prepare and manage for an addition to our family.

Cheers,
Heather

Answer
Hi Heather,

Before bringing home another dog, you should have your current dog neutered, if he hasn't already been.

Your current dog isn't so old that he should have trouble accepting a new dog in the household, but you should take his temperament into account when selecting the new dog.

Although your current dog is very friendly and loves the company of other dogs, knowing whether he is dominate or submissive when he's with other dogs, can help you select a second dog that will make for an easy transition into being a two dog household.  If he is dominate, select a more submissive laid back dog. If he is submissive, it wouldn't matter as much which temperament you choose, though the two dogs would still work out a hierarchy.

Before you bring the new puppy or dog home, remove anything your resident dog might guard, such as food bowls, bones, chew toys, toys, and beds. Even if your dog has never exhibited possessive tendencies before, it is best to exercise caution. If your home is cluttered, clean it up. Congested areas are more likely to trigger aggression because the dogs may feel forced upon each other.

You can read about how to introduce a second dog into your household here:

http://www.animalhumanesociety.org/bhv_newpetoldpet.asp

http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/our_pets_for_life_program/dog_behavior_tip_she...

http://www.hswaynepets.org/health/dogs/introducing.htm

Once your new dog is in your home, do not put the dogs in small spaces together, such as a car, crate or small room, before they are completely comfortable with each other. Each dog should have his or her own food bowl, bed, and toys. Place the food bowls far apart until the dogs are relaxed when eating together. Do not allow one dog to intimidate the other so that one dog abandons his food. Teach each dog to eat from his own bowl and leave the other bowls alone, even after everyone is finished.

It can take a month or longer before the new dog is feeling comfortable in her new home, and your existing dog has adapted to sharing his home, and his people.  It's not uncommon during this adjustment period for there to be house training accidents, spats, or other behavioral issues. It's all part of "settling in", and having the two dogs work out their social structure.

Best of luck,

Patti