Happier with More

Regardless of whether you prefer dogs, kittens, guinea pigs, frogs, or gerbils, one thing is certain, animals bring a wonderful dimension to the home and family.

According to the Humane Society, approximately 40% of animal owners own more than one pet. We're not talking about cat herders, but just people with 2-3 companions as part of the family. While having multiple pets can be a great dynamic for family life, it's not often as easy as one would think.

Avoiding Neglect

Many of us are enamored with puppies and kittens. When we first bring one home, it's easy to give them our undivided attention. Unfortunately, this is often to the neglect of the pet that is currently in the home.

This deprivation can cause your older pet to become aggressive with both you and the new pet in the home. From their perspective, this is a threat to their territory, and many will protect it. Be sure to give your older animal the same amount of attention they had received prior to the addition. This includes play time and exercise, lap time, as well as grooming and bathing habits. Also be sure that some of these times include the companions together so they both get used to sharing your attention.

When All Seems Well

Some animals seem to adjust very quickly to additions in the home, while others take a little time. Regardless of appearances, it generally takes about a month for animals to acclimate to each other. This acclimation process includes defining the hierarchy within the home.

If your pets seem to be overly aggressive to each other, or you're concerned about a good relationship developing, consider bringing in a professional dog trainer. Getting some professional help can ease the transition for the two pets as well as help establish the natural pecking order in the home. Additionally, a professional can help reduce your stress as you attempt to navigate the waters of change.