Just before you take home a second dog …

You are a pet parent with one dog, but lately have been itching to bring a new one home. Maybe, you have adequate time to spend with and train both the fur balls or feel your first dog is lonesome. Or two makes it double the fun. Maybe not. It all depends on several factors that you should consider to make both the pets feel at home.

Is your first social enough?

First and foremost, be sure whether your first dog is ready for a playmate. He might be aggressive towards other pets or not trained enough to be around with other dogs.

Once you take the call to bring both your first and second dog face to face, introducing them to each other is crucial. Make sure you keep the leashes loose, especially if or when both the dogs choose to interact, but never leave them unattended. It’s always better to keep the first meeting brief – to several seconds. And shower enough love on both dogs constantly for them not to envy one another.

Go for the right one

It is important that the age, size, behaviour / personality and energy levels of both your first and second dogs match or complement each other. A big bear of a Mastiff may not always be endearing to a teeny-weeny Chihuahua.

If your first dog likes to boss around and asserts itself, you may not consider introducing another ferocious breed to him. Be prepared to invest enough time in training both to be cordial to each other.

Do all in your family need the second?

You may want a second dog for myriad reasons. But is every stakeholder in your family, including the first dog, on the same page?

Make everyone understand the need for a second dog, so that they would be welcoming when the new one actually enters your household.

How about adoption?

This is not to desist you from going for purebred or pedigree dogs. By all means, you can choose any dog of your dreams. It’s just that there are so many pups and dogs being abandoned or destitute, that they would do better with your – and your other dogs’ – love and attention.