Get along Lit’l Doggies…how to add a new dog to your lair

Time to add a new dog?

So, you have moved into your castle (or apartment that accepts multiple pets) and you have noticed Petey the Pup seems a bit lonely.

You feel guilty whenever you reach for the doorknob and see that hopeful little face staring up at you with the leash in his mouth.  His tail wags in anticipation and you hear the teensy whine begin.  You imagine his eyes are looking a little watery as well.  Sigh.

Maybe you have even started leaving your shoes in the car so maybe Petey won’t realize you are leaving.  And you have managed to make it out to the car and on to work without the guilt for a few days.

But it apparently didn’t work for long because there were a couple of not-so-nice notes from your neighbors stuck on the door about Petey making the song of his people while you are gone.  Double sigh.

Here’s a solution that may seem a little opposite.  Maybe Petey needs a friend.

Dogs are pack animals, meaning they are not “lone wolf” type creatures.  They like to go around in groups.  You, BTW, are actually a member of their pack as well.  So maybe, just maybe, Petey simply needs a friend to keep him company while you (hopefully the Alpha pack member) are away from the den.

Disclaimer time:  If your pup has separation anxiety issues it may NOT help to get another dog.  Please make sure to talk with your vet if you suspect separation anxiety rather than simple loneliness and boredom.

Info re Separation Anxiety

Ultimately, get a second pup if you want a second pup.

But BEFORE considering another pet:

1. If you live in an apartment, are you allowed to have more pets?  Is there a size limit?  Is there a pet deposit and is it refundable or not?
2. Can you afford to feed and provide vet services for another pup?
3. Is your dog generally friendly to other dogs?  Sometimes even though dogs are pack animals, they may not be able to be around another dog.  They may be aggressive or scared of another animal in the house or be a ‘one person’ dog.  If so, a new dog is not your best solution.  You may want to talk with your vet about other ideas like more exercise, crate training, medication, etc.
4. Be sure to get separate bowls, beds, and carriers (you are buying for TWO now!).  Decide if you will crate both dogs during the day, give them free run of the house, or close off some doors.  Invest in a baby gate if you need to–look in the human baby section of any big box store (cheaper than the ones in the pet section!)

BTW, here is a terrific water bowl fountain I really like for both my pups and cats.  It filters the water and they love to drink from it:

How to choose your new dog:

Decide on type of dog:  

Size:  weight, height.  You may want to get a dog who is about the same size as the one you have.  It is usually easier for them both to adjust, although there are always Mutt and Jeff (big and small) types who get along just fine.

Hair: Fair warning that you better like vacuuming if you get a long haired pup, and like brushing (a lot).  There may be grooming costs too.

Age: A puppy is cute but please realize they are a lot of work and WILL cause some damage.  You will have to get up several times a night for a while to take them outside to potty train.  An older dog will usually be much, much calmer.

Breed: Shelter dogs need homes, are usually cost around $100-200 including spay/neuter and initial vet care.  That is a deal and there is such a huge amount of adoptable, lovely dogs available.  You can find all types from pure bred dogs to mutts.  Here is a great place to look with a great search available by breed, area, age, etc:

https://www.petfinder.com/

Please note:  If you have your heart set on a specific pedigreed dog or puppy, please do your homework before committing.  Pure bred dogs can be very costly to buy and may come with inbred illnesses if they come from a less than reputable dog breeder.  Not all but some.

Arrange for a Meet and Greet to include your dog.

Make sure to take a friend with you and preferably on a Friday afternoon so you will have the whole weekend to get to know your new pup.

When you first introduce them, keep them both on leashes and preferably in an outdoor, fenced in setting.Be aware that with dogs, just like people, not everybody is going to like everybody.    Let them sniff around first and gradually sniff each other while you hold their leashes taut.  Watch their body language.  Make sure there is no growling or staring and no hair raised on their necks or backs.

When you feel absolutely confident that there is no aggressive behavior going on with either dog, drop the leashes but stand near.  Continue to watch body language.

Also make sure you and the dog like each other! Introduce yourself to the pup by speaking softly.  Don’t stare at the dog directly.  Put your hand palm down near the dog so he/she can sniff your hand.  Gradually reach up to gently pet the head.  Watch the body language for any signs of aggression.

Feed each dog a small treat, one at a time and away from each other.  You want to make sure neither is food aggressive with the other one.  Watch your dog for signs of jealousy!

Taking New Pup Home:

If all is well and you (both) decide to adopt, crate each dog separately for the ride home.  It is safer for the dogs and for you as this is their first car ride together!

Put an old and recently worn t-shirt or other clothing of yours in each carrier so they can get used to your smell as well as start to have your smell on both of them.  This is really important as dogs have an acute sense of smell.  The more they smell like you, the faster they become a ‘pack’.

When you get to your house or apartment, walk your dog in first and the new dog in second in case there is some jealousy.  Get your friend to walk the new dog in.

If the new dog is young and/or submissive, don’t be surprised if there is a tee tee accident right when you get home.  Don’t yell or make a big deal about it.  It is scary to go somewhere new with new people!

Give both of your dogs treats (separately) when you get home as if to say “this is a good place”.  Be sure to give each dog equal attention right from the start to minimize jealousy.

Show them their dogs beds as well as water and food bowls.  Watch their body language, especially when you feed them for the first time.  Be sure to feed them in separate bowls, far apart.

Take them outside (leashed of course)  right after you feed them so they can both understand when and where to potty.  Please make sure both have collars with your phone number on them.  I prefer harnesses to leashes attached to collars on dogs because it is easier on me (less pulling) and better for the dog (less pressure on the neck and windpipe, and less chance for them to slip out of the collar).  Here’s one I really like:

When you come back in, be sure to put more of your smelly clothes in each dog bed.  It helps establish the pack mentality even more.

They will likely explore a little, sniff around, then go right to sleep!.

Be sure to take them both for lots of walks over the weekend so they can start to establish a routine, get to know each other and get to know their surroundings.

Enjoy your new dog!