Choosing the Right Second Dog – What You Need to Know

You’re thinking about getting a second dog and have carefully weighed all the pros and cons? Then it’s time to make the right choice. In this guide for adding a second dog, you’ll learn what to consider and how to find the perfect four-legged match.

Finding the Right Second Dog – What to Consider

If you want to have two dogs, harmony is the most important factor. Otherwise, the dogs will live under stress, and you’ll spend your time managing and separating them rather than enjoying their company.

Many people will tell you: you’re not getting a dog for your current one, but for yourself.

Both are wrong. You’re getting another dog for everyone. That’s why the chemistry has to be right – between all of you. You’ll increase the chances of that if you follow the tips below.

Tip #1 for a Second Dog: Choose the Right Breed

Birds of a feather flock together. Choosing the same breed or a similar mix can be a great foundation for your dogs to be on the same wavelength. It also makes communication and keeping them engaged much easier.

However, some breeds are more sociable than others. Some breeders won’t even let their terriers roam unsupervised together. So, make sure to research in advance whether keeping multiple dogs is a good idea for your current one.

Tip #2 for a Second Dog: Size and Size Difference

Big and small dogs can get along wonderfully. However, if the size and weight difference is too big, the smaller dog could be at risk – especially during rough play. In that case, you should prevent them from playing too wildly.

This isn’t a big loss for older dogs, as their playfulness naturally decreases over time. But it can be a real shame for puppies or young dogs if they can’t play with their companion.

Tip #3 for a Second Dog: Gender

Two males, two females, or one of each?

It’s often said that a male and a female get along best. If both are unneutered, you’ll “only” need to separate them one to three times a year to avoid unwanted puppies.

But that statement is wrong in several ways:

Whether two dogs get along doesn’t depend on gender. Two females or two males can get along just as well—or even better—than a mixed pair.
A heat cycle lasts weeks, not just a few days. Yes, the danger is only during the fertile days, but those can stretch out, and some intact males act crazy the entire time.
Don’t forget your own sanity. An intact male and female may need to be separated during every heat cycle, and they could whine, bark, and drive you up the wall the entire time.

Can it be managed? Yes. But don’t underestimate how nerve-wracking it can be. When choosing the gender, base your decision more on how well the dogs get along.

Tip #4 for a Second Dog: Age or Age Difference

Puppy, adolescent, senior, puppy with senior, similar age? There are so many pros and cons to each that PunkRockPudel is dedicating an entire series to the topic. Check back in the coming days or subscribe to PunkRockPudel to learn more.

Tip #5 for a Second Dog: Personality

Here too, the saying often applies: birds of a feather flock together. A naturally calm dog will quickly become annoyed by a hyperactive go-getter, and the lively one might feel frustrated by a couch potato.

Avoid major personality differences so that both dogs benefit from living together.

Tip #6 for a Second Dog: Background

Breeder, shelter, private rehoming, or international rescue? The background—or more precisely, the past experiences—of your second dog plays a huge role, often underestimated.

Has your potential new dog spent most of its life as a solo dog? That could increase the chance of jealousy.

Was it kept in a shelter with lots of other dogs? Then it might struggle with resource guarding.

You can’t make sweeping statements based on past experiences, but trends are certainly there. Make sure to find out what you’re getting into and whether the second dog is compatible with your first.

Tip #7 for a Second Dog: Getting to Know Each Other

Trial and error beats theory – that applies here too. The best way to see how your first and second dogs get along is to let them meet in person.

Multiple meetups, walks together, and a trial period are always a good idea to check if they’re a good match. Just remember – they don’t have to fall in love at first sight. A generally peaceful attitude is a solid start.

Choosing the Right Second Dog: Be Patient

Take your time choosing the right second dog, and test the chemistry between the two dogs before making it official. Don’t be guided by appearance—make sure they truly get along.

Introduce the new dog into your home patiently and with clear boundaries so that the addition becomes a benefit for everyone.