Thinking of Getting a Second Dog? These Crucial Steps Will Help Your Pets Bond Instantly
Your pets will never become rivals if you don’t make other owners’ most frequent mistakes.
If you’re a dog lover and already has one pet to look after, it’s safe to say you’ve had a thought of getting another dog at least ones.
The advantages seem to be obvious: your home will become an even happier place and your first pet will finally have a company instead of spending days alone. It doesn’t always go according to plan, and the two dogs initially seem to despise each other, which eventually makes their owner feel like they’ve made a mistake.
However, dogs actually shouldn’t react like this, but they do because of the owners’ unawareness of these things before getting a second pet.
Make Sure Your Dogs Are Healthy
Before introducing your dogs to each other, take them both to a vet to check whether they’re doing fine. This especially concerns those who are about to bring home a puppy — its immune system might not be as good at the moment, so make sure you don’t risk both of your dogs’ well-being.
Give Your Dogs Separate Territories
This doesn’t mean getting another house for your second dog, though you can easily arrange two different zones for each of your dogs. However, it’s not only necessary to give your dogs their own bed, bowl and toys, but also crucial to start teaching them to see things that don’t belong to them. That said, your dogs should learn to stay away from each other’s comfort zone so that they can have a rest individually.
Don’t Arrange Your Dogs’ First Meeting at Home
This might require another person’s help, but at least such an option will allow your dogs to get to know each other on a neutral territory without being pushed or triggered. Remember that both dogs should be leashed, but don’t try to pull or force them into something they don’t want. Make sure your dogs feel safe and don’t hold the puppy in your hands — the other dog may see it as your attempt to protect the smaller one from a potential danger.
Offer Your Dogs Treats for Whatever Kind of Good Behavior
When the two start connecting and getting to know each other, it’s important to let the dogs know you approve their attempts, so make a stock of treats for their smallest kind gestures. Don’t forget that both dogs should receive their treats or caress, but also keep an eye on the entire situation: it’s not bad if the older dog is a bit tense with the younger one — soon the latter will learn manners from their companion.
