Two dogs: Does gender matter when you adopt a second dog?

Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog.

Are you thinking of adopting a second dog? Adding new furry family members can be exciting for you and your current dog. But bringing another dog into your home is not a decision to take lightly. Along with breed and activity level, gender matters with a second dog.

Getting another dog to keep the first company can make both dogs happy. Having companions can reduce aggressive behavior and make it easier to train both dogs.

You may wonder, does gender matter when choosing a second dog? Can two male dogs get along? Can two female dogs get along? You may wonder if I have a female dog; should I get a male or female dog? 

The answers, of course, depend on the dogs. Before getting a second dog, you must ensure the new dog is compatible with the first. 

Gender matters with a second dog

Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally, gender will play an essential role in whether your new dog will get along with your existing dog.

Experts agree that the second dog should be of the opposite sex for the best possible chance of success.

Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex?

Give your dog the best life possible by providing opportunities for ongoing socialization with other dogs.

Let’s say you have a male dog at home, and you’ve fallen in love with a male dog at the local animal shelter. It may be best to find a female instead.

Why?

Even if your current dog is sweet as pie, there’s bound to be a conflict between the two males. Things may be OK initially, but they may be at each other’s throats in the future when they decide that it’s time to change the pack order.

The two males, especially intact male dogs, may fight over toys and the affection of their humans.

You may wonder how to get two female dogs to get along. Like male dogs, two female dogs also may struggle with dominance issues, leading to dog aggression.

When two dogs of the same gender live in the same household, they will be forced to determine which one should be the “alpha” and which one should be the “beta,” or bottom dog.

The “decision-making” process can be violent and nasty. Ultimately, the conflict could change both dogs’ personalities. One may become excessively dominant, while the other may become overly submissive.

With a male and a female, the male can continue being the alpha, and the female can be the top female in the pack. If both dogs have been neutered, there’s an even higher chance the two dogs will get along well.

A male and female dog can live in harmony because they don’t have to compete over a position at the top of the totem pole.

Can same-sex dogs get along?

Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex, but two dogs of the same gender can get along. It depends on each dog’s personality and level of dominance.

If you decide to go ahead and get a dog of the same gender, some experts suggest bringing in a much younger dog than your current one.

Introducing a male puppy to a male dog will work better than introducing another older dog. A puppy may be less intimidating for an older dog, and he may not feel he has to protect his territory. But keep in mind that there is a chance for conflict as the dog ages. 

On the plus side, having a two-dog household can reduce separation anxiety if you need to leave the dogs home alone.

Gender isn’t the only thing that matters

While you should consider the gender of the second dog when adopting another dog, it’s not the only thing that matters.

First, it’s essential to consider whether you can handle the responsibility of having two dogs.

Two dogs will mean twice the work and double the expenses. You’ll also need to ensure you have the time to bond with your new dog.

If you have a new baby on the way or are making a significant life change, it may not be a good time to bring another dog into the house.

Also, consider your current dog.

• Is he obedience trained? Does he already follow commands?
• Would he even want another dog? Not all dogs are dog friendly; some prefer the company of humans over other dogs.
• Is he a senior dog or ill? A puppy’s high energy may get on his nerves.

You’ll also want to consider the new dog’s breed and temperament. Shelter dogs sometimes have complicated pasts that may make them unsuitable for living with other dogs. Some breeds also are naturally territorial, which may cause issues between the two dogs.

Also, consider the sizes of the two dogs and their energy levels. If you have a giant dog, adopting a tiny dog may cause problems. Two large dogs or two small dogs may be a better match.

Having two highly energetic dogs may also be exhausting for you. And pairing a hyper dog with a sleepy lap dog or one of the toy breeds likely won’t be a good fit either.

Adopting another dog isn’t a decision that should be rushed or taken lightly.

Take the time to consider your current dog’s personality and gender when choosing a new pack member.

A dog of the opposite gender will give you the best chance of success, according to experts.

David Rowe created World Of Puppies to provide information for dog lovers worldwide. He can be reached by email. 

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