Are you thinking of adopting a second dog? Weigh the pros and cons before adding another. Then remember experts recommend adopting a dog of another sex when adding another 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 pups.
But dog owners may wonder, does gender matter when choosing another dog? Can two male dogs get along? Can two female dogs get along? You may wonder if I have a girl dog; should I get a male or female dog?
The answers, of course, depend on the dogs. Before choosing a second dog, you must ensure the new dog is compatible with the first.
Gender matters with a second dog
Gender is usually essential in determining if your new dog will get along with your current dog. However, there can be exceptions.
Experts agree that a second canine companion should be of the other sex for the best possible chance of success.
Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
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, the two males will likely have a conflict. Initially, everything may seem fine. However, disputes may arise in the future when they desire to alter the group’s order.
The two males, especially intact male dogs, may experience resource guarding and fight over toys, food bowls, and their humans’ affection. Watch for signs of territorial aggression. Neutering the dogs can help but may not eliminate all conflicts.
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. Again, spaying both dogs can alleviate the aggression risk.
When two dogs of the same gender live in the same household, they are forced to determine whether they are the “alpha,” the “beta,” or the 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. Watch their body language for signs of aggression.
If both dogs have been neutered, there’s an even higher chance they will get along well.
Opposite-sex dogs live in harmony because they don’t compete.
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 get a dog of the same gender, some experts suggest bringing in a much younger dog than the adult dog.
Introducing a boy puppy to a male dog will work better than introducing another older dog. A puppy may be less intimidating for an older dog and may not feel he has to protect his territory.
Remember, conflict can happen when dogs age. However, having two dogs at home can help with separation anxiety when you’re away.
Provide your dogs with neutral ground so they can spend time apart if they desire to. If you have multiple dogs, it’s also a good idea to provide separate food and water bowls in neutral territory.
Most dogs learn quickly and will get along.
Challenges of same-sex dogs
When considering two dogs of the same gender, there are some challenges.
Dogs of the same gender may experience dominance issues, potentially leading to conflicts and aggression.
This can create a hierarchy within the household that may lead to changes in the personalities of both dogs.
Additionally, territorial behavior and resource guarding can become more prevalent when two dogs of the same gender live together.
This can lead to disputes over toys, food bowls, and even attention from their humans.
While challenges exist, it’s important to note that two dogs of the same gender can get along harmoniously.
The key lies in understanding each dog’s personality and level of dominance.
Additionally, having two dogs at home can provide companionship and help alleviate separation anxiety when the pet owner is away. Introducing a much younger dog of the same gender, such as a puppy, to an adult dog may work well, as the puppy is often less threatening and may not trigger territorial behavior in the older dog.
Providing neutral ground, perhaps even a separate room for feeding, separate food and water bowls, and ample training and socialization are crucial for fostering a positive relationship between dogs of the same gender.
Remember that the dogs’ temperaments and energy levels play a significant role in their ability to coexist peacefully.
Gender isn’t the only thing that matters
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog.
When adding a second dog, think about its gender, but remember that it’s not the only important factor. Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex.
First, it’s essential to consider whether you can handle the responsibility of having two adult dogs.
Multiple dogs will mean more work and double the expenses. Make sure you have time to bond with your new dog to avoid behavior problems.
If you are expecting a baby or 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 an adult dog 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. Pairing a hyper dog with a sleepy lap dog or one of the toy breeds likely won’t be a good fit.
Adopting another dog isn’t a decision that should be rushed or taken lightly.
When choosing a new pup, consider your current dog’s personality and gender. It’s also good to ensure the dogs have similar energy levels.
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.