Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you are adding a second dog.
Thinking of adopting a second dog? Adding new furry members to the family can be exciting for you and your current dog. But bringing another dog into your home is not a decision to be taken lightly. Along with breed and activity level, gender matters with a second dog.
Getting another dog to keep the first one company can make both dogs happy. Having partners can reduce aggressive behavior and make it easier to train both dogs.
You may be wondering, does gender matter when choosing a second dog? Can two male dogs get along? Can two dogs get along? You may wonder if I have a female dog; Should I have a male or female dog?
The answers, of course, depend on the dogs. Before getting a second dog, you need to make sure that the new dog is compatible with the first.
Gender matters with a second dog
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but in general, gender will play an essential role in whether your new dog will get along with your current dog.
Experts agree that the second dog should be of the opposite sex for the best chance of success.
Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
Give your dog the best possible life 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 your local animal shelter. It may be better to find a woman instead.
Because?
Even if your current dog is sweet as pie, there is likely to be a conflict between the two males. Things may be fine initially, but they may be at each other’s throats in the future when they decide it’s time to change the order of the package.
The two males, especially intact male dogs, may fight over toys and the affection of their humans.
You may be wondering how to make two dogs get along. Like male dogs, two female dogs can also have 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 should be the “alpha” and which should be the “beta” or inferior dog.
The “decision making” process can be violent and unpleasant. Ultimately, the conflict could change the personalities of both dogs. One may become overly dominant, while the other may become overly submissive.
With a male and a female, the male can still be the alpha and the female can be the top female in the pack. If both dogs have been neutered, there is an even higher chance that the two dogs will get along.
A male and female dog can live in harmony because they don’t have to compete for a position at the top of the totem pole.
Can dogs of the same sex get along?
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex, but two dogs of the same sex can get along. It depends on the personality and dominance level of each dog.
If you decide to go ahead and get a same-sex dog, some experts suggest bringing 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 to an older dog and he may not feel that he has to protect his territory. But keep in mind that there is a possibility of 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 is not the only thing that matters
While you should consider the sex 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 twice the expense. You’ll also need to make sure you have time to bond with your new dog.
If you have a new baby on the way or are making a significant change in your life, this may not be a good time to bring another dog into the house.
Also, consider your current dog.
- Are you obedience trained? Does he already follow the commands?
- Would he even want another dog? Not all dogs are dog friendly; some prefer the company of humans to other dogs.
- Is it an older dog or is it sick? A puppy’s high energy can make him nervous.
You will also want to consider the breed and temperament of the new dog. Shelter dogs sometimes have complicated pasts that can make them unsuitable for living with other dogs. Some breeds are also naturally territorial, which can cause problems between the two dogs.
Also, consider the sizes of the two dogs and their energy levels. If you have a giant dog, adopting a small dog can cause you problems. Two large dogs or two small dogs may be a better match.
Having two very energetic dogs can also be exhausting for you. And pairing a hyperactive dog with a sleepy lapdog or one of the toy breeds probably isn’t a good choice either.
Adopting another dog is not a decision to be taken lightly or rushed.
Take the time to consider your current dog’s personality and gender when choosing a new pack member.
According to experts, a dog of the opposite sex will give you the best chance of success.
David Rowe created World Of Puppies to provide information to dog lovers around the world. He can be contacted by email.
Puppy Training 101: 10 Tips to Set Your Dog Up for Success
