The trend towards getting a second or third dog has been increasing for several years. There are many reasons for keeping multiple dogs. Nevertheless, life with a pack of dogs holds some challenges for both humans and dogs. The decision for the second dog, therefore, requires thorough consideration. You can find tips on keeping multiple dogs in this guide.
Reasons for keeping multiple dogs
Keeping multiple dogs usually develops over time. One reason is the thought that keeping a pack corresponds to the natural way of life of the animals. The single dog should get a play partner and no longer be alone. Often the decision is based solely on the wishes of the owner. He just wants a second dog.
Sometimes external circumstances ensure that a single dog suddenly becomes a pack. A dog in the family or circle of friends urgently needs a new home. Perhaps your own bitch will discover her love for the neighboring male. One of the cute puppies should now stay with his mom or dad. So there are many reasons why a family dog suddenly becomes a pack.
What should be considered when keeping multiple dogs?
Keeping multiple dogs requires that the existing dog is suitable for it. The second dog must also suit him. Other important factors are the sufficient space for two dogs, the greater time commitment, the higher costs, and possible restrictions on vacations and other activities.
Does a second dog even fit into the pack?
The most important question before getting a second dog concerns the needs of the existing pets. Does the previous single dog even want to live in a pack? Many dogs build such a close relationship with their owners that they see their own position in danger with the additional conspecific. This inevitably leads to problems.
Ideal conditions for a new partner
A single dog for keeping multiple dogs should meet the following requirements:
- friendly encounters with other dogs
- relaxed running on a loose leash when meeting other dogs
- unproblematic visits by other dogs in your own house and on the property
- ability to be alone for four to five hours
- minimum age of 15 months
- relaxed and serene personality
- mastery of basic commands
Visiting a dog school before getting a second dog may be helpful. In dog school, it is possible to promote social behavior. Dog and owner also learn important basic commands. Problems such as being alone for several hours can also be solved with expert support.
Is it better to keep dogs in pairs?
If the dogs get along well, keeping multiple dogs is beneficial for them. However, not every dog is suitable for being kept in a pack.
Keeping multiple dogs: Choosing the right second dog
Another important basis for harmonious coexistence in the family and in the pack is the selection of the right second dog. Not all races, ages, and gender combinations get along well.
Matching dog breeds
In addition to the huge selection of dog breeds, the world knows mixed breeds in endless constellations. Nevertheless, most of them can be assigned to certain categories based on their genetic preconditions. The FCI, as the world umbrella organization for cynology, already divides dogs into a total of ten groups and numerous sections and subgroups. Each of them has typical behaviors.
For optimal coexistence, the characteristics of dogs in a pack fit together. Mixing a Jack Russel Terrier with a Pug can be very stressful for the Pug. A greyhound makes completely different demands on its husbandry than a jovial, powerful Molosser. Combining a Chihuahua with a Great Dane can be unfavorable due to the difference in size. The Great Dane may not recognize the Chihuahua as conspecific.
Individual traits
Regardless of the breed, dogs have individual character traits. The reason for this is often the previous life of the animals. It often affects dogs that have had bad experiences with their previous owners. But even a puppy can be treated badly in its puppy room. In the worst case, he doesn’t know a puppy room but was born in freedom. Anyone who takes in a dog from southern or eastern Europe is often confronted with these problems. Aggression and fear are typical behaviors of dogs with bad experiences. Living with a very dominant dog can be torture for them.
What do you do when two dogs no longer understand each other?
When two dogs suddenly don’t get along, there’s a reason. The dog owner must recognize and eliminate this. If the dogs don’t get along right from the start and can’t be socialized with each other, the only thing that often helps is separation from the second dog.
Age difference
In the ideal case, the development of the existing dog is already complete when a second one is added. Therefore, the age difference should be from 15 months to three years, depending on the size of the animals. A senior can definitely become active again with a young dog. However, the lively puppies and young dogs often overwhelm their older conspecifics, causing them to suffer.
Growing up puppies together is great for dogs and humans alike. Anyone who has to decide on a dog from a litter may have the idea of adopting two siblings at the same time. This form of keeping multiple dogs means a great challenge for the owners. Both dogs must learn and be trained at the same time. The difficult phases begin with housebreaking and last until puberty.
Gender
The coexistence of a male with a female usually runs harmoniously. For the owner, the question arises as to whether it should also be fruitful. If this is not desired, the animals should be castrated or sterilized. Otherwise, bitches in heat can regularly cause serious problems.
Two male dogs usually get along well with each other as well. The question of the ranking is usually clarified on the basis of the age difference. However, the aforementioned dominance of a male can often lead to arguments. Keeping two bitches as a multi-dog can be rather difficult since the women are not always friendly to each other. They are more prone to biting with serious injuries.
When is the right time for the second dog?
Ideally, the development and training of the first dog is complete when a second one is added. The first dog should be at least 15 months old. An age difference of about three years is ideal.
First encounter with the first dog
The first meeting should take place on neutral ground if possible. When the new dog comes home, both animals meet outside of the house and property for the first time if possible. Ideally, they get to know each other off a leash on a fenced property.
If there are already two dogs in the household and a third is to be added, the dogs must get to know each other individually. Under no circumstances should both dogs attack the newcomer at the same time.
Entry of the second dog
At first, both dogs need the opportunity to meet at a distance. The eating and sleeping places should therefore be clearly separated from each other. Ideally, going for a walk should also take place separately at the beginning. This gives the new dog a chance to develop a relationship with its new owner. The existing dog does not feel neglected. Even when playing and cuddling in the house, the owners must ensure that the allowances are distributed evenly and fairly.
Dog owners must observe their animals very carefully during the acclimatization phase and interpret their body language. If a dispute arises, the person must intervene immediately. It is important that both dogs build a good bond with their owner and follow them. In this way, they recognize his rules and get along with one another.
Multi-dog ownership: potential problems and rules
Those who do not yet have experience in keeping multiple dogs can be surprised by the sudden pack dynamics. Two dogs together behave differently than a single dog. Even the encounter with a third dog while going for a walk can suddenly turn out to be completely different. Both dogs feel empowered as a pack and suddenly bully their fellow dogs. Under certain circumstances, a dog takes on the role of protector for its pack member and defends them.
To avoid this, humans take on the role of protector for their pack. He must appear confident and dominant towards his animals. This will make the dogs realize that they can rely on him. Dog owners convey this security to their four-legged companions, for example by standing between their dogs and other dogs.
Equally important is the observance of rules between the dogs. Man conveys this to them, too. Several dogs in a pack must know their commands and obey them reliably. They are supported by clear rules and regular training.
Education and training for multiple dog ownership
The upbringing and training are initially carried out individually with each dog. So if a new dog is added to the previous individual animal, it first learns on its own. Ideally, his owner goes to dog school alone with him. If both dogs know the same rules, nothing stands in the way of training together.
