Adding a second dog to your home

For the last couple of columns, I talked about getting a new dog — but what if you already have a dog and want to adopt another? While a second dog can certainly bring more fun, joy and companionship for both you and your first dog, it also means more of your time, money and problem-solving.

Who do you love?

If you’ve had your dog for a while, you probably have a good idea about the types of other dogs it likes and dislikes. Does your dog tend to get along better with males or females?

Big dogs or small ones? Active or laid-back pups? While young dogs are usually fine with other youthful dogs, you probably don’t want to saddle your senior dog with a rowdy youngster — and the reverse is true as well.

If your current dog has any significant medical, behavioral, or emotional problems, you need to deal with them before you add a second dog. The last thing you need are two dogs pooping in the house or ripping up the furniture. Dogs are social animals and frequently mirror each other’s behaviors.

Remember too that even if your dog has never had problems with other dogs, adding a new furry member to the family can create insecurity (“Why are you playing with HER instead of me?”) and jealousy (“That’s MY toy!”). Here are some hints for smoothing the way.

Happy to meet you

To avoid territoriality, have a friend or family member take your dog for a short walk (you’ll do the same with your prospective new dog), then bring them together at a neutral meet-and-greet spot.

Keep both dogs loosely leashed as they investigate each other. Try not to intrude at this point: just stay observant and watch carefully for any signs of tension or aggression like raised hackles, teeth-baring, deep growling, or snapping. If this happens, gently separate the dogs, perhaps using treats; don’t jerk on the leash, as this can further inflame tensions.

Coming home

If the dogs got along well at the neutral spot, take them home and let them off leash in your yard or fenced area. While they’re running or playing, be casual, don’t hover and don’t just stand in one spot and stare. Make sure that if you talk to or pet one dog, be an equal-opportunity attention-giver so you don’t create a competition.

Before you bring the dogs inside, move things like toys, chews and food dishes up and out of sight at first. Keep the new dog leashed while it explores the house, just as a precaution; if the first dog seems comfortable and accepting, you can un-leash the new dog.

Living together

For the first couple of weeks, keep a careful eye on how the dogs interact and try to avoid circumstances that might trigger antagonism. Spend separate but equal time with each dog: you want each dog to bond with you more than with each other.

Stay with the same routine of feeding, playing and walking so your first dog doesn’t feel like its life is being turned upsidedown by this canine interloper. When feeding, place the two dog’s bowls far enough apart to control any tendency for one dog to intimidate the other into giving up its meal.

In the event you find one dog bullying the other, step in and break up the dogs so they don’t think belligerent behavior is acceptable, and so things don’t escalate into a fight.

If everything works out well, harmony will reign and you’ll find yourself with two best friends!

Joan Merriam lives in Nevada County with her golden retriever Joey, her Maine coon cat Indy and the abiding spirit of her beloved golden retriever Casey in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@ joanmerriam.com. And if you’re looking for a golden, be sure to check out Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue.