Dogs are pack animals. Even if an owner devotes a lot of time and attention to their pet, it cannot replace meaningful interaction with a fellow dog. A solitary animal becomes bored in its owner's absence and destroys property out of boredom.
Some owners are afraid to get a second dog out of fear that the pets won't get along. With proper adaptation, the animals will become friends and delight their owners by playing together and grooming each other. Having a companion dog makes a dog calmer and friendlier.
If the owner has firmly decided to get a second pet, it is recommended to get a puppy. It will be more difficult to get older dogs to bond. An older animal recognizes their age and is more tolerant of a younger dog. Mixed-sex pets get along best after mandatory spaying.
Before introducing them, you need to quarantine for two weeks. The new pet needs to be vaccinated and treated for fleas and worms. It's best to have the dog examined by a veterinarian to rule out infectious diseases. After the quarantine period is over, you can begin introducing them. There are several rules for introducing an adult dog and a puppy. If you follow them, the introduction will go smoothly, and the pets will get along well.
- The new pet should be kept in a separate room during the quarantine period. During this time, the old dog can be allowed near the door. This will allow the animal to get used to the unfamiliar smell and presence of its new relative.
- The first meeting should be held in a neutral location. Some dogs are very possessive and may become aggressive within their own territory.
- The introduction should be gradual and calm. For the first time, the puppy can be placed in a carrier or crate and allowed to sniff the adult dog through a barrier. This will prevent the animal from harming the puppy. If the dog doesn't show aggression toward the new arrival, you can gradually increase the time spent interacting with the puppy.
- Don't scold or punish a dog if it shows aggression toward a puppy. The pet will become embittered and refuse to accept the puppy.
- It's recommended to feed the animals separately at first. Food can become an additional source of conflict.
- It's important to separate property. Each dog should have its own toys, sleeping area, water bowl, and food bowl.
- Games and walks. Dogs will bond faster if you engage them in shared play that's appropriate for both pets' ages and interests.
Even if the introduction went quickly and successfully, and the dogs showed no aggression towards each other, it's not recommended to leave the pets alone for the first few days. It's best to observe the animals' behavior for 7-10 days. If there are no conflicts during this period, the introduction can be considered successful.
Adaptation can take anywhere from a few days to several months. If you're having trouble getting your pets to bond, you should seek help from a zoopsychologist. A specialist will offer helpful advice based on the pets' personalities and individual characteristics.
