Thinking of bringing a second dog home? It may not be as easy as plunking the puppy down next to your loyal family dog. While dogs are social, they can have personality conflicts just as humans can. Introduce the dogs before you leave them alone.

The new dog will have to adapt to the pre-existing family group, so choose a dog carefully in terms of temperament, age and sex. Sterilized dogs of the same sex and calm disposition are fine, but choose a dog of the opposite sex if your first dog is somewhat high-strung or the least bit temperamental.

Your dog will probably adapt more easily to a puppy: He may take on a protective role and feel no threat to his established position in the family. But be aware that a non- or poorly socialized adult dog can influence a puppy's behavior and adversely affect his adjustment. A mischievous dog can also be a bad influence on an impressionable puppy. If you haven't yet learned to control your adult dog, you just may end up with two problem pooches instead of one.

Dogs and puppies who are well-socialized accept other dogs more quickly — yet another reason to choose pooches that have had the necessary littermate bonding and socialization time when they were puppies. As a general rule, you should wait until your first dog is at least a year old and well-trained before introducing another. If both dogs require obedience training, do this separately.

More Information Purebred vs. Mixed Breed Puppy vs. Adult Big vs. Small Male vs. Female Coat Types More Than One? Main Menu