A DOUBLE FLOW OF JOY AND WORRY: HOW TO PROCEED WHEN ADDING A SECOND DOG TO THE FAMILY

Getting a second dog in your family pack shouldn't be a decision you make overnight. It requires thinking in the same way as when you think about, for example, another child. This is not just about buying another leash and doubling the supply of pellets. You need to have enough time and money for the next furry addition, because quality veterinary care costs something. When making a decision, you should also carefully consider whether the dog's company will tolerate your first dog. And when all of these factors play into your hands, we guarantee you'll be getting plenty of dog love. And it's worth it! But first, let's see what you should take into account.

THOROUGH PREPARATION

First of all, consider if your dog, who you already have at home, is ready to give up the role of an only child . Is he friendly, sufficiently socialized and has no problem with other dogs? If so, you're on the right track. If he doesn't get along very well with other furries, don't worry, nothing is lost. But you will have to work on "intertextual" relationships. Don't be afraid to call in an expert for this, who will advise you on how to do it and recognize whether your dog will be able to accept "siblings".

CHOOSE WELL

You can never predict enough how dogs will get along in a household. But you can eliminate a lot of problems by choosing the right addition. There are definitely factors that you will focus on age, breed, sex, size of the dog and whether you get it from a kennel or a shelter .

Your lifestyle certainly plays a role. So, if you have a French bulldog at home, with whom you go on trips appropriate to his stamina, it is probably not the best idea to have a temperamental breed with him, which you will hardly tire of a short trip. Of course, as long as you know you'll give both of them your best possible attention to their different needs, go for it.

GETTING TO KNOW

The moment you already know which furry will enrich your pack, it's time to get to know each other. Dog trainers advise that the dogs first meet on neutral ground, in short, where your "first-born" does not take it as his territory. Once you see that the acquaintance has gone well, go for a walk with them.

Be sure to reward them with treats and give them plenty of time to get to know each other. If it goes well, take them home. In case you are not sure how they will react to each other in the home environment, keep them on a leash. Be patient, don't rush anything, praise the dogs and make sure that the new dog feels welcome and that the existing one understands that having a sibling is the best thing that could happen to him.

DON'T FORGET WHO WAS FIRST

It's completely understandable that you fall under the spell of a new addition, especially if it's a puppy. But don't forget about the dog you had at home before. Set a time limit for which you will devote yourself only to him , so as not to give him reasons for jealousy. Feel free to make a routine out of these moments when you focus only on one or the other dog individually. They will both appreciate that they don't have to share you with anyone for a while.

When you all get used to each other and you have a little less space in the bed again, you can feel like you've won. Of course, that is partly true, but don't rest on your laurels and don't stop working on mutual relationships and good manners . Having two dogs is work, but they bring you even more joy .