How To Handle The Second Dog Syndrome

When you only have one dog, you train him and the work is usually done. He gets used to your home and all the people in it. Even when a new person enters the house, the dog quickly adjusts. However,if a second dog comes in, things can be very different. There could be problems and their adjusting to each other might need an extra effort from you.

Your first dog should ideally be a male. Males usually take a little longer to train than the females and they could be a bit more mischievous and unruly for longer so it's easier to get this out of the way first. Otherwise you will be comparing him to your earlier female and that isn't going to be good for him. Once you've had a male dog first, what about the next?

Another male has worked in many households but in most cases, the alpha dog syndrome does raise its head. This can turn quite ugly at times, especially if you are out for the evening and have to leave them by themselves - it could be even worse if they are left all day while the owners are at work.

Two females work well - they might snap at each other occasionally but they tend to get on well together.

Ideally, a second female after a first male is best. You'll find that she grows up faster, gets trained faster and is generally easier to manage. So second time round gets to be easier, not harder. You'll also find that the acceptance of the second dog is easier for the first - now isn't that true of humans as well? Girls just grow up faster!

There are just a few tips for you to keep in mind. Firstly, remember that most dogs think of themselves as your children so a bit of jealousy is natural. Make sure you give the old dog a lot of attention too and rather than keep the new pup away, include the older when you are petting the new one. Little pups are adorable so when visitors come in, make sure you give your older dog a lot of attention while everyone is cooing over the little one.

Make sure that food places are apart. Keep their bowls in the same room but apart from each other and also make sure one dog does not eat from the other's bowl. This should be enforced especially with the younger dog. Keep their dog baskets apart too. The older one should not at any time feel that his things are being taken away and given to the new addition.

All it takes is a little bit of understanding and care and a lot of love. Remember that the older dog feels a bit scared at having to share your love - so make him feel that you are not sharing it but doubling it. A lot of love usually does the trick - and you'll be grateful you paid attention to this aspect when your dogs grow up to be best friends.

Sachin A. is a freelance writer with a love for pets. Read more on Pet Jewelry and Dog Lovers Jewelry at Jewelry Mall.

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