The safest option when adopting a 2nd dog is to consider one that is a different gender to the current dog you have. With a male and a female, the male will be the alpha and the female will not threaten his role- she will be, the alpha female.
For the happiest dogs and the safest household, opposite sex dogs almost always do best together. Many same-sex combinations of dogs will fight, sometimes to the death. Those who work out a dominance order may not fare much better.
Opposite sex safest bet
In general, choosing the other gender is wisest. So if you already have a male dog, choose a female, and vice-versa.
Experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex if you add a second dog. While you should consider the gender of the second dog when adopting another dog, it's not the only thing that matters.
Most experts agree that, as a rule, male and female dogs get along better than two females or two males. However, that being said, I've known many households (including my own) that successfully have two of the same gender dogs without any problems at all.
Female dogs tend to be easier to housebreak, easier to train, and more connected with their owners—but in certain circumstances they can be more demanding of attention. Aggression can be a problem in any dog of any breed, however it is usually more apparent in non-neutered males.
You should consider your household and the lifestyle that you and your dog will have. If you have lots of people in and out for gatherings or like to take your dog into public places, a female may be the best choice. If you have several dogs or intend to add to your canine family, a male may be a better fit.
Dogs are social animals and usually happier around other dogs, but a second dog will never be a substitute for inattentive, absent or too busy owners.
Having two dogs can feel like a lot of work sometimes, but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. From easier training to better mental and emotional health (for you and your dogs!), to saving the lives of animals, there are so many solid reasons to adopt a second dog today.
What's the age of your current dog? Many breeders recommend that your first dog be at least one-to-two-years old before you add a second to the family.
Answer: Spaying them may stop if their fighting is exclusively hormonally-induced, but of course, there are no guarantees. It is actually not that unusual for two female dogs in heat to fight. With raging hormones, there is also likely some level of competition going on.
Here are some top breeds of “easy-going” best second dog breeds: Basset Hound, Goldendoodle, English Foxhound, Cocker Spaniel, Maltipoo, St. Bernard, Great Dane, Vizsla, Whippet, Pug, Golden Retriever, Collie, Poodle and Labrador Retriever.
Second Dog Syndrome
As humans, we are bound to forget all of the time and effort it takes to raise a puppy right. All too often, a second dog joins the household and the expectation is that they will behave as the existing dog in the home does, so they are often given the same freedom right off the bat.
It may take several weeks for the two dogs to get used to each other, so patience is required. But most of the time, dogs are accepting of other dogs, often welcoming the companionship. It's just a matter of an owner setting expectations and being consistent.
Love and affection
Many dog people say male dogs are more affectionate, while female dogs tend not to want the constant attention and validation that the boys often seem to crave. They say female dogs can be "moody" and "independent," while male dogs can be "clingy" and "silly."
But the truth is, owning two dogs doesn't have to be more work – in fact, it can often be easier. And as for the cost, it will cost more money than one but not twice the amount. This is because dogs will often share toys, beds, etc.
Some things to consider before adopting a second pet include your finances, how much space you have, and whether or not your pet seems ready to welcome a new animal. If you have a lot of free time and your pet seems lonely, adopting a second animal could be a rewarding thing.
Even if you are home with them for most of the week, the amount of quality time you're spending together may not be enough for a needy dog. That's why for some households, introducing another pet can be a great idea. Loneliness can quickly lead to stress and anxiety in dogs if ignored, and it's not always an easy spot.
Balancing the Needs of Both Dogs
Even if you find the perfect pup to add to your family, there will be an adjustment period. And when the house's vibe feels off-kilter, some guilty feelings can creep in. “I believe dogs have a rich emotional life, and they feel very connected to their people,” Plymale says.
This can also keep your pet out of your hair when they're bored and want to play. More dogs enforce the “pack” feeling, and help your dog feel secure. Some dogs do get lonely without a friend, and a second dog will alleviate this loneliness. If your dog has separation anxiety, having another dog there may help.
Introduce on neutral territory.
Each dog should be walked separately on a leash, and each walker should have a bag of high-value treats or food broken into small pieces. At first, walk the dogs at a distance where they can see each other but are not too provoked by each other's presence.
One long-standing myth about dogs, is that female dogs tend to be more loyal than their male counterparts. This myth has passed down generations of dog breeders and dog lovers. And can be traced back as far as when dogs were wild and living in packs.