Adding a New Dog to the Pack!

Welcome back to the Live Life Off Leash Blog!

This week we are going to talk about something a little more complicated than one short blog can really explain. But we will throw out some basic tips and then please seek the advice of a professional near you!

So, you love your dog? Dogs are great after all. What's better than one dog? Two of course!! Or three, or four.... you get the idea. Dogs are indeed like potato chips and it is incredibly hard to just have one and it never takes long before the idea of having more than one surfaces with most K9 parents. Here are some tips before you adopt a second... or third dog... into your home.

• The biggest thing to take into consideration is if you think your dog, honestly would even like a K9 sibling. Some dogs generally prefer the company of their human companions and really don't crave the company of another dog. If that is the case, you are better off saying no, for the sake of your current dog. Another thing to consider is if there will be a very large age difference. An older dog will probably not enjoy a puppy roommate. But dogs within a few years and activity level of each other will enjoy each other thoroughly.

• Speaking of activity level, this is the second huge thing to take into consideration. If you are an avid hiker, and your border collie buddy are on long excursions all weekend every weekend, a small dog that is not naturally athletic like a pug or frenchie, would not be an ideal choice for your family as they'd be left behind. And on the flip side, if you are a couch potato and so is your basset hound, a high energy blue heeler is not going to be an ideal playmate or roommate. It will drive you both crazy.

• Last but not least, when you do decide to adopt another dog, allow them to meet on neutral ground. Don't bring the new dog home immediately without your current dog ever able to meet them. The new dog will be nervous anyway coming into a new situation and your dog will likely be territorial about their home. Allow them to meet somewhere quiet and neutral for them both to ease into a life together.

These are just a very few small tips for bringing home a new dog. Follow the advice of your trainer, vet and the adoption center and do your research before bringing home a new dog to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. Soon you and your new pack will be inseparable!!