Adopting Two Dogs at Once: Key Considerations

Watching for Signs Your Dogs Don't Get Along

Just because you're ready to grow your family with another dog, it doesn't mean both dogs are looking for a partner in crime. For dogs who aren't keen on sharing their house with another pup, inappropriate behaviors may occur. Well-socialized dogs rarely become aggressive. More often, they act bossy and want to show a newcomer who runs the show. A pushy dog uses the following signals, alone or in any combination, to show their status and get their way:

• Stands on tiptoes or "looms" over the other dog
• Holds eye contact with ears forward and sometimes lips vertically retracted
• Fluffs fur (raised hackles) over the shoulders
• Rests head, chin or paws over the neck or body of the other dog
• Body slams during play, or pushes and bowls over the other dog
• Grabs the muzzle or neck of the other dog (an inhibited bite)
• Mounts or clasps the other dog

Peacekeeping dogs also signal "no threat" to diffuse potential problems. They may turn away or avert their eyes from the other dog's stare. Lip licking, yawning, pawing and sniffing help calm down concerned dogs. The ultimate appeasement gesture, rolling over to bare the tummy, can assure the concerned dog that there's nothing to worry about. Lying down, crawling while wagging their tail or even play-bowing — all invitations to play — can change the scared or bossy dog's attitude.

Arguments sometimes happen between friendly dogs, and most know how to fight and argue without hurting each other. They "play bite" with less pressure, or snap in the air without making contact. Dogs use body language and vocalizations to warn other dogs to back off. Signs of aggression include a hard stare, growling, barking and snarling. This typically happens around resources important to the aggressing dog, like toys and food, or due to feeling crowded in doorways or halls. If the other dog doesn't signal deference with an appeasement gesture, the aggressive dog may escalate. These altercations sound scary. The important issue is to avoid a situation that may cause injury.

When threats proceed to lunging, snapping or biting, separate the dogs immediately. Stay safe — don't touch them. If you can't call them apart, drop a large towel or blanket over the pair to distract them and provide something else to bite, and get them into different rooms to cool down. Next, either enlist the help of a professional dog trainer or consider separating the dogs for good. You can find training and behavior resources at the Association of Professional Dog Trainers or the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants, or ask your vet for a referral to a veterinary behaviorist.

Improving the Odds Your Pups Will Be Best Pals

To improve the odds that the dogs get along, choose complementary types. Consider each dog's size, personality, age, sexual and health status, and activity level. Older dogs may not put up with a brash, in-your-face puppy, and a large, boisterous dog might accidentally hurt a much smaller pup. Healthy dogs often bully ill ones, and intact dogs are more likely to challenge the social status of a resident dog.

Neutering/spaying all the dogs takes hormones out of the equation. Ideally, choose a well-socialized second dog near the same size, age and activity level as your resident pup. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says pairing dogs with similar energy needs makes for the best companions. Opposite sex pairings often work well, too. For example, if you have a 6-year-old female golden retriever, a 4-year-old active male beagle may be a good companion. Also, look for a happy, easygoing personality, as they usually get along well with the greatest number of doggy personalities.

If you already have one dog in your home, bring them to the shelter to meet their possible new companion. Most shelters are fine with this and, in fact, recommend it. It will help you get a better sense of whether the two dogs will get along well, helping make your decision a little easier. Dogs at the shelter who are a little timid toward you or other dogs aren't necessarily bad second companions; they may have just had unpleasant experiences in their lives before they came to the shelter. Dogs from shelters may take several days to a couple of weeks to decompress from the experience and show their true personalities. The AKC suggests using crates, pet gates and exercise pens during the introduction process. Sometimes a little bit of love is all it takes to get a shy pup to come out of their shell and become another beloved member of the family.

So, are two dogs better than one? Only you can tell whether you're ready to open your home and your heart to multiple dogs. Your lifestyle is unique, and your pup parenting will be too.