Tips on owning a 2nd dog???

Question

I am getting a 2nd pug. I've never had 2 dogs (at the same time). What tips can you give me? When they are alone together, would I be safe to leave toys with them (in reference to fighting)?

They are both around the same age...one male and one female.

Answer 1

Having a second dog is always a plus.
The two of them become companions.
Before you leave them alone for any length of time, make sure they know each well enough.
If you have two males, you may have a problem with territorial.
Two females are usually never a problem.
Female and male work great together.
You need to observe them to see if they will get along.
If they are puppies, under the age of 8mos, you should have no problems.
Owner of three now, had four, two males and two females.
Two black labs, one schnauzer, and one three legged mutt.
Good luck and don't worry, it will all work out.

ALWAYS ADOPT!
You can always adopt a pure breed!
Unless you plan on breeding, then no need to buy.

Answer 2

Yes Siberians are gorgeous, but looks alone do not make it a good dog for everyone. There's a difference between owning *any* medium/large-sized dog vs. owning a dog like a husky. There's a huge difference between owning a Siberian and say, a Retriever. Siberians have a high prey drive which means unless properly socialized they will likely chase (and possibly kill smaller animals). This would include your JRT & your two cats. Sure, you could take the chance that you'll be able to socialize it to your animals but I personally wouldn't consider it worth the risk of the health/lives of 3 current pets just for one new pet. Huskies can't be left alone in an unsecure area unattended. They're known to break cables, dig out under or jump over fences. They can also never ever EVER be trusted off-leash when in an unsecure area. An hour exercise is a minimum for most dogs. Huskies thrive on more. My dog gets bored and antsy with only an hour stimulation. It's more like an hour hard exercise (like running) and 1-2 hours mental stimulation/softer exercise. Huskies are stubborn. The "sweet" ones you met are like that because of the way they were socialized and trained consistently starting from birth. They are super smart and will more than take advantage of an inexperienced owner. I don't know about your dog history, but owning one JRT you picked up from the side of the road and occasionally volunteering at a shelter wouldn't fall into "experienced" in my opinion in regards to huskies. Please, do yourself and all animals involved a favor. Spay your JRT, and adopt a lab.

Answer 3

Lots of differences, but one thing is, they will be way happier once they get to know each other. Never give them toys and/or bones when you are not supervising, I have 2 dogs as well, and a fight can break out between the two even if they have separate toys or even there own bone. Its not all that hard and I hope you enjoy having a playmate for your pug and a companion.

Answer 4

My best advice is Go Slow. Slow introductions on neutral territory, crate (or room separate) when you can't supervise, no shared feeding bowls/eating areas, no high value treats together. All of these things go a LONG ways towards preventing fighting and jealousy. You will eventually be able to ease up on the restrictions but a month of slow can equal out to a lifetime of friendship for dogs.

Even with all this though it is still quite possible to end up with a set of dogs that can't stand the sight of each other. Be prepared to have to keep them separated all the time if something like that happens.

Just make sure that you are getting the second dog for yourself. If you're getting it so your first dog can have a pal or playmate don't. Trust me, your first dog would tell you if it could that it would rather have just you and your undivided attention.

Answer 5

It may work and may not. But usually Will work. See how they act together. They will have to get to know each other and not be jealous of you. Don't show favoritism.
If they fight when your at home, they will fight when you are gone, Maybe try to put them in separate places while you are gone for awhile. and bring them out when you are back and insist good behavior, Or they male and female or the same gender? That can also make a difference, it will be OK if not now it will be in time.

Answer 6

Are they about the same age? If not I would watch and see how they act together before leaving them alone. You can put them in seperate cages when you leave.
I have 2 dogs. The best advise is if you have puppies keep them apart as much as possible until they are trained. Let them see each other long enough to build a bond but you don't want them learning from one another you want them learning from you. Its harder than it sounds to keep them seperated but when they know your commands you will be happy you did.

Answer 7

I have 2 dogs too.If your first dog gets jealous then start to spend more time with it alone without the other dog you know just the 2 of you and yes it is OK to put toys for them but just make sure its toys for both of them to play with at one time together.pretty soon they will get along just fine.

Answer 8

i used to be a single dog owner too and i found alot of differences once there were 2 of them together all the time. just understand that they are animals and that dogs operate using a "pack" mentality, meaning that they'll get things hashed out amongst themselves eventually. keep them from hurting each other, and tell them things like "mamma has 2 hands to rub her 2 babies..." don't let yourself be one sided towards them, always keep everything even and they'll follow your lead, as you're their "pack" leader.

Answer 9

haha.
they would be just fine.
i'm now having 2 shih tzus and 1 silky terrier.
they're doing well together..
you just need to monitor them the first few days..

Answer 10

I suggest watching there behavior together. If they get along while you're home they'll get along alone. If they don't than I'd suggest separating them while you're not home.