Multiple Dogs

Dog Match Dot Com: Multiple dog families, adding a dog to the pack)

~Maureen Ross, MA

Gretchen and Josh owned a 10-year old German Shepherd named Bear and a 12- year old Lab mix named Daisy.  When

Daisy died unexpectedly, Bear lost much of his zest for life.  He became listless, moping around the house.  He seemed to vainly be looking for Daisy.  He missed his companion.  Gretchen & Josh decided to lift Bear’s spirits by getting him another companion.

 

A month after Bear died; a friend told Josh that a neighbor needed to find a home for a beautiful 2-year old male German Shepherd.  Earlier that day, Gretchen had seen an advertisement for some retriever puppies that were ready to be adopted.  She stopped by on her way home from work and fell in love with a cute female puppy that looked exactly like Daisy.

 

Josh & Gretchen had a brief discuss on their cell phones and emailed back and forth.  They decided on the puppy.  They decided on the puppy for no particular reason other then the pup reminded them of Daisy.  Both agreed that selecting a puppy would make the transition “easier for Bear”.  Josh thought a female was less likely to fight with Bear. 

They met after work and picked up the puppy.  They arrived home with bundle of puppy joy, excited about the possibilities

While all good thoughts and much love for Bear, Josh and Gretchen were dismayed when Bear took one look at this new puppy, growled and walked away. 

 

Questions?

•         Who is right?  Neither as you will see. 

•         Is a female dog really less likely to fight with Bear?  No.

•         Will a female (or male) puppy be better able to grow up in harmony with a “big brother”?  Again, no.

•         Does the breed of the new dog make a difference in how it will respond to the current family pet?  

                Depends, it may!

•         What type of information would have helped Josh & Gretchen select a “good match” as a “second dog”. 

                Read on …

•         Is another dog really a good idea? Ask Bear!

Many pet owners find themselves in the position of adding another dog to the family.  While there are several reasons for getting a second dog, the process of picking a good match addition depends on honestly answering some ahead of time.  It requires a willingness to commit to some extra, diligent effort to keep family members, including current pets, safe.

Good questions and answers follow a simple line of reasoning such as: 

·        Why do you want a second dog?

·        How are you going to find one?

·        How are you going to introduce it into your home?

·        Are you (and family members) willing to make the necessary adjustments in the status quo to allow for the integration of multiple pets?

 

Why a Second Dog?

Possibly, the most basic reasons for desiring a second dog are that the first brings such pleasure.  A second dog may add to that pleasure! This motive can lead to a happy conclusion, if appropriate steps are taken to make integration of new dogs into the family pack harmonious.  

If the primary role of dogs is companionship as family members, the expectations placed on the dogs is genuine. 

While an honest desire to enjoy twice the companionship has a potential to yield interspecies bliss, it is not without possible effort and some honest introspection.

Are you trying to clone the first dog?  Trying to duplicate the first dog, or dogs from previous lifetimes, will create emotional problems for dogs and humans.   

Expectations:  If the new arrival does not mirror the development of the first dog, will you make comparisons?  “Daisy was housetrained in two weeks, but Jesse is still having trouble after six months!  She just isn’t getting it.” 

 

     The Buddy System

Another common reason to add a second dog is to provide companionship for a first dog. Have you asked your dog or other species in your house (cats, birds) about this? 

I enjoy the concept of Noah’s Ark, assuming that two is better than one of any species.  This isn’t specifically for the necessity of survival of a species through reproduction, but because it is nice to have companions.  Oftentimes, one sees horses with their goat companions.  All well in good, as long as it is a GOOD MATCH.

Let’s look at the benefits because there are several:  Creating a healthy “two-dog pack” gives the dog’s companionship while you are away or at work.  They can play and investigate their environment together. The presence of another dog can make long hours of isolation more interesting even just lying around.  Companionship can dramatically reduce a dog’s level of boredom – a constant problem for city dogs and/or dogs where everyone works at the same time, thus leaving them confined.  Here’s an alternative:

Have someone come in during the day to let them out for some exercise and companionship (even a 15-20 minutes).  Older adults and teens enjoy and relish the interactions.  Post a notice in your community or at church.  Interview for a good match, that you trust for your pets.

While creating a “buddy system” is a valuable goal, success is not automatically assured.  Depending on the levels of experience in integrating a multiple-dog-pack, expectations can often over-ride reality.

Filling “human-designed” roles can be difficult for dogs.  Some dogs have great “people skills,” but lack important “dog skills” and/or socialization.  Some dogs simply do not want or need companionship. 

In the early stages of a dog’s development, most breeders focus on socializing the pup to humans.  Oftentimes, this is done at the expense of teaching the dog how to interact with adults of its own species.  To understand how this works, it helps to look at the differences between how dogs development in nature and how they adapt to human society.

Wild canines usually live in family units.  Each pack is composed of mothers and fathers, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles and cousins (alphas, betas, blustery middle rankers and omegas).  Even with this close relationship, which in the wild would be for survival, the affiliation between individual dogs can break down (the pack).  Serious conflicts can arise causing death or banishment of a pack member.  The stability of the pack relies on more than instinct & hunting skills.  Each member must learn how to coexist peacefully or suffer the consequence.

   Like their wild cousins, most domesticated dogs spend the first few weeks of life with their families of origin.  One important difference is that they are simultaneously introduced to an alien species – HUMANS!  At about 7 or 8 weeks of age, a puppy is usually removed from its first family or origin (canine and human) and moved to a new home.  This new family may consist entirely of humans or may include adult, non-related dogs.

There is no guarantee that a dog in this environment will learn how to acceptably relate to other dogs.  This is similar to cases in which children are adopted outside of their culture before they completely learn their native language.  The child may learn the new language with a slight accent, but not be able to speak fluently in his or her original language.

A dog that has not been exposed to other dogs during this period of development may never gain normal interactive skills.  Therefore, the belief that two dogs will automatically learn to like each other is often wishful thinking.  One or both of them may not have learned how to get along with other dogs.

 

Filling the Void

Anticipating the death of an aged dog or ill pet is another common motive for adding a pet to the family.  Many pet owners prefer to integrate a puppy into the family to help them fill the void that occurs after the death of a pet.  Several concerns must be addressed in order to make this work.  No one can judge when the right time is for someone who has lost a pet (www.dogtalk.com … click on canine coach / coping with sorrow).

Be mindful that a new puppy/or adopted dog cannot process the emotions / grieving of the owner’s loss. 

Subsequently, the older dog may not benefit from a puppy’s rambunctious energy.  Two adolescent dogs (whether male or female) may be vying for top dog.  A good pack leader (human) will create effective boundaries in a positive, calm, but assertive manner.  Children should always be supervised in these interactions. 

The addition of a puppy can be overly challenging for the mental or physical health of an aging or ill pet.  Consider that the normal, playful activity of a puppy may be annoying or injurious to an older animal.  Limiting contact between a playful pup and an ill dog may be required.

 

A Heartfelt Decision

Are you making the decision based on a tug of the heartstrings?  

 I have added pets to my family (adopted and otherwise) through choice.  Sometimes the choice has left me with a tremendous amount of heartache.  I have NEVER relinquished a dog to a shelter or had to euthanize aside from natural causes.  In spite of this, I have been in situations for several years at a time, that taught me to THINK TWICE before allowing my heart to decide.  A good guideline may be:  Heart + Brain + Planning (HBP) = Let’s do It!

Being humanitarians is a noble cause.  It can make a difference (or can it?).  It depends on the circumstances.

How to find a dog is easy these days.  There are everywhere:  internet, shelters, networking, rescue organizations, pet stores and breeders.  Many dog lovers rescue strays, abused or abandoned animals spontaneously, without benefit of planning.  This type of introduction may be  hazardous.

If you adopt a dog, the easiest and most dangerous thing to do is to immediately allow the new dog the same freedoms accorded to the current pet.  Withhold introductions until you know that the new dog is free of contagious disease. Then, concentrate on integrating the new dog into the household slowly and neutrally.  Maintain the status quo for the long-standing family dogs routine.

It will not benefit any dog to bring them into a situation that isn’t “prepared” for their arrival. I use the 10-10-10 thought:  10 minutes from now, 10-months from now or 10-years from now:  Will I feel the same and is this the BEST thing for the pet?  This doesn’t mean I cannot make a difference, but perhaps helping in another way: to find an appropriate match/home is an option.   

 

Better Luck Next Time

   I have heard stories that could bring rocks to tears.  I’m sharing this for educational purposes, not to be judgmental.    We can ALL make a difference. 

It is improving, but the USA still has around 10,000,000 (million) dogs euthanized every year.  Those dropped off in the woods may increase this statistic.  Many factors contribute to this, but my message is awareness, education and common sense.  Please do you homework and take a breath before making a decision.  I suggest considering this:

Is getting a second (third, fourth) dog practical?  Can you afford it (mentally, physically and financially)? 

 

Is This The One?

Often I hear in coaching sessions that the family wants a rough, tough retriever that can stand the kids’ energy.  They will ask:  “do you think this breed or that mix is good?  Do you think we should adopt?” 

Alternatively, I see many folks who already took the leap.  They have the dog, now what?

When asked to define energy, I often hear things that sound more like mauling, harassment, and/or substitute kid-sitter coming from a dog’s perspective. Energy is a powerful force that can positively or negatively change things. 

Dogs are dogs and will play with children as if they are DOGS.  The pup needs a “teacher” s/he can respect and understand.  Children under 12 are littermates.  Pups need downtime to observe, rest, grow and learn. 

Consequently, when the puppy turns into an 85-pound, out-of-control adult, the family discovers that the kids are too small to handle the dog’s energy.   

Adding a second dog for the children, even if you choose to keep the other dog, needs careful consideration.  Ask all of the same mentioned questions.    The “first” dog can turn into latchkey dog, watching as the family walks, plays and drives off with the “second-dog” who is very likely to turn out the same way without education.

Changing dogs (some very good dogs are relinquished) is a tough way to learn a lesson for dogs and children.  If one must place a dog, do so, learn from it and forgive yourself.  The only constant in life is change.  Sometime life deals us a card that requires making tough decisions that in the long term will benefit all.  Then, take a breather to process what happened before moving on.

Blaming the dogs (or anyone else) is a useless waste of energy.  Trying counseling, exercise … meditation.

 

Basic Training!

I invite you to www.dogtalk.com to read about positive, family training classes.  Puppies begin learning the moment they are born. They sit, down, role over and vocalize at two weeks.  They need to learn how to be within a human household.  Training is the only answer.  Moreover, you meet interesting people, the dogs get to socialize in a safe environment for short play sessions (which is the way it should be for success) and you can have fun!

This is not an article on stages of development, but  dogs are not 7 at 1-year compared to a human.  Adolescence begins at around 6-8months old depending on the breed, mix, nature and nurture.  At 1-year, they are 15.  At 2-years, about 24.            

     Let’s Fix It!

    In an ideal world, owners imagine that a second dog will actively “fix” the bad behavior of the current pet.  The “bad” behavior is generally behavior that stems from lack of training, safe and appropriate confinement and boredom. 

    I can offer from extensive experience that adding a second dog DOES NOT fix any issues with the first.  It may temporarily cause a cessation out of confusion.  It would be like getting married two weeks after a divorce.  People can make some funky decisions, after a life-altering event.  Processing what happens first helps make better decisions.   

    Dogs do watch and learn.  They mimic their respectful elders.  So, be sure that the behavior they are learning is what you want.  If Tallulah digs holes and barks constantly out of boredom, adding another dog will not make Tally happy and QUIET.  Do I need to say more?  Okay, I will.  You may have more barking and bigger HOLES.

    It is more likely that the second dog will be raised with the same methods and expectations that shaped unacceptable behavior of the first dog, unless owners are wise enough to get some help.

    Eventually, the second dog will be held in the same low regard as the first one or labeled “stupid”.  I can honestly say that I have met very FEW STUPID DOGS.  LIKEWISE, it is NEVER JUST ABOUT THE DOG (s).

 

Matchmaker

I have been thinking about adding Eharmonydogs.com to my website as a resource.    Deciding how to introduce a second dog may be influenced by what you are trying to accomplish.  If your goal is to keep your other dog company, you need to be honest about that dog’s personality. 

• ·        Does your dog like other dogs? 

• ·        Will your current dog like the particular dog you choose?  How do you know this?

• ·        Will the dog be satisfied with sharing you (or other family members) with another dog?

Once you have decided what role the new pet will play in your life, it is time to define  what you are looking for.  Here are some general guidelines to help you make your decision.

 

Male vs. Female: 

A general rule of thumb is to alternate the sexes of dogs.  For example, if you currently have a male, choose a female and vice versa.  While this advice is common knowledge, it is not always an indication of success or failure.  Many male dogs live together in complete harmony.  Conversely, some males will fight with females or males. 

A common assumption that females are more passive than males is not always true.  Some of the most vicious and determined aggression occurs between female dogs and especially if they are intact (not neutered or spayed).

 

Getting two dogs at the same time

 There is certain logic behind getting two puppies at the same time or two adult dogs at the same time.  The advantage with two pups from the same litter is that they are a may like each other.  There are no guarantees. 

They are likely to develop at about the same rate physically and behaviorally, making it easier to focus your training efforts.

What does matter is how you relate to both dogs as a respectful, trusting pack leader.

• ·        Do the dogs know who the pack leader is?

• ·        Are their clear and achievable boundaries set?

• ·        Are the expectations realistic?

• ·        Are expectations flexible, changing as dogs’ as they age developmentally & behaviorally?

If you do select two related puppies, there is a potential risk of shared congenital issues. 

 

Puppies versus Adults

Adding an infant animal is usually a safe process.  Puppies and adults typically get along, if the older adult dog is healthy and well socialized.  While puppies are unlikely to instigate aggression from an adult dog, it can happen. 

Initially, the pup and older dog may coexist easily.  As the puppy develops, the dynamics may change.

The initial advantage of getting a puppy may actually only postpone the inevitable.  The puppy may challenge the older dog.  In addition, the older dog will get … older and sorer (joints & bones).  Ensure they are kept comfortable around pups and children. 

Adopting an adult dog lets you know what you are getting now. Most of the time, they are housetrained.   Be sure experienced personnel carefully assess them.  Spend some time with the dogs. Many adoption facilities will allow interaction, in a safe, neutral environment, with your current pet.  Adoption networks/facilities should spend time with the family and allow you adequate opportunity to be with the adoptee.  All adopted dogs should be bite assessed for safety and disease-free, unless experienced people are fostering them.

Some pet problems are related to owning pets of dissimilar size and/or behavioral tendencies.  A tiny dog has all the behavioral traits of a larger animal, but not the muscle-power to back it up.  If your Chihuahua attempts to steal a toy from your Great Dane, the Dane may or may not recognize that the tiny dog is incapable of backing up its challenge.  The smaller dog could be seriously injured by even a mild reaction or body movement from the larger animal (paw-squashed).

   Another size-related issue can occur during play and other family activities.  If you own a Labrador Retriever who is approach 13 and have a new Puggle pup, there is an obvious difference in their physical capabilities at their ages.  Are you willing / able (emotionally) to leave the older dog behind for a walk or on a camping trip?  Do you have the time to give each of them the appropriate attention they deserve at their stages of life?   

Well-behaved dogs are a joy to live, most of the time.  Dogs are dogs.  If you plan, and introduce a second dog slowly and for the right reasons, you can double the canine companion pleasure.