What to Do to Help Two Dogs Get Along

It's entirely possible to live at home with more than one dog. Even so, if we're still "one-dog" people and are thinking about adopting another or doing a temporary foster, it's normal for doubts to come up.

It matters that we know how to do a proper introduction and bear a series of guidelines in mind to help both dogs live well together. These resources also work if they already live together and don't get along.

Is It a Good Idea to Adopt a Second Dog?

Dogs usually like interacting with their own kind, and it's not usually a problem — quite the opposite, having two or even more at home. Even so, we need to bear timing in mind. This means that if our dog is going through a particular situation, it's not the best idea to increase their stress with such a significant change as a new dog.

For example, a very old or unwell dog isn't in the best position for a new arrangement, and it could even harm their condition. It's also not good to bring in another dog if ours shows some behavioural problem or is aggressive towards their own kind. This needs solving first.

Otherwise we could end up with two problems instead of one. Beyond this, think about whether you can afford the costs of two dogs, and whether you have the space and time to meet both their needs.

Tips for Choosing a Second Dog

Sometimes it's the second dog who chooses us, through various circumstances. For example, if they simply arrive at home unplanned, because we've found them on the street. Even so, other times their arrival is the result of a considered decision. In this case, it's worth looking for a dog similar to ours to make living together easier.

We're talking about size, age and also their energy level. Even so, this can be adjusted, which is why it's essential we know our dog well and get as much information as possible about the new one. For example, if we live with an older or calm dog, a puppy's overflowing energy could be unbearable for them.

On the other hand, if our adult dog is very active, a younger one will be able to keep up with their pace of play. That's why sometimes balancing the two out makes settling in easier. As for sex, ideally, for responsible ownership, they should be neutered. Otherwise it's unthinkable to keep an intact male and female under the same roof.

How to Introduce a New Dog

The first thing to consider when doing the introduction is that you're calm. Look for a moment when you have time to focus on the welcome with no interruptions. The first contact between the dogs needs to happen outside the home. We need neutral ground where both are on equal terms.

That's why the new dog shouldn't be brought straight into the house, since it's territory already "owned" by the other. Since we tend to get nervous in these situations, it would be ideal for the dogs to be able to sniff and get to know each other at their own pace off the lead, with no involvement from us. This way we don't pass on our insecurity to them through the lead.

This could put them on alert and, as a result, predispose them to a bad reaction. We'll calmly watch their interaction without stepping in. Once the first contact is settled, we'll put their leads on and go for a walk. You can take both dogs yourself, or ask someone else to help by taking the new one.

A Second Dog's Arrival at Home

After a good walk with no incidents, we can head home. There we'll already have prepared the items for the newcomer. Set up two beds and two water bowls. Don't leave food freely available, since conflicts could arise, given it's a basic resource they'll want to defend.

The same goes for toys. Put them away for now, and gradually hand them out yourself as the situation develops. Let the dogs off the lead and leave them be so each one finds their spot. Supervise them, but only step in if there's clear aggression.

In that case, separate them and try the interaction again the next day, starting outside the home once more. At mealtimes, give each their own bowl. If the situation is tense, do it in separate rooms.

How to React to a Fight

If what we fear most happens, that is, an attack between the two, we need to act quickly, removing the attacking dog. We can pull on their collar to pull them away and take them to another room.

If we don't dare step in, they usually separate immediately if we throw water over them. The dogs need to stay apart until they're entirely calm.

In that case, you can try the introduction again from the start, or contact a canine behaviour professional. Bear in mind that growls or "threats" are normal in day-to-day life together and don't need our intervention. This is reserved for cases where the attack is actual and serious.

When Two Dogs Don't Get Along

If we already live with two or more dogs who don't quite get along, the first thing is to review their routine. Dogs need our company and to have their basic needs met, which includes both physical and mental stimulation.

It's essential they get daily exercise. This includes walks on the lead, between 2-3, but also the chance to run and play off the lead. As for resources, food can be a source of conflict, which is why it's recommended to offer it to each in their own bowl, leave it a few minutes, and remove it.

If you give them any extra treat or toy, it needs to be the same for both. Likewise, each should have their own bed. Obedience training is essential, and you shouldn't make distinctions between the dogs. The house rules are the same for everyone. Setting up routines and rules reduces stress and, as a result, conflicts.

What to Do to Help Them Get Along

Sometimes we find entirely unsustainable situations where people seem to have resigned themselves to living as if they were unsolvable. But they're not. Vets specialising in canine behaviour or ethologists can solve this kind of problem.

They also handle specific doubts that come up during the settling-in process. Even so, fixing behavioural problems does take time and patience. If you suspect a new dog could be a problem, opt for a temporary foster.

This way, you commit for only a set period of time — the dog stays under the care of the rescue association, and if living together proves impossible, they'll take care of placing them in a new home.