Dog owners who love their dogs will surely feel that one dog’s companionship is never enough, so they consider finding another companion for their dog to accompany them during times when the owner is not home. But how can the original dog accept the new dog? Actually, dogs have their own sense of territory, so let me tell you how to properly introduce dogs to make new friends.

It is very important to understand the habits of dogs before raising two dogs

　　1. It’s best not to raise two dogs of the same sex
　　1. You’d better buy dogs of opposite sexes; if both dogs are the same sex and male, fighting is unavoidable. Male dogs often fight over territory or to win the owner’s love.
　　2. First, choose opposite-sex dogs, and the two dogs’ ages should not differ too much, otherwise the bigger dog will bully the smaller one.
　　3. From the beginning, you need to determine one dog as the boss of your dogs. It’s recommended to select the dog that arrived at your home first. Later during feeding, bathing, and playing, feed and bathe that dog first so it understands its unchanged status.
　　4. These actions will let the newly brought home dog know that its status is lower than the original dog and it must respect the other, but you should also make it understand that you also love it very much.

Two dogs are more likely to have fights

　　2. Common problems when the second dog arrives home
　　1. The first dog rejects the new dog
　　The owner should not show too much concern or care for the new dog in front of the first dog. Although it is difficult, this must be done. Especially do not neglect the old dog because of the arrival of the new one; let the old dog feel that you still love it and that the new arrival will not greatly affect it. After a while, their relationship may improve.
　　2. The first dog is overly enthusiastic to the new dog
　　Keep the new puppy in a cage or behind a fence so it can get to know the original dog without direct contact. When they are familiar and the novelty has worn off, the owner can let them play together. After repeating this process several times, the two dogs can live together harmoniously.
　　3. The new dog takes over dominance
　　Don’t be lenient toward this behavior from the new dog; strict discipline is needed because this behavior shows the dog has a strong possessiveness and subjective awareness. Without proper training, it will quickly become a difficult troublemaker.
　　3. How to arrange the first meeting of two dogs
　　1. After bringing the new dog home, give it a separate space where no one—people, dogs or cats—disturbs it. Give it a day or two to adapt and get familiar with its new home.
　　2. Let the new dog meet the original dog. If the dog behaves well, reward it accordingly. Do not ignore the feelings of the first dog.
　　3. Under your supervision, let the two dogs live together for a period of time. Usually, if no problems arise within a week, you can confidently let them happily live together.
　　4. When choosing a second pet, try to select breeds that easily get along with other dogs, such as Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, American Cocker Spaniel, Collie, Shetland Sheepdog, Border Collie, Samoyed, and Husky (detailed introduction).