Are you considering getting a second dog? How will your current dog feel? A toy-orientated dog kept with a scent-orientated dog will have little reason to compete, but two toy-orientated dogs may find toys worth fighting over, no matter how many toys there are. All Content and Images are Copyright© Miss Molly Says. A male dog will have fewer issues with a new female dog, and vice versa. I’m so glad you said something. In general, when it comes to deciding whether you should get a male or female, opposites tend to work best. Review the list below before you head to the animal shelter: The short answer –yes. How you socialize your new pet applies to all breeds and sexes of dogs. The short answer is yes, gender does matter when selecting another dog to bring into your home. What a horrible and irresponsible message to send readers. If you have one of each, they won’t be vying for the same position. This is a question many people ask. If your current dog is small and your next dog is going to be big, it’s possible they won’t consider themselves similar enough to be worth having dominance fights. However, with proper leadership, females can peaceful coexist with other females, and males with males. I will tell you the pits bulls are some of the most snuggley, lovable dogs. Only get a second dog when we have good control over our first dog, and have ensured that he is mostly well behaved. She was very inquisitive and very playful right from the first day. Though even the loveliest of female Golden Retrievers have struggled when a new dog is added to the mix, that breed is a much safer alternative to adopting a pugnacious male Pit Bull. Any advice would be great. I’ve had 2 dogs so I know about the cost and everything that comes with having 2 dogs. Age and temperament are the most important factors. It also helps if the new dog is younger. Getting a second dog won’t fill a void left by your lack of time. Top 5 Dangerous Foods for Pets on Thanksgiving. She is very territorial. We are looking at getting a smaller dog I.e Maltese and wondered if they would be suitable, i have a female half rotty half great dane . May 9, 2019 - Does gender matter when adopting a second dog? Occasionally, I see clients who are hell-bent on adding a second dog to the home and, unfortunately, the first dog does not enjoy the company of other dogs at all. we are thinking of getting a puppy as a new frind. I’ve never had more than one dog at a time but I think if I were to get a second one, I’d bring the first one with me to the shelter! (This can be particularly dangerous when there are small children around who can get hurt when the dogs are wrestling, biting and general displaying their strength.). Your Current Dog’s Gender. 16 Good Reasons for Adopting a Second Dog. It will make the gender issue less of a pressing matter, since the age gap will be the primary differentiating factor. Two male dogs are more likely to compete over food, toys, and their owners’ affection. Have you ever owned multiple dogs at once? Dogs are social creatures. Gender matters with a second dog Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally, gender will play an essential role in whether your new dog will get along with your resident dog. As a matter of fact that quote made me question the authors knowledge on animals overall. she lost her best bud gus about 1 year. If you have very territorial male dogs who have difficult times sharing, then you’ll want to consider adopting a female dog. Read on to find out what experts say about the subject! This has to do with dominance. If they’re sweet and playful and always get along with the other dogs at the dog park, they may be fine with a new dog of any gender. Or does "getting along with other dogs" have nothing to do with the sex of the dog? Adding another dog to your family can be a lot of fun, for both you and your current dog! I have a pit who is the absolute sweetest dog ever!! Good advice depends a lot on the dog too though. What breed will mix best with your other dog as well as your family? If you want a contest caliber dog that you can take to shows, study suggests a male dog might be the best choice, while the female might be better if you don’t want a dog that is around you every single second. However, a male Saint Bernard meeting another male Saint Bernard sees a dog of equal size and may view the other male as a threat. However, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, and other breeds with strong, dominant personalities are likely to have a harder time cooperating with other dogs of the same gender. I’m glad I didn’t know this then because I love our family the way it is. But if you do get another dog of the same gender, a pair of males may be less likely to get into fights than a pair of females. First, though, let’s start with some general information about how to choose a second dog. You’ll simply have two dogs that aren’t getting enough attention. According to behavioral specialists, yes, gender matters when getting a second dog. Wow, thanks for sharing the considerations to keep in mind! To help you out, here are a few points to consider when deciding if you should Get a Male or Female second dog! I waited for over 1 year before getting another dog. Consider your current dog’s likes and dislikes. Would it bode well if your female standard Poodle were to be coupled with a demanding and defensive male Pomeranian? Welcome to Pawversity! we have 2 females one was older when we got the second she was a puppy she hated the puppy (she hated sharing attention she loves all animals just not one she had to share us with) and took a long time to get used to her now they’re both dominate (they don’t actually fight) but they respect and tolerate eachother. nothing is set in stone. I just really don’t know what to do. Read on to find out what experts recommend…and why. - Custom Design by CEO of Me. (I had a female Maltese (15yrs old) and a male Lhasa Apso (12yrs old) that died at the same time last year and my Shih Tzu fell into my grieving lap. Male/female – The sex of a second dog really depends on some personality traits of your first dog. We have an older female and when we went to adopt a second dog we initially looked for a male, but fate had it that the only dog we liked at the shelter that our older dog approved when we brought her to meet them was a female puppy. One way to avoid the battle for supremacy, is to avoid getting same-gender dogs of a similar age. Required fields are marked *. Most dogs will generally engage in exploratory nipping, sniffing, growling and barking at the initial introduction; but this is just a natural part of the process! Should you add a dog of the same or opposite gender or does it really matter? Never owned multiple dogs before. I love love love the Maltese. If you are choosing a second dog for the family, should you get a male or female? Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. she loved her old partner gus who died at 12. she has become more receptive to other dogs since he passed but i am wondering if the gender of the new pup will matter. Second Dog Success Stories. Getting a second dog can definitely enrich your family, but before you do, consider the consequences of adding another canine to your household. A pair of female dogs tends to vie for attention from their master, while two male dogs often face-off with intense power-matches to determine the more dominant alpha male in the house. Also, if you already have a dog you should … When considering whether to get a male or female, you should definitely consider your current dog’s temperament. A male dog will have fewer issues with a new female dog, and vice versa. A second dog that is much younger than the original pet. my wife and i are both retired and have been raising dogs (mostly pairs) for along time. Who Gets the Pet(s) After a Relationship Breaks Up? They become deeply attached to their owners and families, and suffer greatly from loneliness, boredom or separation anxiety when left for long hours at a time. She's only 12 weeks, so I don't plan on getting another one anytime soon, but we DO want another one someday. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. What about the gender of the new dog? Does he need an older, nurturing female dog that might bring some stability to the environment? The Worst Reasons to Get a Second Dog If the reason for getting a new puppy is among the ones below, I recommend that you wait. In summary, is always ideal to … There is already such a stigmatism on these poor innocent dogs that are raised by idiot people, and you’re helping to seal their fate. ). So it's not necessarily true that female dogs match well with male dogs, younger dogs or older dogs make better second dogs, or that two puppies always … I felt the same way after reading that. At the time of my 2 dogs death I knew I needed another puppy in my life but did not want to get another dog that looked like my Maltese. Thank you for touching on all of these points. You should typically select a dog with the opposite gender as your current dog. they where always. besse is fun and friendly and not agressive. Does gender matter when selecting a second dog? "I got Fluffy first, and he was very shy and fearful during the first few days. I have been around a lot of dogs, of all breeds. There are chances that the dogs become hostile towards one another fighting for who’s alpha! Fun fact for anyone else who comes across this article and is as disgusted by the “pugnacious pit bull” quip as I was – American Pit Bull Terriers actually rank ABOVE Golden Retrievers for stable temperament. Both temperaments are unhealthy and create a negative environment. But if you have one male and one female, each can be the alpha of their own gender, reducing the risk of fights. If the two seem open to meeting and interested in one another, then you can at least see that there is hope. As a general rule of thumb, if you have one gender dog, usually it is the safest bet to choose a dog of a different gender. Why you ask? We currently have a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Less rivalry means they’ll naturally get along better. Gender determines many of the dog’s natural instincts, behaviors and traits. We love dogs and cats and work to create a helpful and useful resource for those who love their pets as much as we do. I currently have a female Samoyed who is beautiful and affectionate with everyone. But there’s always a chance for conflict. “Pugnacious Pit Bull” Dogs of the same sex have to determine the “pecking order” and fight for which one between them ought to be deemed the pack leader of the two. For this reason, many pet parents avoid exacerbating their pup’s melancholy by simply adopting a live-in companion for their pooch. Why Do Dogs Take Food Out of the Bowl Before Eating? Once I read that bit about pit bulls, I skipped right to the comments section to see if anyone else had the same reaction i did! Any dog we own, we neuter, so that part of it isn't an issue. I wanted the extra time to bond with my first dog, properly obedience train him, and make sure I had most of his issues under control. My family is considering on bringing home a second dog, we currently have a female and these points just reaffirmed our decision to adopt a male puppy! Turns out, it does! Adding a second dog will only add stress to an already happy canine. Knowing the right things about your first dog will help you make a decision about selecting the sex of your second dog. However, it’s not a step to be taken lightly. Our hope is to make petcarefacts.com not only a comprehensive resource for dog and cat lovers, but also a fun place to interact, share experiences and explore all that our furry family members have to offer. What does your pet need? thnx. I've heard that if I get a male puppy, she would get along better than if it was a female. You’re asking for … Understand The Pros And Cons Of Getting A Second Dog. It will make the gender issue less of a pressing matter, since the age gap will be the primary differentiating factor. Before we jump into how to determine if you’re ready for a second dog, let’s quickly cover some of the potential pros and cons of expanding your canine family. A puppy is less likely to challenge an older dog. Now I’ve been debating getting another female puppy that is a Maltese. I’m hoping to get her a doggie playmate so she won’t do those things anymore.” This plan is like walking across a freeway blindfolded. Does the gender of the new puppy make a difference? 4. Hopefully, these tips will help with that decision. According to Pet Care Facts, a s a general rule, if you currently have a dog, it is usually safest to adopt a dog of the opposite sex of your current dog. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule. I’ve read so much about the pro and con about the subject. Generally, a second dog of the opposite sex is a good idea for most families. Physical fights may occur as dogs of the same gender fight to become the alpha. Dogs of the same sex have to determine the “pecking order” and will fight for which one ought to be deemed the pack leader. We’ve been considering getting another dog in the near future so I will definitely have to take this advice into mind when looking. I also though your last section on the size of the two dogs was also very interesting, I never considered that aspect! Pet health, nutrition, and all things pet! What kind of pet do you have? This has to do with dominance. 1. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Another unfortunate side-effect of adopting a second male, is that one dog will usually overpower the other and live with bossy unchecked bravado, while the defeated dog will develop into a submissive and skittish creature. He would hide and show shyness when approached. From a pair of incessantly reproducing guinea pigs, to chickens, fish, frogs, cats, dogs and horses, she became fascinated with animal behavior at an early age. Physical fights may occur as … If you know this preference, consider adopting that gender. (When in doubt, females have a steadier demeanor, and they are less inclined to vie for the dominant position. In this time of sticky transition, take into consideration which kind of breed is more docile and easier to train. are two females a bad idea. If possible, have a fence or barrier separating them (rather than having the two on leashes, as this can spark some aggression for some dogs). Does your dog prefer playing with males or females? opposite sex. Some of the loveliest, sweetest dogs I know are pits. However, there are plenty of factors to consider before jumping in and purchasing the first fur-ball who licks you on the face. This website is a growing collection of answers and tips to the most important topics for those who have a canine or feline companion (or two). If you decide you really want a second dog at some point, then be sure to get some help from a dog trainer or behaviorist . In general, when it comes to deciding whether you should get a male or female, opposites tend to work best. To avoid potential conflicts between the two dogs, you’ll want to make sure to make the best choice. Take your dog around to dog parks, or other places where you would see a lot of dogs and see how he/she reacts to different dogs. Neutered dogs are more likely to get along. They worry that their dog may be lonely when left alone. Sure, there’s a chance the gods will smile upon you and you’ll escape unscathed. kk, I have a shitz he is 5 years old and always been on his own I feel he needs a play mate that’s why I asked what sex to get. However, if dogs have grown up together they’re likely to be able to tolerate each other pretty well. Of course there are exceptions to this; I had two female rescue lab mixes (from two different backgrounds, years apart) peacefully live long and happy lives with me. As the second puppy grows, the older dog will have time to adjust to the addition without being threatened by it in any way. For examples, a moderately active family with a lazy female Shih Tzu might want to adopt a sturdy athletic male Labrador who is great with kids, and can keep up on family hikes. As puppies grow up, the possibility of dominance fights may increase. Boy Meets Girl. I have enough love to give another dog and she would be great companion for my Shih Tzu but I want female dogs cause I like putting bows in their hair & little dresses with a male I really can’t. What kind of breed and gender is best? Does Dog Gender Matter? Posted by Esther Johnson | Tips & How Tos | 6 |. Responsible pet ownership necessitates personality-pairing between pets (as best as one can), and thoughtful consideration to the kind of home environment one desires both for the family as well as for the pets. Quite a bit, actually! How to choose a second dog? People are coming to this page to read advise. Regardless, make sure to introduce them carefully, give each their own things, and be ready to correct any bad behavior. In most situations, it is easier for a male to live with a female. Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex? although she is not a fighter she takes awhile to be comfortable with other dogs. Your email address will not be published. 25-mei-2020 - Dogs Depot Confess: Does Gender Matter When Adopting a Second Dog? If your dog has any history of fighting with other dogs or any kind of dog-dog aggression, then adding a second dog is not a good idea yet. But really? I have a female chihuahua mix and planning to get another chihuahua mix. If you have an older dog, adopting a much younger dog will make the transition easier for your adult pup to get used to. Does she need a young pup that can lead her in games at the same energy level and intensity? Gender really matters when adopting a third dog because of the dominance levels of the other dogs at home. Mojo, a 7-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy, with Fluffy, a 4-month-old mixed Fox Terrier. In particular, you’ll want to consider carefully what gender to adopt. - View our Disclosure and Privacy Policies. Many people get a second dog to keep the first dog company. she 9 yrs old . Before You Choose Dog Number Two Let the dogs meet on neutral territory. A male Dachshund can think of himself as so different from a male Greyhound that he doesn’t even consider starting a fight and instead the two become good friends. In each pack there is usually a top male and top female dog. You’ll know a bit about the two dogs’ compatibility when they meet, but you’ll have a better idea of their relationship once they’ve been living together for a few weeks. “My dog drives me crazy. It’s more than twice the fun. When she sees other dogs outside, she goes crazy, it doesnt matter if its a male or female. Experts tend to agree that, for the best possible chance of success, the second dog should be the opposite sex. She barks and digs and destroys things. Generally, a second dog of the opposite sex is a good idea for most families. Since puppies are in the stage of their life when they’re easiest to train, you’ll be able to quickly teach them what kind of behavior isn’t appropriate when around the other dog. Ideally getting a male would be the better choice if you want to decrease the chances of fighting. Any dog can be pugnacious I don’t think she meant bad just that if your not experienced it’d be hard to control all that muscle even a rottie some would be harder to control if they had an active stubborn temperment and u didn’t have experience to train them well its the dog and training not breed mostly bulldogs are the sweetest lovable lapdogs ever though i have seen big active dogs not properly trained become very hard to handle sadly then the owner doesn’t want it because it’s a nuisance and it’s not his fault. But I would take into consideration the gender. For the most part, yes. Hopefully, these tips will help with that decision. Your email address will not be published. I have always loved the Shih Tzu so that is why I picked a Shih Tzu.) If you already live with a dog who displays bad habits like digging up the pansies and petunias in the backyard chances are that your new pup will pick up the same undesirable tendencies. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Bear in mind when the introduction is finally made, the dogs will require patience while getting used to each other before they become amicable companions. I think these tips on finding your next dog is very helpful, I know my sister took a long time deciding on her second dog but it was probably for the best for both dogs now. For those of you who want the short answer, here it comes. Same sex aggression is an issue in many breeds of dogs. Just for future reference, will choosing a certain gender be an important decision? Sometimes going opposite sex can be a good thing when getting that second dog, but in some cases it really doesn’t matter. Don’t worry too much about the gender of the cats involved. 1. Male dogs like to follow their owners around, while females tend to be a little more laid-back and aloof. we where thinking of getting another female. Your email address will not be published. So if your current dog lunges at other dogs while out on walks, barks incessantly or noshes on shoes and furniture, sign him up for obedience and behavior training before you introduce him to a new, highly impressionable companion. If you’re adding a second dog to your family, the experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex. Then I got this l’il cute Mojo. If your current dog is a puppy, they’re likely to be more receptive to a new dog or puppy entering their life, regardless of gender. You should also take your current dog’s age into account when deciding whether to get a male or female second dog. Laid-back breeds like Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Basset Hounds, and Golden Retrievers are more likely to be fine with dogs of the same gender since they have such dog-friendly temperaments. I agree with Sarah completely! Your email address will not be published. Otherwise… Some of the major benefits of getting a second dog include: Your dog will always have company. You might find he/she doesn't notice the difference between the genders, or that you would need to get a male, or a female. A female instead of a male. Ok done with my book lol, I have a 9lbs female Shih Tzu who is 15 months old and I want to get a female Maltese puppy to join our little family. We had other dogs but they have died of old age and now Nala is alone. We’ve had more than one dog at a time and they all were males except for a while we did have 2 males and 1 female, when my SIL passed away. Having grown up in Northern California with 4 siblings, Esther was bound to have a plenty of pets in her childhood. Think about the size differences when selecting the second dog. As the second puppy grows, the older dog will have time to adjust to the addition without being threatened by it in any way. They all got along fine. Generally speaking, it is better to have one of each. 4. Required fields are marked *. 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Speaking, it ’ s melancholy by simply adopting a live-in companion for their.. Of these points right things about your first dog will help with that decision nurturing female dog, and owners! Should also take your current dog i will tell you the pits bulls are some of the sex... To consider carefully what gender to adopt are a few points to consider adopting a of! About 1 year before getting another female puppy that is a good idea for most.... Of breed is more docile and easier to train is mostly well behaved right from the first will! Kitten much more easily than they will accept a new female dog and! Typically select a dog you should … for those of you who the... To avoid potential conflicts between the two dogs that aren ’ t a! Dog of the same position dog as well as your family, should you adopt a dog of the snuggley. What experts say about the pro and con about the gender issue less of a second dog the! Agree that, for the best possible chance of success, the second dog that might bring does gender matter when getting a second dog... Pro and con about the cost and everything that comes with having dogs...