Neutered dogs are more likely to get along. 25-mei-2020 - Dogs Depot Confess: Does Gender Matter When Adopting a Second Dog? What a horrible and irresponsible message to send readers. ). 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. 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. Boy Meets Girl. Never owned multiple dogs before. What does your pet need? Wow, thanks for sharing the considerations to keep in mind! Review the list below before you head to the animal shelter: The short answer –yes. 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. Experts tend to agree that, for the best possible chance of success, the second dog should be the opposite sex. Required fields are marked *. Understand The Pros And Cons Of Getting A Second Dog. Generally, a second dog of the opposite sex is a good idea for most families. In most situations, it is easier for a male to live with a female. 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. Physical fights may occur as dogs of the same gender fight to become the alpha. A second dog that is much younger than the original pet. 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 this reason, many pet parents avoid exacerbating their pup’s melancholy by simply adopting a live-in companion for their pooch. People are coming to this page to read advise. Two male dogs are more likely to compete over food, toys, and their owners’ affection. Cats are territorial, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder. They worry that their dog may be lonely when left alone. Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. Does she need a young pup that can lead her in games at the same energy level and intensity? But there’s always a chance for conflict. 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. If you have an older dog, adopting a much younger dog will make the transition easier for your adult pup to get used to. 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. What kind of pet do you have? 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. nothing is set in stone. 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. 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. 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. 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. she lost her best bud gus about 1 year. 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. - View our Disclosure and Privacy Policies. We’ve been considering getting another dog in the near future so I will definitely have to take this advice into mind when looking. my wife and i are both retired and have been raising dogs (mostly pairs) for along time. 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. I will tell you the pits bulls are some of the most snuggley, lovable dogs. Some of the loveliest, sweetest dogs I know are pits. It’s more than twice the fun. Thank you for touching on all of these points. As a matter of fact that quote made me question the authors knowledge on animals overall. We currently have a female Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Think about the size differences when selecting the second dog. Does Dog Gender Matter? They all got along fine. Some of the major benefits of getting a second dog include: Your dog will always have company. 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. Getting a second dog can definitely enrich your family, but before you do, consider the consequences of adding another canine to your household. But I would take into consideration the gender. I’m glad I didn’t know this then because I love our family the way it is. Before You Choose Dog Number Two Let the dogs meet on neutral territory. In summary, is always ideal to … A male dog will have fewer issues with a new female dog, and vice versa. Should you add a dog of the same or opposite gender or does it really matter? Your email address will not be published. When she sees other dogs outside, she goes crazy, it doesnt matter if its a male or female. This is a question many people ask. Your email address will not be published. Gender really matters when adopting a third dog because of the dominance levels of the other dogs at home. I have been around a lot of dogs, of all breeds. May 9, 2019 - Does gender matter when adopting a second dog? Sometimes going opposite sex can be a good thing when getting that second dog, but in some cases it really doesn’t matter. All Content and Images are Copyright© Miss Molly Says. we where thinking of getting another female. 4. According to behavioral specialists, yes, gender matters when getting a second dog. For those of you who want the short answer, here it comes. Are you considering getting a second dog? 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. In particular, you’ll want to consider carefully what gender to adopt. The short answer is yes, gender does matter when selecting another dog to bring into your home. 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 … Who Gets the Pet(s) After a Relationship Breaks Up? Less rivalry means they’ll naturally get along better. Gender determines many of the dog’s natural instincts, behaviors and traits. Only get a second dog when we have good control over our first dog, and have ensured that he is mostly well behaved. If you have very territorial male dogs who have difficult times sharing, then you’ll want to consider adopting a female dog. I also though your last section on the size of the two dogs was also very interesting, I never considered that aspect! 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. What about the gender of the new dog? 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. Ideally getting a male would be the better choice if you want to decrease the chances of fighting. One way to avoid the battle for supremacy, is to avoid getting same-gender dogs of a similar age. Turns out, it does! Top 5 Dangerous Foods for Pets on Thanksgiving. Adding another dog to your family can be a lot of fun, for both you and your current dog! 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. Now I’ve been debating getting another female puppy that is a Maltese. are two females a bad idea. We had other dogs but they have died of old age and now Nala is alone. 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. “My dog drives me crazy. In each pack there is usually a top male and top female dog. opposite sex. Having grown up in Northern California with 4 siblings, Esther was bound to have a plenty of pets in her childhood. He would hide and show shyness when approached. It will make the gender issue less of a pressing matter, since the age gap will be the primary differentiating factor. 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. Does he need an older, nurturing female dog that might bring some stability to the environment? Generally, a second dog of the opposite sex is a good idea for most families. Regardless, make sure to introduce them carefully, give each their own things, and be ready to correct any bad behavior. Of course, there are exceptions to any rule. Consider your current dog’s likes and dislikes. However, with proper leadership, females can peaceful coexist with other females, and males with males. As the second puppy grows, the older dog will have time to adjust to the addition without being threatened by it in any way. 4. Read on to find out what experts recommend…and why. (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.). 1. 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. Read on to find out what experts say about the subject! Your email address will not be published. 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. Your Current Dog’s Gender. Does your dog prefer playing with males or females? 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. 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! 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. How to choose a second dog? 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. - Custom Design by CEO of Me. She was very inquisitive and very playful right from the first day. they where always. 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. But really? 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. Same sex aggression is an issue in many breeds of dogs. Generally speaking, it is better to have one of each. If you have one of each, they won’t be vying for the same position. How will your current dog feel? Required fields are marked *. 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. 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! Dogs of the same sex have to determine the “pecking order” and will fight for which one ought to be deemed the pack leader. 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. Mojo, a 7-week-old German Shepherd Dog puppy, with Fluffy, a 4-month-old mixed Fox Terrier. Any dog we own, we neuter, so that part of it isn't an issue. Physical fights may occur as … 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). 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. You’ll simply have two dogs that aren’t getting enough attention. Does the gender of the new puppy make a difference? However, if dogs have grown up together they’re likely to be able to tolerate each other pretty well. although she is not a fighter she takes awhile to be comfortable with other dogs. 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. There are chances that the dogs become hostile towards one another fighting for who’s alpha! 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! 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. First, though, let’s start with some general information about how to choose a second dog. I’m so glad you said something. (When in doubt, females have a steadier demeanor, and they are less inclined to vie for the dominant position. This has to do with dominance. In this time of sticky transition, take into consideration which kind of breed is more docile and easier to train. 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. She barks and digs and destroys things. She is very territorial. In general, when it comes to deciding whether you should get a male or female, opposites tend to work best. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. 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. Getting a second dog won’t fill a void left by your lack of time. Also, if you already have a dog you should … Would it bode well if your female standard Poodle were to be coupled with a demanding and defensive male Pomeranian? You’re asking for … 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. I have always loved the Shih Tzu so that is why I picked a Shih Tzu.) I have a pit who is the absolute sweetest dog ever!! I waited for over 1 year before getting another dog. You should also take your current dog’s age into account when deciding whether to get a male or female second dog. 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. She's only 12 weeks, so I don't plan on getting another one anytime soon, but we DO want another one someday. I’ve had 2 dogs so I know about the cost and everything that comes with having 2 dogs. Adding a second dog will only add stress to an already happy canine. she 9 yrs old . besse is fun and friendly and not agressive. It also helps if the new dog is younger. Don’t worry too much about the gender of the cats involved. Age and temperament are the most important factors. 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. However, it’s not a step to be taken lightly. "I got Fluffy first, and he was very shy and fearful during the first few days. Pet health, nutrition, and all things pet! I've heard that if I get a male puppy, she would get along better than if it was a female. Dogs are social creatures. Male/female – The sex of a second dog really depends on some personality traits of your first dog. A puppy is less likely to challenge an older dog. 16 Good Reasons for Adopting a Second Dog. Hopefully, these tips will help with that decision. A female instead of a male. we are thinking of getting a puppy as a new frind. However, there are plenty of factors to consider before jumping in and purchasing the first fur-ball who licks you on the face. 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. 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. It will make the gender issue less of a pressing matter, since the age gap will be the primary differentiating factor. Welcome to Pawversity! To help you out, here are a few points to consider when deciding if you should 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. When considering whether to get a male or female, you should definitely consider your current dog’s temperament. I just really don’t know what to do. I love love love the Maltese. Or does "getting along with other dogs" have nothing to do with the sex of the dog? Then I got this l’il cute Mojo. Otherwise… 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 . 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. Sure, there’s a chance the gods will smile upon you and you’ll escape unscathed. You should typically select a dog with the opposite gender as your current dog. Why you ask? Male dogs like to follow their owners around, while females tend to be a little more laid-back and aloof. As puppies grow up, the possibility of dominance fights may increase. Many people get a second dog to keep the first dog company. What kind of breed and gender is best? 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. To avoid potential conflicts between the two dogs, you’ll want to make sure to make the best choice. Good advice depends a lot on the dog too though. A male dog will have fewer issues with a new female dog, and vice versa. What breed will mix best with your other dog as well as your family? 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. (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. But if you have one male and one female, each can be the alpha of their own gender, reducing the risk of fights. Second Dog Success Stories. 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! I’ve read so much about the pro and con about the subject. For the most part, yes. Your email address will not be published. If you’re adding a second dog to your family, the experts recommend adopting a dog of the opposite sex. Have you ever owned multiple dogs at once? 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. Both temperaments are unhealthy and create a negative environment. “Pugnacious Pit Bull” Posted by Esther Johnson | Tips & How Tos | 6 |. thnx. Quite a bit, actually! If you know this preference, consider adopting that gender. I felt the same way after reading that. In general, when it comes to deciding whether you should get a male or female, opposites tend to work best. 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 . 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. 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). How you socialize your new pet applies to all breeds and sexes of dogs. Why Do Dogs Take Food Out of the Bowl Before Eating? Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If the two seem open to meeting and interested in one another, then you can at least see that there is hope. Just for future reference, will choosing a certain gender be an important decision? 1. Any advice would be great. Knowing the right things about your first dog will help you make a decision about selecting the sex of your second dog. I agree with Sarah completely! Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex? Does gender matter when selecting a second dog? Hopefully, these tips will help with that decision. 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. 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. This has to do with dominance. 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. I have a female chihuahua mix and planning to get another chihuahua mix. I currently have a female Samoyed who is beautiful and affectionate with everyone. 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. If you are choosing a second dog for the family, should you get a male or female? Not a fighter she takes awhile to be able to tolerate each other pretty well, always! Pet health, nutrition, and your cat may resent an adult feline intruder dogs. 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