Adding a new pet to your family
- Di Kendall
- Nov 29, 2017
- 4 min read
The joy a dog brings to a household is unmistakable, which is why it's often hard to resist the idea of welcoming another pooch into your home. But before you start trolling the adoption sites for cute canines, there are some things to consider prior to introducing a second dog into your family. These tips should help keep the process of adopting a second pup fun — and drama free.
Make sure your current dog is properly trained.
If you already live with a dog who does things like digging up your garden, chances are that your new pup will pick up the same bad habits. So if your current dog lunges at other dogs while out on walks, barks incessantly or has a shoe fetish, perhaps contact a communicator or behaviourist before you introduce him to a new, highly impressionable companion. Otherwise, you'll have two naughty dogs on your hands.
Allocate the time and resources for another pup
Keep in mind that you will need extra day-to-day basics, like kibble and vet care, both regular and unexpected visits, sterilisation, inoculations and parasite prevention. You will also have to invest in essential gear — collars, leashes blankets and toys, to name a just a few items.
Microchipping. It is vital to ensure that your pet/s can be identified as yours!
There's another equally important expenditure you need to be willing to make: time to properly groom, train and exercise your new companion.
Take a walk around your property and ensure that it is safe to introduce a pup who will go through teething, and may possibly attempt to escape.
Perhaps plan ahead and start to buy some of the items beforehand, once you are firm in your decision to add another furry family member. That way it will be easier on your pocket when you find the perfect pooch.
Understand that a second pup doesn't cure separation anxiety
If your dog has separation anxiety disorder, the presence of another animal in the household probably will not ease the distress he experiences during times of separation. If your current pup suffers from this condition, rather address the problem before you bring another canine into the equation. Additionally, you need to consider the fact that some dogs who were abandoned and ended up at shelters, or who have switched households, may be at higher risk of developing separation anxiety, so it's important to discuss this potential issue with a shelter or rescue organization before you adopt.
Know that an elderly dog and a rambunctious puppy often don't mix
If you have a senior dog, prepare for him to be irritable and possibly aggressive toward a new puppy in an attempt to establish boundaries. Further complicating the situation is the fact that most puppies are hungry for attention, so they'll ignore an older dog’s cues to back off and continue to pester, resulting in a very unhappy home life. If you're seriously considering the idea of pairing an elderly dog with a puppy, choose a pup with a calm temperament and offer him plenty of opportunities to interact and play with other dogs outside the home. You will need to put in extra effort to play with your new pup.
To help your older dog better acclimate to the new addition to the family, designate special areas where he can safely retreat when he needs a break from the puppy. And don't forget that he still needs all the love and attention you can provide.
Pick a pup who's compatible
Speak to rescue organisations, and organise a meet and greet where you can introduce your potential pet to your current pet/s.
Ask questions about age, gender, size, breed and character so that your new pet can easily adapt to your lifestyle.
Research breeds of dogs so that you are aware of their varying needs before setting your heart on a breed that you can’t cope with.
Dog Ownership Test Before you buy your first puppy, take this test to find out if you can cope with living and looking after your puppy Best taken in the autumn or mid winter. 1. Buy a lead and tie it to a big stone, walk around dragging the stone behind you. 2. Get up at 5am, go out in the pouring rain and walk up and down a muddy path, repeating good girl/boy, wee wees...poo poos, quickly please 3. Stuff your pockets with plastic bags and pick up all the poo you can find, obviously not your dogs as you have not bought it yet 4. Start wearing your shoes indoors, especially during muddy times 5. Collect leaves off the ground and spread them on the floor 6. Carry sticks and branches indoors and chop them up on your carpet 7. Pour cold applejuice on the rug and floor....walk barefooted over it in the dark 8. Drop some chocolate pudding on your carpet in the morning and then try to clean it in the evening 9. Wear socks to which you have made holes using a blender 10. Jump out of your favourite chair just before the movie ends and run to open back door 11. Cover all your best clothes with dog hair, dark clothes with blond hairs and light clothes with dark hairs 12. Tip all just ironed clothes on the floor 13. Make little pin holes in all your funiture, especially chair and table legs 14. When doing dishes, splash water all over the place and don't wipe it. 15. Spread toilet paper all over the house when you leave the house and tidy up when you get back home 16. Forget any impulse holidays and/or breaks 17. Always go home straight after work or school 18. Go walkies no matter what the weather, and inspect every dirty paper, chewing gum and dead fly you might find 19. Wake up at 3am. Place a correct size bag of flour on top of yourself and try to sleep, whilst wiping your face with a dishcloth, which you have left next your bed in a bowl last week. Repeat everyday over 6 months and if you still think getting puppy sounds like a good idea, Congratulations, you might be ready to get your puppy
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