https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Fri, 03 Apr 2026 18:50:32 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72998 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 18:16:34 +0000 HabesBabe 72998@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have two dogs-- both were rescued from the pound.</p> <p>We got our first dog, Sheriff, when he was about 4-- and we've had him since Xmas 2010. He was SUPER spoiled by us. Allowed on the bed, pet constantly, always showed affection, etc. He would never growl or anything, but he would always nudge you or flip your arm up if you weren't petting him. We thought he would be too clingy once the baby was here and feel abandoned.</p> <p>Our 2nd dog, we got this past Xmas, and we named him Bandit. He's probably 1-2 and has a lot more energy, but also wants to be pet a lot. They get along REALLY well and Sheriff seems less "bored" (I work from home, so I would just see him sleeping all day. Now they play together and keep each other company). We think this is working out great because I'm 5 months pregnant and we were worried how Sheriff would feel once the baby was here.</p> <p>I think it's completely possible to introduce a 2nd dog-- aren't dogs "pack" animals, anyway? I think they enjoy having another one of their kind around. Anyway, just wanted to share our experience-- we lucked out with them getting along, keeping Sheriff as our "alpha" dog, and all of this happened with two shelter dogs, too :) Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72993 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:58:22 +0000 heffalump 72993@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: his name is Teddy :) but I did name my hampster Houdini because he'd always get out of his cage. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72985 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:33:58 +0000 sorrycharlie 72985@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: oh gosh! is his name Houdini? lol ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72931 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:44:45 +0000 heffalump 72931@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sorrycharlie: My husband tried that... but he breaks out of crates. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72843 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:49:50 +0000 sorrycharlie 72843@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@artbee: is it possible to crate-train your dog? my dog had/has severe anxiety, and he LOVED his crate. at first, obviously, not so much..but we left it open during the day and left him a marrow bone and a blanket in there and he was happy as a clam after awhile. for awhile, we also put a heavy blanket over the crate so he felt more enclosed, like a den, which he liked..until he figured out how to pull the blanket THROUGH, and make a mess.</p> <p>we ended up passing along his crate to my mom when she got her puppy, so he is now just gated into the dining room, which works for us (he's 2.5).</p> <p>ETA-we left it open while we were home, lol. would totally defeat the purpose. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72842 Sat, 11 Feb 2012 09:46:44 +0000 MrsH 72842@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just make sure your LO is dominant over both dogs and I imagine the rest will work itself out.</p> <p>Our second dog really helped our other dog calm down. Good luck! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72614 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:22:55 +0000 shellio 72614@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@twodoghouse: I'm jealous! Part of the reason we wanted to get a second dog was to keep our first one company, but she has been (at best) indifferent to the other dog. We thought she was lonely but I think she's just independent and was used to being alone. I wish they were better friends, maybe they will get there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72510 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:29:20 +0000 Rescuemom10 72510@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with majority of the time they work it out, and yes every dog is different and unique in there own way. I have new dogs come into my home ALL the time because of working Rescue. YES within our foster program we do occasionally "swap" foster if one is not working in a certain home. I can honestly say that RARELY happens. They usually just work it out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72474 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:06:43 +0000 twodoghouse 72474@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Our dogs love each other and we were very lucky in that we didn't really do anything to prepare Charlie for Helo coming home. She was still young (9 months) and although she loves us, she wasn't ever possessive of us. If we could hold the puppy and still throw her frisbee, she was perfectly fine. Charlie actually rules Helo with an iron fist, but he's content with that so it worked out just fine. I know some dogs have issues with being dominant, but we never really ran into that because they were just content with the older taking care of the younger. I have to admit, adding a second dog was really really nice. Helo and Charlie have always entertained each other and Helo potty trained very quickly - I think because Charlie was sort of showing him the way. Having 2 has never been twice the work for us (although it is twice the $ for food and vet appointments and twice the dog bodies we have to fit in the car and find a place to stay while we're gone).</p> <p>However - I wanted to bring up an issue related to separation anxiety that we've had to deal with. Our dogs are fine being left alone because they have each other to occupy them. But our younger dog seems to have separation anxiety in regards to our older dog. He FREAKS OUT without her. The first time we took Charlie to the vet for shots and left him home alone, he tore up his dog bed and pooped in the dining room. He doesn't do that anymore, but he will howl and make terrible noises as we drive away. Even quick things like when we're going out for a walk and my husband gets Charlie outside before I have my coat on and Helo's left inside with me. Oh heck no, he will be howling and crying and trying to get to her. It is sort of cute in a way because he loves her so much, but also a big pain in the butt. We don't have kids yet, so I can't speak to that. Just wanted to give you some insight into our situation! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72457 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:56:30 +0000 shellio 72457@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When you bring a second dog into your home, they'll sort out for themselves which one is the top dog. I have heard that you should respect their arrangement and treat/pet whichever one is the alpha first, but we didn't do that. We got a second dog and really wanted our first dog to be the alpha dog, but it hasn't exactly worked out that way. They are both easygoing and both independent (we got the first at age 1 yr and had her about 4 years before getting the second, who was about 3 at the time). As for the transition, gosh, I don't even know what to tell you. I feel like every dog is so unique and will deal with it their own way. I would say just make sure your first dog knows it is still loved, try to spread your attention equally. </p> <p>It wasn't that much more work adding a second dog but it has been harder in some ways. One big thing for us is that it was no problem getting someone to watch one dog, but asking someone to dog-sit two dogs is a big request. Along the same lines, going somewhere with one dog is not a big deal but having two dogs with you is a whole different story. I love both of our furry babies but I'm not sure I would add a second one again, if given the choice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72455 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:55:02 +0000 Rescuemom10 72455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I agree with ROCCOANDKIRBY- As long as you still provide attention to them and work with them its not impossible. </p> <p>The company actually may help, but like you said, it may make it worse with another dog to "compete" with. I do think its good for dogs to have a buddy or a friend. I have mostly seen it work out for the better. As long as "dog management skills" are applied. You sound aware and concerened about the matter so I wouldnt worry. If you work with a Rescue and not a shelter they can probably help you with this more in finding a good match for your dog. Being able to meet each other on neutral ground and what not. I work in rescue and place dogs all the time in new homes. The #1 thing I can tell you is... if and when you add a new dog to the mix, give things at least 2 weeks to adjust. Your dog and the new dog are more than likely going to need to "adjust". Your going to prob see a few "spats" and growling, they need to establish there roles and new envoirnment. As well as accidents (potty/poo) are going to happen. Its a big change that kind of throws them off. Your dog you have now probably not as much as the Rescue you take in, but its usually right around 2 weeks to get use to the new home and potty schedules and what not. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72440 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:38:08 +0000 heffalump 72440@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@roccoandkirby: Glad to hear a positve story! Our dog is pretty independent, he always goes off on his own, especially to nap. Sometimes I even forget he's here! But that's a good idea to make sure he gets everything first. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72437 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:33:48 +0000 roccoandkirby 72437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My husband and I just added a new puppy to our home 7 months ago. Our dogs are 6 years apart. I'm pregnant right now so I don't have any experience on how to add a dog to an already dog/child situation but when we bought the puppy home, we made sure that our dog still knew that he was the "top dog." He was always fed first, showed affection first, got treats first... I was nervous about jealousy since he has been the only dog his entire life and as a result become a "little" spoiled, but this method worked out great for us. I do notice that the puppy is a lot more independent... doesn't mind playing by himself, goes and takes naps in his bed, instead of like our older dog who is like our shadow. It could be that all dogs are different or because he's the 2nd dog, I'll never know. Although we've become a little more relaxed about it now, we still try to have our older dog do everything first. Our dogs get along great and now we're actually pondering getting a third dog!</p> <p>I know that was a little long, but hope that helps! We love our 2 dog household! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72407 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:06:06 +0000 heffalump 72407@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Rescuemom10: Not extreme at all. Our pup has never growled since I've known him, he couldn't hurt a fly. If people come over and pay attention to LO and not him, he'll go find some trash to get into so he can get some attention too. Easily solved by shutting doors, but we do know that he's jealous because of it. He's gotten better with his seperation anxiety due to prozac. He used to tear our house apart, mainly eat up whatever is near the door like the wall, and knock over some things. Sometimes now we can leave him and come home to a perfect house, other times we'll find wood all over the floor from him eating the door.</p> <p>@mediagirl: Good to know, thanks for the warning! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72252 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:30:25 +0000 Rescuemom10 72252@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hmm...What do you all mean by "jealousy issues when it comes to LO". Just wondering how extreme are we talking? Like does he gets down and pouty, or growls?<br /> I have dealt with sep anxiety in dogs numerous times. I personally have a dog that has it (we have 4 dogs) then I also foster dogs and I have had a few fosters range in so many degree's of sep anxiety. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72102 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:35:46 +0000 mediagirl 72102@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Honestly? After having our two dogs with one that has severe separation anxiety, I wouldn't get another. I know it sounds awful but our lives would be so much easier, with a baby on the way, if we just had one dog (or none). I guess since your LO will be a little older, it might be easier but, those are my words of caution. :)</p> <p>No worried, animal lovers - we're not getting "rid" of our dogs, it's just my opinion!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/introducing-a-2nd-dog-to-the-family#post-72079 Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:19:18 +0000 heffalump 72079@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hubby and I have decided that when we get a mini van (hopefully within the next year) we want to get another dog. Currently there's no room to fit us, the baby, and two dogs in our little car, so we have to wait. We're going to go to a rescue and get a dog that's not a puppy because LO will be a toddler and we don't want to worry about sharp puppy teeth with her. Our dog now has some major separation anxiety so I'm hoping that it helps him to have a friend when we leave him home alone, but he also has some jealousy issues when it comes to LO so I worry he'll be jealous of the new dog too.</p> <p>Any advice on things we can do to make the transition a little easier for everybody? </p>