SESSION 52: Adding a Second Dog? – Tips and a game plan
In episode 52, Sean answers a question from a listener who is thinking of adding a second dog to their family. Sean covers three areas:
1) how to decide whether it’s a good idea to add a second dog
2) some items to think about in finding a good match with your current dog
3) Some tips on your immediate game plan when bringing a second dog home.
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In this session:
Should you get your dog – a dog??
How long will it take to acclimatize a second dog in your home?
What are some things to think about in creating a good match between your existing dog and a new second dog?
Details In this Session
OUR INAGURAL SPONSORS!
People United for Pets (P.U.P. Dog Rescue)
http://www.pupdogrescue.org/
Rescue Dog of the Week:
Here’s Takoda’s page:
http://www.adoptapet.com/pet/15808680-issaquah-washington-husky-mix
Interview with the Director of PUP Dog Rescue:
If you’d like to know more about PUP Dog Rescue and more about how to find a good rescue organization, as well as get some tips about picking a good rescue dog for you, here’s my interview with Laura Tonkin (She’s the Director of PUP Dog Rescue)
http://www.thedogsway.com/session-11-in-this-episode-i-interview-laura-tonkin/
SHOW NOTES:
When is it not a good idea to add a second dog?
- Don’t get your dog a dog because your first dog doesn’t get enough time with you.
- Don’t get a second dog if your first dog still has some functional skills to improve on still
Things to Think About in Matching a New Dog with A Second Dog.
- Breed profile
- Relative Play preferences
- Relative dominance level
- Relative energy level
- Relative size
- Relative age
Steps When Adding a Second Dog:
Phase one: (Weeks 1-4) Very little contact between dogs and basic training and relationship building with both dogs
Phase two: (Weeks 3-8) Begin supervised and coached play session between dogs and introduce toys and resources when near one another. Lots of active coaching of policies.
Phase three: Weeks 8 and beyond) Focus on intermediate obedience skills and begin weaning off the need for active coaching when interacting with the other dog.
Reminder of FREE STUFF
If we use your voicemail in the show, we’ll send you a free video training series! OR if you don’t like free stuff … Email your questions to me: sean@thedogsway.com
All the Best,
About the Author: Sean
I’ve been training people and dogs in Seattle for the last decade and a half. My main focus when working with clients every week in one-on-one, private lessons is to help people learn to get their dogs to a functional level so that they can actually enjoy spending time every day with their dog instead of stressing about their dog’s behavior issues.
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About Sean
I’ve been training people and dogs in Seattle for the last decade and a half. My main focus when working with clients every week in one-on-one, private lessons is to help people learn to get their dogs to a functional level so that they can actually enjoy spending time every day with their dog instead of stressing about their dog’s behavior issues.
Ask Sean a question!
If we use your question in the show, Sean will send you a coupon code for free access to the online video course!
If you have a question you’d like me to respond to on the show (and you want to hear yourself on a future episode) leave me a voice mail! 1 (844) 364-7929 or email me here.
