People, People, People, watch the advice you give!
I’ve been keeping an eye on various Facebook groups lately and it’s been great to see people asking about getting a second dog. It shows that they’re putting thought into an important decision. However, the problem is that they’re getting ridiculous answers and flooded with pictures that only show the happy moments of having multiple dogs. As someone who has experience with multiple dogs, I’m keenly aware of the challenges that these pictures simply don’t demonstrate.
To be completely transparent, my family and I are breeders of Olde English Bulldogges and French Bulldogs. We’ve got a total of 22 dogs on our property – 12 OEBs,11 Frenchies and 2 Chinese Chongquings – with 19 females and 6 males. Over the past 7+ years, we’ve become one of the largest breeders of Olde English Bulldogges and high-quality Frenchies in North Texas. Since we’re constantly breeding puppies, we often find ourselves having conversations with prospective customers who are considering getting a second dog.
We understand just how important this decision is, which is why we’ve consulted with several dog behaviorists and countless dog trainers to develop our rehoming policies. We want to make sure that our customers are fully aware of the challenges that come with having multiple dogs and are equipped to handle them.
Thinking about that second dog?
Bringing a second dog into your home may seem like a fun idea, but it can be a lot harder than you might anticipate. Despite your best efforts, your dog may not hit it off with their new furry companion, and things could turn out much worse than expected.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, your goal should be to create the best possible circumstances for a positive outcome. That said, before I get bombarded with comments that contradict my advice, please understand that I’m offering guidance for optimal results, and anything less could make things difficult.
When considering a second dog, it’s essential to take into account several factors, such as breed, age, and, yes, even sex. While it may seem trivial, the sex of your current and new dog is a critical consideration that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Does Gender Really Matter?
ANSWER: YES!, YES! YES!
The general rule of thumb when adding a second dog to your household is to get one of the opposite sex. If you have a male dog, consider getting a female, and vice versa. In our kennels, we’ve found that male/male pairings might be able to get along, while male/female pairings usually have a better chance of success. On the other hand, female/female pairings almost always run into problems, and once they start fighting, it can be challenging to reunite them safely.
So what’s the issue? It all comes down to dominance, especially when it comes to dogs of the same sex. In a dog pack, there are always an alpha and beta, and there can never be two equals. The problem is that dogs can’t talk through these dynamics or make rational decisions, so they have to work it out through physical means. Unfortunately, this often leads to vicious and violent fights that can result in costly vet bills. Even worse, once dogs have fought, it can be tough to get them to live peacefully together again.
By getting dogs of different sexes, you can avoid these issues. The male can retain his position as the alpha, and the female can be the top female in the pack. Neither dog will feel the need to compete for dominance, making it more likely that they’ll get along. Additionally, if both dogs are neutered, the chances of a successful pairing are even higher.