Karen Van Sickler, Co-Owner, Pampered Pets Inn
Published: 8/28/26
I would like to say that I always give a great deal of thought to selecting a dog to add to our household. But there was the time I went to the mall when my husband was out of town, and I came home with a rescue puppy, much to his surprise. Most recently, however, when our Australian Cattle Dog, Bodie, passed five years ago, I was in such a state of grief that I couldn’t think about getting another dog. Macy, our lab mix (and aforementioned rescue), settled in nicely to the role of single-family dog, and we continued to put off the decision. When Macy was close to turning 13, however, I felt ready to start the search. A recent conversation with a neighbor, perhaps, sheds some light on why I felt compelled to finally move forward.
My neighbor and I were talking about how many pets were the right number. He laughed and told me that it wasn’t planned, but each time they lost a pet to natural causes, they added a child. So the net result was the same number of heartbeats in their home.
My house feels empty when our pets aren’t there (although I will confess that I do board my dogs an extra night after a trip for a bit longer break). It’s as if the soul of the house is missing. One dog is nice, but two have always felt like the perfect number.
While I was concerned that a puppy might be too much for Macy, she is still young at heart and great with puppies, so I started the search for that additional heartbeat. While Finley is full of energy at 11 months and the same size as Macy, they have a sweet relationship. He doesn’t overpower her, and she plays with him when she feels like it. They genuinely seem to enjoy each other’s company. It wasn’t like that on day 1, but with some correction and oversight, it has worked out well.
I consulted Megan Staub, our Pet Services Manager and certified Dog Trainer, on the topic. She confirmed that unless a dog has a history of not liking other dogs, there isn’t a wrong time to add another. However, she had some useful suggestions that can make it an easier transition.
Make Sure You Are Ready Emotionally
Some people are able to add a new dog despite their grief; some need to complete the grieving process. This may seem obvious, but don’t rush yourself if you need the time, so you can ensure you are emotionally ready to support your new dog. While the addition to the household is a big change for you, it’s an even bigger change for your new dog.
Location, Location, Location
It’s tempting to just bring your new dog home and make the introductions in your house or yard, but many dogs are territorial over their home and could be jealous of a new addition. To avoid this problem, do the first introduction at a neutral location that is fenced, empty, and, in the case of a puppy, doesn’t have a history of non-vaccinated dogs using the area. It’s best to perform the introductions with both dogs off leash, but if you think there may be a problem, keep them on loose leashes until you know they get along.
Make a Good First Impression
Bring treats, and as soon as you arrive, simultaneously hand-feed both dogs. Do this with the dogs separate from each other to begin with, but still in the same room/area. Treats will create a positive association for your existing dog when meeting a new dog. It will also help to establish a good foundation for your relationship with your new dog.
- One person can feed the new dog, but your existing dog should get the food from you. It’s also OK to feed both dogs yourself.
- Drop loads of good treats on the ground. If your existing dog is known to guard food, then throw the treats in opposite directions so they are not both grabbing at the same treats.
- Continue to hand-feed and gradually move the two dogs closer.
- If at any point your dogs become more interested in sniffing each other, then allow this to happen for a few seconds, then…feed some more.
If at any time you see signs of stress or aggression, split the dogs up and try again 5 or 10 minutes later. Do not punish either dog for any undesirable behavior. Just keep trying these steps slowly.
Additional Helpful Tips
- If your new dog is a puppy, it’s highly unlikely that they will display aggressive behavior, but if they are timid, allow them to come to your adult dog at their own pace.
- Don’t make a fuss over the new dog if they shy away, but reward them for any attempt to move closer to your existing dog.
- Never pick the new dog up and force them to “meet” your dog. That’s way too scary, particularly for a puppy. Let them have their space so they can come forward at their own pace and retreat if they need to. Ignore the new dog if they run away, hide, whimper, or cry. Reward with food when they come forward.
- Multiple Dogs: If you have more than one existing dog at home, do the introductions separately.
After First Introductions
Once everyone has been introduced and has had a nice walk around the yard, assuming everyone gets along, take your dogs home. If they are going in the same car, then make sure that you either have the new dog in a crate or have some other way of separating them at first.
It’s a good idea to continue to keep a close eye on them for the next couple of weeks, as there may be some minor squabbles while they adjust to the new arrangement.
A Few More Words About Puppies
New puppies in particular are going to be exuberant and full of life, and your adult dog may “correct” some of this behavior. Don’t worry too much about this; it’s quite normal, and the new puppy is probably used to it from their mother. When chastised, your puppy is likely to show submissive postures; they may roll over and display their belly as a way of an apology. Your adult dog will back down when the puppy does this, and order will resume. Puppies don’t have the best of manners when young and are usually put in their place by an older dog. Continue to keep an eye on them, but don’t worry too much; it’s mostly noise. Within a few weeks, your puppy and adult dog should be bonding quite nicely and will soon be close friends.