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It seems only natural if you have one dog in your home that you would like to provide a companion for your pet. Aside from the additional cost for the second meal needed, there really is nothing else that would require any extra effort on your part. You walk one dog, walk two, you play with one dog, play with two and double the joy.

Before you introduce a second dog however, there are a few simple precautions you should become aware of, to ensure the two animals have a successful meeting right from the start. Contrary to popular belief there are some dogs that prefer a one on one with their human master and have no time for another dog companion. Following the arrival of the new dog any problems can be easily addressed by using other family members to help give each of your dog's personal attention and individual training.

If you have an aging dog a lot of people like to introduce a puppy before the older pet becomes too elderly. This young blood will often bring new life to an older animal and you have the added bonus that training can be easier, as the puppy will copy and learn from the older dog. The first meeting usually is no problem; there is something about a baby that in all species can bring out the maternal instinct. However you must always ensure in the beginning that the two can be safety left together, never trust either dog or puppy until they are well acquainted.

When the second dog is an adult animal more care must be taken, make the initial contact somewhere away from your home. If you are considering a rescue dog then a lot of shelter's will encourage you to bring your pet along in order to walk the two together. This is the perfect opportunity to let the two dogs get to know one another and you can discover if the partnership is going to work.

There is a vast amount of differing opinion as to whether you have two dogs of the same sex or not. Despite the thousands of happy dog owners, every so often you will hear stories of same sex dogs fighting. This makes the introduction meetings so important, be patient and try to get the dogs together several times before letting the new dog into your home.

When you have more than one dog at home it becomes very important that one person in the family accepts the role of pack leader. Dogs are pack animals and with more than one it is only natural that the stronger canine will try to assume his dominance over the others. This is a behavior that you must not let develop, by taking on the responsibility to lead your dogs they will look to you as alpha dog. Therefore it must always be you who feeds the animals, controls their exercise and games. They will respect you and not challenge the other one.

Living and sharing your home and life with an animal is a wonderful experience, to complete this feeling with more than one pet really can double your happiness.

Learn more about this author, Lucy May.
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