The short answer
Add a second dog once your first dog is well trained and settled, usually over age 2. Introduce them on neutral ground with parallel walks, then give them separate spaces, bowls and one-on-one time for the first weeks.
Before
- Make sure your first dog is healthy and has good manners
- Consider size, energy and sex (opposite-sex pairs often do better)
- Budget for two sets of costs
Introductions
- Parallel walks on neutral ground
- Short, positive meetings at home, with gates
- Separate feeding areas, and no toys at first
Frequently asked questions
Should I get two puppies at once?
Most trainers advise against raising two puppies together. They can bond to each other more than to you.
Sources
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