Content
We tend to think that dogs, being sociable animals by nature, will always get along with other animals. Therefore, many families are thinking about taking another dog home.
However, animals, like people, can get along very badly between them. When this happens, coexistence can become a real puzzle and the owners do not know how to solve the problem.
In this article we will give you the necessary advice so that living with two or more dogs does not turn into hell. Continue reading this PeritoAnimal article and find out what to do when two dogs get along.
introduce two dogs
Raising the canine family can be very positive when a dog spends a lot of time alone, but it's important. do it correctly to avoid compatibility issues between both dogs.
Dogs are very territorial animals and if they feel that a new animal is invading their space, there can be aggression problems and they may even try to attack the other dog and, most of the time, we don't know what to do when two dogs get along barely indoors. Therefore, it is essential that before taking the new tenant home that they meet first on neutral ground, like a park for example.
It can happen if they get along very well from the very first moment or if you detect that there are grudges between them (they growl or challenge each other), in these cases it is recommended to start taking walks together to get used to the presence of the other in a relaxing environment before they started to live together.
How should you act at home
Dogs consider their home as a territory they must defend, so they can get aggressive when the other enters. It's very important to know what to do when two puppies get along badly to avoid bigger problems.
One of the most important issues is dog education. As an owner, you are responsible for your pets responding to the orders you give them and that they obey the house rules. This is a very important step when introducing a new member into the family. If they don't get along, you can start teaching the new puppy orders separately and adding them little by little as you progress through training. In this way, you can teach each animal to respect each other's space and possessions. Everyone will have their own bed, their bowl and their toys, especially at the beginning, so there will be less problems with possessiveness.
The roles must be well defined, you are the leader of the pack and you must make this clear. However, violence begets more violence, so you should never reproach your dogs by yelling at them or hitting them, because besides being considered animal abuse, your dogs can become more aggressive generating more fights between them. Always reward positive behavior.
Among animals there is also hierarchy, so when a new member is introduced into the family, unless one of them is clearly submissive, there may be challenges between them or they may growl at each other. This is a normal attitude and you shouldn't worry.
Sometimes they fight for affection to the owner, so should avoid giving more affection to one than the other and, at the same time, showing the veteran of the house that nothing has changed even with the arrival of a new friend.
What to do if two dogs get along very badly?
You followed all our dogs, but you still feel that can't control your animals and you no longer know what to do if your two puppies get it wrong, the best thing would be to consult an ethologist to analyze the situation and to help you find a solution to the problem.
As we explained, grunts and small grudges are common among puppies, however, when we talk about serious fights and out of control situations it is necessary to visit a professional who will guide you in rules and advice appropriate for the particular case. The ethologist will help by evaluating your daily routine (walks, exercise and others), the well-being of both dogs and what are the causes that are causing this situation.
Is that you? Do you have more than one dog at home? How do they get along? How was the introduction of the new member into the family? Tell us everything in the comments!
