Pet Talk

Q: We would like to get Buddy, our two-year-old lab mix, a friend. However, we are undecided if we should get another male or a female. Do males tend to get along better with other males, or would a female be a better choice? We would like to get an adult dog and avoid the puppy stuff.

A: My personal favorite is to have one of each sex. They can complement one another and live harmoniously. When you bring a female into a male’s house, he tends to say something in doggy language like, “Hey honey, where have you been all my life?” A stable male will tolerate a lot from a female. If he is getting too rough in his play, she may bare her teeth and snap at him. He in turn will know to tone it down and not retaliate. He will respect and take “no” for an answer from her. She most likely will be bossy and be sure to let him know to watch his step. Males are generally non-aggressive toward females.

When two male dogs live in a household together, they can be confrontational, deciding which one will be the top dog. The decisionmaking can become nasty and even violent. Things can be going along just fine, then the bottom dog challenges the top dog and a fight erupts. It can be as simple as who is going through the door first. Managing two males can be tricky as the dogs work out their dominance or pack order, but they can often become wonderful friends. If Buddy has a dominant personality, another dominant male will probably not be a good match.

Your new dog should have an energy level equal to Buddy’s. You don’t want one to be a couch potato and the other dog always pestering it to play.

I would recommend a dog of similar size to avoid accidental injuries that could occur when a larger dog runs into or steps on a small dog. There are, of course, many pairings of large and small dogs getting along just fine as long as the big dog is not too rough.

Be sure to have supervised introductions between the two dogs, preferably on neutral territory. It may be love at first sniff, or take a while for them to be comfortable with one another. Do not leave the dogs alone together until you are sure they are getting on well.

Another thing to consider before getting another dog is to make sure the resident dog is well trained. A new dog can easily pick up bad habits.

Consider giving each dog individual time with you away from one another. It is important they do not become too dependent on each other. For example, if you have to take one to the vet and they have to spend the night, you do not want the dog at home suffering any separation anxiety without their companion. Time alone with the new dog will also help the two of you bond.

I am so glad you are going to welcome a new dog into your life. With all the dogs needing good homes, I am sure you will find just the right friend for Buddy and the rest of your family.

Sally Salopek is the owner and operator of Attend-A-Pet pet sitting services in northern Door County. She has also worked professionally with animals in health care, pet grooming, training, wildlife rehab and rescue. Send your pet-related questions to her at [email protected].