Two’s Company: Safely Introducing a New Dog to Your Current Dog

Adding Another Dog? Here’s how to Manage Expectations and Keep the Peace

Bringing a new dog into the family is exciting—but it’s also one of the biggest adjustments your household will make. Whether it’s a new puppy or a recently adopted dog, the early days are all about setting expectations and creating a safe foundation for both dogs.

One of the most common mistakes I see is people throwing the dogs together to “figure it out.” This approach often leads to tension, confusion, and sometimes aggression. Dogs don’t thrive in chaos—they thrive with leadership, structure, and clear guidance from us.

Monitor Every Interaction

From day one, it’s your responsibility to monitor every single interaction. That means no free-for-alls in the living room, no unsupervised play in the backyard, and no assuming they’ll “work it out.”

If one dog is uncomfortable—turning away, stiffening, growling, or snapping—it’s time for you to step in. Send the “offender” away calmly and fairly. This shows the bothered dog you have their back (so they don’t need to escalate,) and reminds the other dog that you are in control of the environment. This is leadership in action.

Leashing both dogs during shared time indoors can also be a smart management tool, especially in the early weeks. It allows you to calmly guide them away from each other if needed, without conflict. Think of the leash as a seatbelt—it keeps everyone safe while you’re still learning the rules of the road together.

Feeding Time Matters

Food is one of the biggest flashpoints for resource guarding. For now, feed your dogs separately—crates are an excellent option. Once routines are established and both dogs trust the system, you may find they can eat in the same room with space between them. But this is a privilege, not a starting point.

Give Each Dog Individual Time

When I brought my second dog, Keziah, home as a puppy, I was intentional about how I managed her relationship with Mia. They never had unsupervised time together. I rotated between:

• Time together with me, always monitored.
• Individual time in their crates to rest.
• One-on-one time with me to build trust.

It took months, but the investment paid off. Today, Mia and Keziah have a wonderful bond. And because I stayed actively involved in shaping their interactions, they continue to look to me for direction, instead of trying to police each other.

Leadership Comes First

Before adding a second dog, it’s crucial that your first dog already has a foundation of training and listens to you. Dogs learn from each other—constantly “taking notes.” If your first dog has chaotic or pushy habits, your new dog will quickly pick them up. Without clear leadership from you, it’s a recipe for disaster.
When the first dog is well-behaved and you’re established as the leader, the transition to a multi-dog household goes much more smoothly.


When Not to Add Another Dog

Sometimes, the kindest choice is not to bring another dog home—at least not yet. Here are some important considerations:
​

• Your first dog must be well-behaved. If you’re struggling with behavioural issues, adding another dog will not “fix” them. In fact, it often makes things worse.
• You aren’t always doing your dog a favour. Many owners feel guilty that their dog is “lonely,” but the reality is most dogs are happiest with a strong bond to their human, not another dog.
• Your current dog will not “train” the new one. Without clear leadership from you, the new dog is far more likely to pick up the behaviours you don’t like.
• The tipping point is real. Most households can manage two dogs. But once you move to three or more, the scales tip quickly. Without excellent training and strong leadership, chaos often takes over, and the dogs start ruling the home instead of you.
• Time and finances matter. Each dog requires individual attention, training, exercise, and vet care. Make sure you have the resources to provide for both (or more) without anyone being shortchanged.

Top 3 Things to Remember
​

1. Monitor interactions. Never leave new dogs alone together at first.
2. Advocate for both dogs. Step in calmly when one is uncomfortable—don’t let them work it out themselves.
3. Build relationships slowly. Balance individual time, crate time, and supervised togetherness.