Tips on adopting a dog when you have a dog already

Hi, I don't post often but was looking for some advice.

I have a 4 1/2 yr old female husky and me and my bf are seriously considering adopting a 6 month old male shepard mix.

How do I help our dog make the transition? Our husky is a princess and very attached to my bf. How do I avoid jealousy issues?

Also, how do I help the new addition feel at home?

Thanks!

Re: Tips on adopting a dog when you have a dog already

If you can have the dogs meet ahead of time that can help.

When we bring home a new pup (which we have done several times as we have 4 dogs), we always have "treats & toys" for the new dogs. We bring them all outside usually, on neutral turf. We have DH with the new dog and I bring the others over & let them explore. We of course stay near just in case. We keep them all on the leash during introductions and during the first few walkings.

Huskies are pack animals so you *should* be ok with another dog. Just be aware that they will vie for Alpha Status. One of the most important ways to do this is to make sure you & SO are the alphas...not the dog. As far as the jealousy issues, every dog is different regarding what they will tolerate or not.

Has your Husky been around other dogs? Have you ever had another dog in your home? (even for a visit)

Message edited 1/22/2008 1:38:09 PM.

Re: Tips on adopting a dog when you have a dog already

Yes, someone from the rescue brought the dog over last night to my house for an introduction.

We took them out in the front and walked them both together for a bit. Then brought them in the house and in my yard and let them off leash. They were fine and playing. My husky loves other dogs, but wasn't sure if that would be the case when one was in her house and yard. She seemed fine, he drank out of her water dish with no issue from her (though i don't know if that would be the same for food).

I've never had 2 dogs before, so I'm just nervous and want them to be happy!

Re: Tips on adopting a dog when you have a dog already

Re: Tips on adopting a dog when you have a dog already

Thank you!

Any tips on how we should feed them?

At the same time? What if the new pup tries to eat my husky's food?