So, what to do when you want to add another puppy and you already have an existing dog? Well there are a few questions you need to consider first... In order to brain storm my own decision and hopefully help out some of you, I will make a list of things to consider before adding another dog to my family.

1. Make sure this is not a spur of the moment decision
First and foremost you cannot be selfish in making this decision. A new puppy is not a toy and you have to realize that you are making a commitment for at least 10 years. Are you ready for a financial as well as time commitment? Do you have available resources; space, money and time to take care of a second dog?

2. What would your Dog say?
Secondly, you must consider your first dog's feelings. Some dogs prefer to be the master of their domain, and to be the center of attention for their owner. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, or if he/she is frightful and nervous around other animals, adding another dog to the family might not be such a good idea. On the other hand, if you have a well adjusted and friendly dog who likes to play with other animals, adding another dog could bring some welcomed companionship to your first dog. After all, dogs are social animals and naturally have to feel as a part of a pack. Also, if you work full time, it would be nice for your dog to have someone to spend time with while you are gone.

3. Double the fun! more like double the trouble in some cases...
It is a good idea to have some age difference between the dogs. This way your first dog will feel important and help you train your new puppy. However, in some cases there is a possibility that your first dog will revert to puppy-hood when they start living with a new puppy. This means that instead of being a role model for your puppy, your dog will follow puppy's undesirable behaviors, like peeing in a none designated areas, fighting over toys and chewing up furniture.

4. Choosing the sex of your second dog
Some people say that having two dogs of the same sex could spell out trouble, two male dogs or two female dogs are more likely to compete with each other than two dogs of the opposite sex. It is only natural. However if you choose to get another dog of the opposite sex, make sure that at least one of them is neutered or spayed. Otherwise you may be getting a lot more than you bargained for.

5. Avoiding competition
In order to avoid any unpleasantries make sure that your dogs never have to compete for food, attention or toys. Make sure that they each have their own dish, toys, and individual time with you ( spend time with each dog playing and training, this makes your dogs feel useful and important. Isn't that the feeling we are all looking for? ) It would be ideal if you had all new toys and a new doggie bed ready before your new dog comes home. Also, do not forget to designate an eating area for your dog. It would be best if it was away from your first dog's dish so there is no confusion as to who gets to eat where.

7. Introducing your new dog to your first dog...In a dogie world, first impressions are just as important as in human world. I bad first encounter could damage the relationship between the two dogs and then everyone is in trouble. The best way to introduce dogs to each other is outside. In the home, your first dog may feel territorial and will not be as accepting of your new dog. recruit your family members to help you, it would be a good idea for someone to take your first dog for a nice long walk before intruding him/her to another dog. Once you are ready to introduce your new dog, make sure that both of the dogs are leashed, let them see each other, but not sniff. sniffing is sort of like getting to third base without going through the first two. And from personal experience... if you are too easy the relationship may not be long term! So once the doggies saw each other and were comfortable together at some distance, take both of them for a walk. Make sure that your first dog is walking a little bit ahead of the new dog. Walking together creates a feeling of a pack and shows the new dog that your first dog is more dominant since they have been with you longer. Once the dogs are walking comfortably together, you can let them get side by side and eventually sniff each other. Off course it would be ideal if your dogs could meet a few times before you make a permanent change, but that is not always possible.

P.S
Please be sure to consult your Veterinarian before bringing in another dog. Both dogs have to be current on all of their shots, and the new dog should be examined by your Vet before you bring him/her home.