Before introducing a second dog
Success starts before they meet. Think about:
- Energy compatibility: two high-drive puppies = chaos. Senior + puppy can stress the senior.
- Sex and neuter status: two intact bitches often have the most serious conflicts long-term.
- Size: more than 3-4× weight difference raises play injury risk.
- Resident dog's traits: reactive, resource-guards? Work that first before adding another dog.
The introduction day
- Neutral territory: park, wide pavement walk. Never the home as first meeting place.
- Parallel walking: 5-10 m apart, same direction, 20-30 min.
- Close the gap only if both stay relaxed.
- Brief sniffs: 3-5 seconds, then keep walking.
- Body language: tucked ears, raised lip, freezing → back off.
First days at home
- Separate beds in different areas. Each dog has their spot.
- Always feed separately at first (different rooms or full supervision).
- Put away high-value toys when unsupervised.
- Walk together, ideally with two adults at first.
- Split your attention fairly — don't favour the new arrival.
Resource guarding — the #1 cause of fights
About 80% of multi-dog household fights are about:
- Food: bowls in separate spots, remove empties.
- High-value chews and toys: separated or supervised only.
- Beds and rest spots: own space for each dog.
- Human attention: don't let one dog crowd out the other.
- Doorways and stairs: teach "wait, then through".
When it's a real problem
Dogs "discuss" — growls, snaps — and that's often normal. But if:
- Bites are deep enough to need a vet.
- Fights always happen over the same trigger.
- One dog bullies the other (won't let them rest or eat).
- Sudden personality changes.
→ Certified multi-dog behaviourist. £80-180 per session in the UK.
How CanAI helps
Each dog gets its own profile in CanAI — individual health, weight, vaccines. Ask the AI chat about specific dynamics ("my Lab won't let my Cocker eat"). And don't forget: two dogs means double third-party risk. Check your insurance — many UK policies offer multi-pet discounts.