Adding a second dog to family

I agree with the idea that it's all about personalities?? The last two who came into our multi-dog house were pups; so were accepted by the adults without any fuss. But Jack the Cattle Dog always had a *thing* about big black dogs - had I brought home a nice Rottie - there would have been bloodshed. Jack is no longer of this earth - and my two guys now are just super dog-friendly, so when a black lab mix showed up last weekend, he was welcomed.

Also - some breed groups "understand" each other better?? Herders want to chase; hunters want to sniff; terriers want to shred something, etc. You might want to stick with "lap dog" types?

I sent you a pm, I'm also in Missouri.

Adopt, adopt is all I can say, we have a 165pd
male Great dane, we adopted a 55pd female Catahoula
leopard dog. She runs the Great Dane ragged playing
and chasing him, both are 5 years old, as the
vet said she won the doggy lotto and she knows it.

We've always had two dogs. Never really followed the "proper" protocol when introducing one dog to the other and never had a problem (definitely lucky in that respect!). Always had two males as well but one was always neutered before we got the second. Jesse and Jake are 4 months apart-Jesse was 10 weeks old when we got Jake so both were puppies and there were no issues. Neither one have ever shown any alpha tendencies.

We have an 80 lb. female Lab and a 20 lb male Pomeranian.
Neither one if really alpha, both are laid back and just happy to have each other.
Enter one 12 yr old spoiled 10 lbs male Poodle who in very short order rules the roost and the other two don't mind a bit.

Sher

Also, take into consideration personality types. If your dog is an alpha, it's better if the new dog is more submissive, to avoid problems. I second getting a dog of the opposite gender. I'd also get one of similar size and energy type. Go for it!!

Let the dogs first meet on neutral territory......Then Crate the new dog and let the current dog approach and get familiar with......Get opposite sex......Take it slow, DO not force the union....good luck....

Go for it. We did and don't regret it.

Don't know if room is a consideration but we have a shihtese and her companion is a rott/shepard mix we rescued. The big dog is so sweet and gentle with her and is her protector when the need arises.

I hope I can arrange a meet and greet.