Some people are perfectly happy with only having one dog in their lives; however, there are others who always need at least two dogs to be happy. For most people, getting one dog at a time works the best, which means they will need to deal with introducing the new dog and the older dog together so they can live in harmony. When you choose to add a second dog, you need to know the best way to introduce them.
Picking a Second Labrador
When you make the choice to add a second Labrador to your home, you need to take your current Labrador’s opinion into consideration. It may seem silly to ask your dog what he thinks, but it actually makes sense. Your two Labrador retrievers will probably spend more time together than you will with them. Like people, two dogs won’t necessarily like each other. The last thing you want is to bring another dog into your home so they can fight constantly and cause chaos. You want a peaceful environment. Therefore, it is important to take your current dog with you to allow them to meet before you commit to buying a second one.
Second Meeting
After you make the commitment to take the other dog home, it is best to choose a neutral location for that second meeting. Instead of bringing your new Labrador retriever to your home or yard, choose a neutral location, such as a dog park. Pick a place where your current dog won’t feel he needs to protect the territory and your new dog can be comfortable. Allow the dogs to meet on their own terms. Don’t force them together. Allow them both as much time as they need. Always keep close at hand so you can interfere if they begin to fight. If you find out at this point that they don’t get along, it is often not too late to back out.
Meeting at Home
Once you bring your new Labrador retriever home, you will still need to allow the two Labrador retriever dogs to become accustomed to each other. Take the two dogs on a walk together before you go inside your home to continue the introduction on neutral ground. After this walk, bring both dogs into the home. If the new Labrador seems uncomfortable, allow him to spend time in a separate, closed off room from your other Labrador. When they are ready, they will be able to be in the same room and get along. Never leave them alone together because this is the most likely time they will fight. Whenever you leave the home, keep them in separate rooms or separate crates.
Avoid Fights
Even the best trained Labrador retrievers can be territorial at times. Especially in the early stages of the introduction, fights are more likely. However, if you can work to avoid these fights, you can help your two Labrador retriever dogs live in harmony. Make sure the dogs both have their own toys, food dishes and place to sleep. This will help to avoid the fights. You should also be sure to spend time individually with both dogs. If you show obvious favoritism or don’t spend time with both, you can trigger one to become possessive or the other to lash out in jealousy. If you notice specific fight triggers between your dogs, avoid them too.
Introducing two Labrador retrievers together can be a rewarding experience. However, you can’t just throw any two Labrador retriever dogs together and expect them to get along. Instead, make sure you involve your current dog in the process of choosing the second dog. In addition, make sure you introduce them to each other in a neutral location. Once they know each other, you can slowly allow them to get used to each other in the home, giving them plenty of time to get to know each other first. When your dogs are getting along together, the long process is well worth it.
