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Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

The Old Trainer: A second dog?

Dear Old Trainer: We have a 3-year-old basset hound named Fireball. No one is home during the day and Fireball looks so sad when we leave. Is it a good idea to get a second dog so he will have company?

Concerned, San Pedro

A: Yes. A second dog is almost always a good idea. Disraeli said, "No generality is completely true, including this one," but in general, you cannot go wrong getting a second dog.

Dogs are pack animals. The most basic component of canine psychology is the love of the pack. Fireball loves the humans in his pack, but a canine companion will provide him with the sense of security and compatibility that no human can provide.

It will take a small amount of work on your part at first, but owning two dogs is no more trouble than owning one.

For details on how to proceed, see the next letter.

Dear Old Trainer: Our family has decided to add a second family dog so our 18-month-old golden retriever, Maggie, will have company. Our hope is that it will burn off some of her energy and calm her down. Do you have any advice on the logistics of choosing and introducing a new dog to the mix?

Optimistic, Mill Valley

A: It will definitely ensure that Maggie gets more exercise. It is very difficult for any dog owner to give a working breed enough exercise unless they happen to be a marathon runner. If Maggie walks two miles a day on a leash it is the equivalent of a person walking two blocks, but Maggie can get all the exercise she needs if she has an equally energetic companion. They will spend hours romping in the yard or park.

A new dog will very quickly pick up the commands you have taught Maggie so the training is much easier than with the first dog.

Size makes little difference when choosing Maggie's new pal, but make sure you choose a dog within a year or two of Maggie's age and one that is close to her energy level so they can wear each other out. Your local shelter will help you with that.

Two females get along fine, and a male and female get along fine, but those with a male have to choose carefully if they intend to add a second male.

The best way to introduce Maggie to the new dog is at a neutral site, a park or playground. Let them smell and get to know each other and, if they will, play with each other, before introducing the new dog to Maggie's space. If you just suddenly thrust a new dog into Maggie's space you are likely to see a replay of the scene from The Godfather when Sonny Corleone pummels his brother-in-law outside the family bookie joint.

Maggie may bristle a little at the newcomer prowling around her territory, but if you are there to sooth her and explain things it will quickly pass.

The most likely spot for trouble is feeding time. Feed them at the same time, but place their dishes 15 feet apart and stand between them.

It will take a while for them to sort out pack perks such as who goes in and out the door first, gets in the car first, and who sits closest to you, but let them do the sorting. If you see any fur standing up on either dog or either starts growling, raise your voice enough to get their attention and the problem will pass in a few seconds.

If you do your job correctly the new dog will be assimilated in the pack in 48 hours. You will be happy, Maggie will be happy, and the new dog will be happy.

Send questions for The Old Trainer to theoldtrainer711@hotmail.com.