First you want to take a moment to describe your existing dog or dog(s). Are they leaders or followers? Do they guard their food/toys or your home? Do they have good manners? How old are the existing dogs? Any health problems? How old are you kids? The best plan should include a bit of ying and yang. You want to add a dog that will balance or compliment the strength and weaknesses of your existing dog(s) or pack. Second, how skilled are you in managing a group of dogs? Are you a dog park veteran? Have you ever broken up a fight? Do you like rules in your home or are you more a free spirit? Third, have you researched thoroughly the breed characteristics of the dog you are considering? While behavior can be changed and behaviors can be taught, it's a tough road to change basic temperament. The answers to these questions should help you decide if that cute puppy in the window is right for your pack.
Let's discuss the first set of questions. If you already have a firm dog leader in your household, you want to add a dog that is a follower. This is especially true if your existing dog guard things in your home. How do you spot a follower? They will constantly check in with the dogs or humans around with eye contact before they act. They will also give up toys and food to other dogs. The only downside is that the follower will imitate your existing dog's behavior, the good, the bad & the ugly. 2 or 3 dogs that bark, jump or run away is quite different than one.
One of the most serious considerations is if you have small children or small dogs. A pack of dogs can be harder to control and may knock over (or worse) to small children if not well controlled. There is a phenomenon called Predatory Drift. You may see this in your home once you have a pack or see it at dog park. A single dog gets injured or scared, yelps, and it triggers a kill response in the pack. You can't always tell which dogs may resort to Predatory Drift just like looking at them but it is more prevalent in dogs that don't have self control or high prey instincts.
One final comment about age and compatibility. Getting dogs too close in age can be problematic. While you want your pack to get along, you also want harmony. Constant rough play can escalate into aggression of many types. Pick dogs that are at least 3 yrs apart. This is also help your heart when dogs near the end of their life. You don't want them to all go at once.
Wags & Wiggles is well schooled in the ways of dogs. We are happy to spend a few minutes talking to you over the phone or responding to an email should have concerns about how to design your pack.
Laurie Zurborg, CPDT-KA, Founder
