We have been thrilled to help several of our adopters find their 2nd, 3rd and even 4th FCAR dog to add to their pack. Adding a new pup family member has many rewards but it takes time and patience. It involves everyone in the household, humans and canines alike, to learn a new routine and find a new rhythm with one another. It is a journey that does not happen overnight.
Finding the right fit for your family is an important first step. Some dogs who do well with other dogs outside the home might not like to share their living space or resources with another dog. Some older dogs are rejuvenated by a new young addition, while other mature dogs find that high energy exhausting or annoying.
From there, how you introduce and integrate your new dog will be critical. Always remember to do introductions outdoors. It is a good idea to exercise any dog who will be involved in the introductions beforehand to release some energy. If you are already a multi-dog household, be sure to introduce each dog to the new potential member one at a time.
For more tips and information on what to consider when looking to expand your pack and how to properly integrate a new dog into your home, check out Pat Miller's article on this topic here.