Thinking of getting a second lab

[Chocolate Lab]

we currently own a male chocolate lab he is going to be 2 years old in March. We are thinking of adopting a second dog a female. I am just a bit scare on how our dog can react to having a second dog in the house. He is very playful and loves to play with other dogs at the park, he is used to us and is a bit spoiled. Does anyone have any adivce for us on how to introduce a second dog and if it is a good idea to bring a second dog into our family. I just want to make sure that we are making the right decision.

Thank You

[roman]

when you bring the puppy home don't introduce it to you other dog in an area the other dog is familiar with ie the back yard or something like that

bring them to a park and keep them on leash and let them check eachother out

[calgal]

I totally agree. Let them get aquainted at a park. Let them play and become friends and walk home together. It should all work out nicely.

[Rivsky]

I agree with the above and also just want to add to take them for a leashed walk together - this worked out brilliantly for my sister when she introduced 2 adult dogs to each other.

[TribalRats]

When we added our second Lab we had to drive 7 hours to meet the rescue person to pick him up. We brought Goose with us and had the boys meet there. They hung out for a while. Rasta, our second Lab was no where near leash trained when we got him so there was no walking them together. They just hung out together for a bit while we talked with the lady from the rescue. Then in the car on the ride home Rasta was crated and Goose was crated next to him so they were able to get familiar with each other.

Now we foster (for that same rescue) and the boys are so used to new dogs coming in that when we got in this litter of pups and decided to keep one they took right to her.

I think the suggestion of the dog park play date prior to her coming home is a great one. If that is not an option (like if you have to pick her up far away like we did) then either find a dog park around where you are going or introduce them slowly on leashes somewhere neutral.

[Ritz459]

Also thought I'd add: Make sure the two dogs get along before you bring the new one home! So many people get a new dog and then introduce them, and when the old dog doesn't like the new one, they have to get rid of the new one again.

Also, if your dog is a dominant boy, make sure that you don't get another domiant dog, even if it is female. A dominant submissive pairing works out so much better.

[Chocolate Lab]

Thank you everyone for the advice, we are currently on a waiting list to get our second lab. I will follow all of the advice provided when it is time to meet our next member of the family.