Choosing a Second Pet
Most dogs and cats welcome newcomers of the same species to the household when the Johnny-Come-Lately is a puppy or kitten of the opposite sex. Occasionally, all the rules can be broken when the first animal is laid back and placid. The key is to be aware of the original pet’s temperament and attitude when meeting other animals.
Don had a Siberian Husky that he adored. He thought Rika would be happier with a companion. Since Don wasn’t sure he wanted two dogs, he brought home a cat that had been hanging around the alley at work. Big mistake! Rika raced with glee after this new critter, dashing around corners, making it yowl in fright. The cat spent all of his time on the top shelf of the bookcase with his hackles raised, screeching like a banshee. After two days, Don’s neighbor offered the feline orphan a good home.
That experiment might not have worked, but Don still thought that a second pet was a good idea. He loved animals, and Rika was social and friendly, albeit a bit exuberant. This time, however, he decided to research his choice. He visited a dog show and found several breeds that appealed to him. He picked up a couple of breed books. After looking at these and re-reading his book on the Siberian Husky, he was reminded that Siberians are born to run and chase. So, he sat down to make a list. No cats, hamsters or rabbits – they wouldn’t get a along with Rika’s chasing instinct. Several dogs, however, looked promising. Maybe a Beagle or a playful Dachshund? Maybe a French Bulldog, an Australian Cattle Dog, or one of the Corgis? Finally, Don settled on a Miniature Schnauzer: active, compact, social, doesn’t shed, and is plucky enough to get along with Rika.
Making Your Choice
When animal lovers start thinking about a second pet, they first have to think about the character of the one they already have. Is the current pet friendly, outgoing and accepting? Or does he bark, hiss, raise his hackles, and generally go nuts when another animal is around? Introduce your dog to other dogs at a dog park or training class to see the reaction. Arrange a carefully supervised play-date for your cat or dog with a friend’s pets. With a variety of animals, it’s best not to mix species (especially rodents or reptiles) unless a potentially aggressive pet is safely confined.
Most dogs and cats welcome newcomers of the same species to the household when the Johnny-Come-Lately is a puppy or kitten of the opposite sex. Occasionally, all the rules can be broken when the first animal is laid back and placid. The key is to be aware of your original pet’s temperament when meeting other animals.
Even though same-species introductions are often easiest, cats and dogs can also cohabitate. Puppies and kittens that were raised in a household together are accepting of, if not doting on, each other. Adopting both a puppy and a kitten together, if you have the stamina, often produces “odd couples” that become best friends.
Introductions
Initial meetings are often more relaxed when done away from either animal’s home turf. Take care to have both animals restrained so that neither can overwhelm the other: leashes for dogs, a crate for the new kitten. Make introductions carefully and by increments unless they become instant best buddies.
Rodents, reptiles, or birds should be confined in areas safe from the prying paws of a curious canine or feline. Now and again, “birds” of a different feather, fur, or fin can fly, creep or trot together, but it’s always wise to be safe and to never leave animals of different species together when you are not present. Watch for any type of aggression. Animals will always retain their natural instincts, and it would be a heart-breaking experience to have one pet become another’s lunch.
Pay extra attention to the established pet, even though the newcomer is cuddly and cute. Kittens and puppies need lots of naps, so when they’re tuckered out from playtime, you can concentrate on the first pet. Give her exclusive playtime – play ball, take a walk without the little pest, or simply sit and cuddle when the baby is crated for the night. Remember, new comers can turn a household into a zoo, or they can expand a loving and peaceful kingdom.
Chris Walkowicz is an award-winning author, president emeritus of the Dog Writers Association of America and an AKC judge.