After existing with one dog for some time you have come to a decision to introduce a second into the family.
When you have selected the dog, introduced him to your existing pet and offered him a place in your home you'll need to cope with the logistical side of bringing him into your folks. This experience will be unsettling for everyone so must be approached and carried out in a positive way.
The 1st and most crucial thing is that your present dog must not be hurt or in jeopardy in any way. The dogs should have recently met before a home is offered. No strain should be apparent and the first meeting should be on neutral ground. The dogs should be noted carefully and their body language monitored. Positive interaction is critical between 2 dogs that are going to live together.
The best thing to do is take them both for a walk before bringing them into the home together. The home should have already been prepared by the removal of any resources that would cause conflict. Food and toys should be removed from all areas initially. Depending on how well the dogs get on toys can be reintroduced very quickly and discreetly. It's miles better to have a massive selection of toys than one; a single toy can be regarded as very dear to a dog that's inclined to resource guard.
Research and preparation is how to choose a dog that will successfully become your second family pet. Observation and further research will enable you to oversee a positive settling in period.
It is important to think about your own behaviour towards the dogs. Remember you are also considered a resource. It will be natural to fret about your current pet but don't leave either dog out of interactions. Some new dogs benefit from being left alone to settle and join in silently, others wish to interact with you. To stop tension developing it's really important that you treat both dogs, when they ask for attention, in exactly the same way.
For more great information on how to choose a dog, or if you want to know more about dog training generally, please feel free to visit the Dog Trick Academy.