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Behavior - Getting a second dog (lemm.ee)

submitted 9 months ago by w3dd1e@lemm.ee to c/dogs@lemmy.world

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About a year ago, I adopted a 2nd dog. For the most part they get along pretty well. They like to play together and for the most part they play well together.

After a few months, they would cuddle up together, but I noticed my first dog started sleeping in a really tight ball. To the point his head is almost facing behind him.

I googled it. It seems that position is defensive. He never slept like that before. I can tell he does it now when he is upset about something.

He doesn’t seem to like to sleep near the 2nd dog. He will go into a room and sleep alone. Of course, the 2nd dog wants to sleep with him so he follows and and curls up next to him. He doesn’t get mad when this happens but I can tell he doesn’t like it.

They still play together pretty well. He even initiates play time with the 2nd dog. He does those big goofy hops when he is trying to get 2nd dog to play with him. It’s cute.

TLDR: how can I help my 1st dog feel more comfortable around my 2nd dog outside of play time?

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[–] w3dd1e@lemm.ee 13 points 9 months ago* (last edited 9 months ago)

Dog tax: Two Dalmatians laying on a dog bed First Dog, Dexter, on left. Second Dog, Ducky, on right.

[–] fodderoh@lemmy.world 11 points 9 months ago (1 children)

From what you describe, I'm not sure it is a master of being uncomfortable. It may just be that he needs a break sometimes and is having trouble finding that if that 2nd dog always wants to be around him. I would suggest figuring out how to let the 1st dog have his alone time.

[–] yenahmik@lemmy.world 7 points 9 months ago

Agreed. OP should allow the first dog some space when he wants it.

[–] ArtificialLink@yall.theatl.social 7 points 9 months ago (1 children)

Maybe separate beds near each other? Or honestly maybe dog one is just looking for a little personal space. It may not be the worst to let him go off and just sleep alone instead of letting their sibling follow them.

[–] nocturne213@lemm.ee 7 points 9 months ago

I have one dog (6f) that likes space from my other dog (2f). The first dog will go to the door to ask to go outside knowing the other dog always wants to go outside. As soon as the younger dog runs outside the older dog walks away from the door and lays down for some peace.

[–] SatansInteriorDsgnr@lemmy.world 6 points 9 months ago

My two boys were like that in the beginning too. What seemed to help was two of the same dog beds next to each other. Each has his own "space," not necessarily defined, they both sleep in whichever bed interchangeably, but it makes them feel like they have their own space. My dog beds also have a raised pillow section so it feels a little more separate.