If you live in a multi-pet household, it's possible that you have observed problems arising between your pets. It doesn't matter if the conflict is between dogs or between dogs and other species, such as cats or rabbits; if a problem exists you will probably want to resolve it as quickly as possible. An inter-species conflict will usually have the dog as the aggressor, while a dog-to-dog will ordinarily have the largest dog on top, although Great Danes have been bullied by Chihuahuas, too.
The problem of pet compatibility can also arise if you already have one dog and then introduce another pet into the household. Dogs bond strongly with people and getting another pet can often arouse jealousy. Jealousy issues between pets can be as strong as those between children.
If you already have one dog, and are thinking of adding another, it's best to introduce adult dogs to one another under controlled conditions. Ideally, the introduction should be with both dogs on a leash and at some distance from one another. Talking to the dogs while gradually moving closer and offering praise will help the dogs become accustomed to one another more easily.
A separate room for the new dog is another solution that can work. The door should be kept closed for a few days to allow the dogs to get used to each other's smell, and then can be gradually opened, but with a dog gate in place. Conflicts are most likely to occur between dogs of the same sex, as each one will be vying to be the alpha dog. A male and female combination will work better because they will both be 'alphas', so the need for competition will be lessened.
However, never think that just because dogs were raised together as puppies that they will be pals forever. While there is a better chance that even same sex dogs will get along well as they mature, growing up together is no guarantee that it will inevitably work out. Primrose and Iris arrived at the same age, in the same crate, and grew up to barely tolerate one another. In fact, every so often they would simply look one another in the eye and the fight would be on. Fortunately for them and us, their battles were more noise than damage and we broke them up immediately. It worked out for us in part because they are small dogs and easy to just pick up to separate, it would definitely be more difficult if the dogs were large.
It is not unusual for a household to contain both dogs and cats, and for the association to be a fortunate one. While dogs and cats are not strictly 'natural enemies', establishing a friendship or tolerance will usually be required. It is probably best if you get both animals while they are still young - puppies and kittens will be much more likely to get along if they are introduced while still in their formative stages.
Always keep in mind that the prey drive of some dogs, notably hunting dogs, can make them more likely to view the cat as something to chase and kill. Although, once again, introducing the pets while they are young will help to minimize this effect, but always be aware that in times of stress, the dog could revert to instinct.
Even if it sounds somewhat backwards, it is usually best to bring a cat into a home where there is already a dog rather than the other way around. The reason for this will be that the cat will already look upon itself as being the lord or lady of the manor, and will seldom be able to see the dog as anything but an 'underling'. A home where a dog already lives gives the cat a chance to view the dog as an equal and there's a much better chance of them becoming friends.
Should you bring a cat into a home that already has a dog, you will have to protect the cat until a relationship has been established. Keeping the cat in a separate room will help to minimize the fear the cat will have of the dog and allow the dog to get used to the cat. Introductions should always be made with the dog on a leash, and use positive reinforcement to encourage cooperation - both cats and dogs will respond to it.
Small animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters all fall into the range of natural prey for dogs. Usually, these small pets will not be interested in interacting with a dog, even one that has no intention of harming them, but they should always be kept safe when the dog is around. The pets should never be left alone with the dog; a strong dog can break into a cage if it really wants to. You can probably train nearly any dog to refrain from attacking a small pet, but never consider that the training will be absolutely foolproof.
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