Are You Thinking about adopting a new dog or puppy and just hoping the new dog or puppy and your Chihuahua(s) will become best friends?

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Do you expect that even if they don’t get along right now, they will — eventually? I’m here to tell you that is not likely to miraculously happen. However, here are some reasons why and why not to bring a second dog home. The do’s and the don’ts.

Chihuahuas Are Generally a One-Person Dog

If your Chihuahua has had the house and you to himself for a long time, he’s not likely to take very kindly to an intruder into his space or want to share his person. On the other hand, Chihuahuas are also the one dog breed that seems to prefer other dogs of their own breed, other Chihuahuas.

There are exceptions to every rule, however, generally a male and female will get along better (be sure they are spayed and neutered) than two females or two males. Is your Chihuahua an exception? Tell us your experience in the comments below.

If you have an older Chihuahua or one with a serious health condition, now is not the best time to bring home a new dog, they don’t need the extra stress at that particular time.

Some General Tips When Introducing

• Start slow and calmly. Before adopting a new Chi, if at all possible, make several calm introductions before you bring the new one home.
• Set reasonable goals, knowing the new dog’s background, and how well they were socialized will help you manage any possible problems.
• Respect your resident Chihuahua who may perceive the new dog to be encroaching on their territory — which includes you — because it can be stressful for him or her.
• Never leave the new and resident dogs unattended even if one is in a crate. It is necessary to keep a close eye on them because the situation can change in the blink of an eye.
• If you have more than one resident Chihuahua, introduce them separately to the new dog. This can prevent the situation to be overwhelming to the new dog.
• Make sure that you are in control during introductions. If you are not sure how either will react, be sure they are both on a leash and take precautions.
• Teach your new Chihuahua to trust you while at the same time letting your resident Chihuahua know that you will continue to keep him safe.
• Remember that building good relationships takes time.

Before you bring your new dog home or introduce them, bring home his scent — rub a towel or old shirt on him — so your resident Chihuahua can get used to the new dog’s smell first. Place the towel or old shirt where your dog now sleeps.

Always introduce new dogs in a neutral location first. That way neither dog considers it to be “his territory”.

Don’t try to force any interaction between your dog and the new one. Just walk together for a few minutes.

After a little while allow them to sniff each other for only a few seconds and always be upbeat using high-pitched happy praise if the interaction between the dogs is positive. Then lead them away from each other and continue to walk together

Do this several more times. This slow introduction will prevent them from focusing on and escalating a possible aggressive response.

Body Language

Watch both dogs’ body language.

The following are positive body language

• Loose body and muscles
• Relaxed open mouths
• Play bows or other playful signs

The following are signs of possible aggression

• Stiff body
• Hair standing up on the back
• Tense mouth or the baring of teeth
• Growling
• Staring intently

If you see any signs of possible aggression, immediately lead them away from each other. Then try another brief introduction at a farther distance from each other. Only proceed to let them sniff each other when you see any of the above positive signs in body language.

After Adoption

When you have followed all the above steps, it is not time to relax yet. There may be some managing you will have to do at home. For instance, once home one of the dogs may be food aggressive, or your resident Chihuahua may be fine with the new dog until he is on your lap — your resident Chihuahua may view you as his territory.

People get more than one dog for companionship and playmates. If your dogs don’t get along it causes unnecessary stress for everyone in the household. Know when to get help if the situation becomes stressful. You want your pets as well as the humans in the home to live together in harmony.

I recommend Thumbtack if you need help. You can find a trainer or behaviorist in your area there. They have a 5-star rating and customer satisfaction. It is free to use and you can compare prices side by side. With access to 1M+ customer reviews and the pros’ work history, you’ll have all the info you need to make a wise decision that is right for you and your situation.