Introducing a new dog to your home is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. After all, another pet completely changes the dynamic of your current dog or dogs’ environment. Depending on your pooch, that may be a source of stress. If you determine that your dog can handle the introduction of another four-legged companion, the question becomes if you should choose a male of female when introducing a new dog to the home.
Does Sex Matter When Introducing a New Dog to Your Home?
Recently, I read a question in the forums from an owner regarding which sex to choose for their new dog. She said: “We have two female dogs and thinking about adding a third. Should we get a male or female?” This is actually a very simple question. The answer is that it doesn’t really matter. Here’s why. The traditional idea that males are more territorial or will mark more is just a myth. In reality, it’s all about personality not about what’s going on in the back end.
Sex Doesn’t Matter
Here’s a perfect example – and I have several. I have personally experienced this myth being shattered. Over the years, I’ve had tons of dogs. We have saved so many dogs, we could practically be called a shelter, and we have seen first hand that sex doesn’t matter when introducing a new dog to the home. We’ve had several males who never marked a thing, and we’ve had a couple who had to wear diapers.
By the same token, the majority of our rescues were females, and two of them got into a territory war. We frequently had to strip the bed because Velma decided that our bed was her territory. She would pee on the bed at least three times a week. I can tell you, there’s nothing worse that crawling into the bed in the dark and realizing you’re laying in a puddle of pee. Gross.
It’s All About Temperament
The point I’m getting to is that when it comes to introducing a new dog to your home, it’s all about temperament, not about sex. In every example of our dogs having issues, it all came down to personality, not sex. Both the male dogs and female dogs who had marking issues or spurts of mixing it up with the other dogs in the house were alpha personalities. Just like the other males and females who were totally chill weren’t overly concerned with being top dog. That’s what it comes down to.
Think Personality, not Sex When Introducing a New Dog to the Home
With all of that being said, when you’re on the path to adoption and introducing a new dog to the home, look at the prospective family member’s temperament. Whether male or female, if you’re looking at a puppy who bullies his or her way to the front, knocking over the other pups, you might be looking at some issues in the future. However, you also don’t want to pick the puppy who cowers in the corner. That opens up a completely new can of behavioral worms.
When introducing a new dog to the home, look for a dog or puppy who’s very “middle of the road”. You want the dog to have enough self-confidence to be able to handle life, but you don’t want a dog who’s going to stake his or her claim on EVERYTHING in the house – including your bed and your leg. A dog with an even temperament is usually the one who will work best when introducing a new dog to the home.
