Introducing new dog to home with existing dog

[Didiplanthis]

I am taking in a dog which suddenly needs a new home. Same breed as my existing dog and only a few months younger, they are both young .. older bitch 14 months ( finished first season booked for spay) younger dog 11 months ( entire but wont be for long once settled ). The dogs have met and got on really well, both love to play and mine has never been territorial or shown any resource guarding when dogs have visited. Any good tips to endure the smoothest change from 1 dog to 2 dog household ? Had several dogs but only one at a time.

We've only ever added a puppy rather than a half-crown dog, but we start on neutral ground - last time it was a friend's garden. We gave the dogs maybe fifteen minutes together, and then took the puppy home first. We had no problems.

That said, a lot depends on the character of your existing dog. If she likes other dogs, and wants a playmate, the process should be fairly easy. As she's young, you'll probably find they have a great time.

You don't say what breed they are, but personally I'd not be in a rush to spay, esp a larger or slow-maturing breed. The advice for physical health varies by breed, but AFAIK, there's no research on mental development. Seasons are a pain, but I like my dogs to be socially mature before I mess with their hormones.

Both whippets and obsessed with play in the very full on whippety way other dogs dont quite understand !!

Then your house may soon be a playground! Hope it works out - sound as if it should.

Definitely introduce on neutral territory and take them home together and lead them in side by side (or new dog first) to reduce the risk of new dog being seen as an intruder

As Elephant says. also, let them sleep in separate rooms until they are settled; don’t leave them alone together to start with. Feed them well apart and don’t allow any stealing. Adaptil,collars or diffusers help .
Give them time . My vet told me that mine would be fine as they settled down to nap on the same sofa on day 1, and they are best of friends now. We got dog 2 at 1 year old, Dog 1 is 4 years older. Both labs.