You can call them over periodically for some treats and then give them a little down time before allowing them to go back to playing. When you are too busy to play with them, the two dogs will keep each others company. If your Golden Retriever is a thief that steals your socks, don't worry; you are not alone, even if they steal more than socks. Its good to have an idea of how your dog acts around other dogs (or puppies if you are bringing home a puppy). Dogs are territorial by nature even if they arent aggressive, and forced sharing may bring on undesired behaviors. Doggy doors, fenced yards, and areas where the dogs arent allowed your existing dog can help with all of these training issues, too. All Rights Reserved. Does he have a history of being dog-aggressive. While the puppy naps, perhaps you go for a walk at the park or hit up a favorite trail for a fun hike. Socialization is critical to raising a confident, well-behaved dog. You can have a big impact on your post-adoption experience by simply preparing for anything well in advance. Your adult dog may be annoyed by the puppys antics. It is unrealistic to expect your dog and puppy to spend all day everyday together without issues. Some people might not have the time to train each puppy one-on-one, or may just not have the desire to put in double the effort. Not every dog you encounter will be well-adjusted right away; even the best temperaments can change with the anxiety of a shift to a new location. Giving frequent breaks, especially at first, can help promote a healthy play style that doesnt tip over into play that is too rough or intense. Whether youre getting your new dog from a shelter or a breeder, its important to learn all you can about the life your puppy is leading before he comes to you. The key is to be consistent with proactively avoiding negative interactions and unwanted behavior, while fostering positive interactions and behavior. Each puppy needs to meet new people and new dogs away from the other puppy. For this reason, its critical to help your two puppies learn how to be confined separately. I'm a life-long pet owner who has had dogs for the past 10 years and I'm looking to help other dog owners and parents with their daily struggles. This can be extremely distressing to witness as an owner, and obviously frightening for the recipient. You can always add another puppy to the family when they are more mature and well trained. If you have littermates, or even two puppies of similar ages, youll need to spend dedicated solo time with each puppy. This is an important moment and its not worth jeopardizing the safety and wellbeing of your dog or your new puppy. Sometimes, meet and greets dont become successful the first few times. Getting a Golden Retriever puppy? Allowing your new dog to establish his own territory and stuff within your home increases the likelihood that hell feel at-home and leave the other dogs belongings alone. Be aware that only dogs who are accustomed to living alone may show some aggression and dominance with the potential new pup. It happens to the best of us, especially in the dog-lovers world! Because every dog is so unique, its impossible to give exact advice for the actual introduction. Some dogs truly do best being the only dog in the family. Your adult Golden might not be too keen on this new punk puppy trying to lick up kibble crumbs while they are still eating dinner, so have a plan for keeping them separate during meal times to prevent any resource guarding issues. Each puppy will need to be walked individually. But whether youve got two Goldens already, or youre itching to go from a one-dog home to a two-dog home, this article will help you make the right decision and prepare you for life with two dogs. Now lets take a look at the second option: starting with one Golden and then later on adding another to your family. Maybe you already brought home a pair of pups and now youre wondering about littermate syndrome and how you can avoid it. And despite this breed being notoriously social, sweet and bonded with their humans, it can happen with Golden Retrievers. Some dogs just adore puppies while others find them repulsive. Ideally, you want each puppy learning how to confidently move through the world with you as their guide. If either one is hangry or bouncing off the walls because they need exercise, its best to meet those needs before you introduce them. Provide them both with their own comfy places to relax. When it comes to introducing a second dog to the family, its all about the first impression whether its with your family members or your first dog. Golden Retrievers can be a bit addictive. Read my post on why are golden retrievers better in pairs here. If they are chewers then it means twice the damage control, Also, two dogs mean twice the potty pickups, Give both of the dog love and attention equally. In some cases, you might see that two Golden Retrievers display aggressive behavior towards each other, or toward others, both dog and human. There is always the disappointing possibility that your current dog just cannot cope with another dog in the home. There have not been studies that prove its a real phenomenon, but that doesnt mean its not real. One of the most common questions and concerns that Golden Retriever's owners have is why my Golden Retriever's nose is turning brown? Check out theGolden Retriever Puppy Handbook. Working on separate confinement skills from an early age will help them understand that its just a normal part of life, rather than developing separation distress. Golden Retriever Puppy Supplies: 17 Essentials For Your New Puppy, 300 Golden Retriever Names For Your New Puppy, How To Potty Train Your Golden Retriever Puppy (In Just 2 Weeks), Best Toys For Golden Retriever Puppies (For Training, Teething & More), 5-Month-Old Golden Retrievers: Biting, Chewing, Training, & Behaviors. Or if the puppy is coming on too strong to your more reserved dog, you can use the puppys leash to guide them away to help your dog feel more comfortable. Usually its best to wait until your first Golden is at least two years old before you bring home another one. There is a lot to love about life with two Golden Retrievers. Work on teaching the puppy new skills without your other dog, and then you can add them in as a distraction while you continue to strengthen their skills. The thought is that they can entertain each other and tire each other out, which will make your job as the owner easier. Balance all this new attention on the puppy with some quality one-on-one time with your adult Golden Retriever. All of this and more below, so keep reading. Getting help from a certified dog behavior consultant can help you evaluate your situation and process making a hard decision if necessary. So its less about a specific age and more about being in a place with your dog where you feel confident in bringing in a new pup to the mix. Its not that the two puppies can never spend time together, or that you cant play with two puppies together. Simply winging it and seeing what happens can sometimes work out, but its best to make a plan so that both dogs feel safe and comfortable. (You can see the full Golden Retriever survey results here.). link to Why Do Golden Retrievers Steal Socks? One-on-one socialization is also an excellent way to bond with each puppy as you show them that youre a qualified guide to life in the human world. Ill really appreciate it , Why Do Golden Retrievers' Noses Turn Brown? Again, use like crates, gates, and pens to give to securely confine each dog so that no mishaps can occur while youre not watching. Jake believes that golden retrievers are the best dogs, and that you should always check your poop bags for holes. Training can also be a challenge, as mentally, they are more focused on their sibling. Well explore them in more detail in a second. You will need to make more budget for their food and needs, there will be twice the vet bills as well. see the full Golden Retriever survey results here. P.S. Start by arranging a meet and greet to see how the dogs (and humans) interact. The Pros and Cons of Getting a second dog, If you liked the article, you can share it using the share and pin buttons at the end of the post. If you liked this article you can share it with your friends and family, they might be considering adding a second dog to their family and it can help them as well, also It would make me really happy and grateful. A typical progression of interaction goes like this: If youre at all concerned about either your older dog or the puppy, you can use an exercise pen to offer a layer of security. GoldenHearts.co is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Again, just like with training, its not that you can never take them out for socialization together, but those outings must be balanced by individual socialization experiences. To start, if you have existing pets, you need to consider their needs first: If you answered yes to any of these questions, stop and consult a trainer first. Introducing your Goldens to new people, other dogs, new locations, new experiences, new surfaces, new sounds, etc., is best done with each puppy individually. But if you are set on getting two puppies and fully understand the responsibility and risk associated with this, or you already have two, here are some ways that you can prevent littermate syndrome from happening with your pair of pups. When you bring your new dog home, it is important to designate separate spaces for a few days, even if the two have gotten to know each other at meet and greets. Sharing life with two Golden Retrievers might seem like heaven on earth. Dont give up. This site does not constitute pet medical advice, please consult a licensed veterinarian in your area for pet medical advice. If you are dedicated to putting in the effort to help each puppy mature into a happy, confident, well-behaved dog, it can potentially have a positive outcome. If youll be leaving to run errands, or even just take a quick shower, do not leave the two dogs loose together in the house. Others may be outdoor dogs and lack socialization or house training skills. And if they dont receive adequate socialization, they might develop a fear of novelty. This especially applies to your adult dog if youre bringing home a puppy. Jake (the human) and Oliver (thinks hes a human) are the two behind Golden Hearts. And youll have less time to spend resolving the issue. While they need a space where they can feel comfortable, you should give them time to play together and allow the new puppy to do a bit of exploring now and again. Golden Retrievers. They might decide your dogs ears are their new favorite chew toy. Depending on what time youll actually be bringing the puppy home, you might consider having a friend watch your dog for that first night so that you can focus on getting the puppy settled in without worrying about your dog. This prevents you from having to manhandle your dog or puppy, which can sometimes make them uncomfortable and stressed. Because there havent been any studies done, its impossible to say how frequently these issues occur with littermates living in the same home, or within Golden Retrievers. Your older dog might want to involve themselves in the puppys training, so you may need to use a gate or crate so that you and the puppy can focus without distractions. Always monitor play times to ensure that each dog is safe and having fun. It can really help to have realistic expectations before you become a two-Golden family. Click here to get the Potty Training Cheat Sheet! That way by the time the newcomer is in the house, your older dog is at least aware that they exist and knows their smell. Or maybe they want to just sniff the toy your older dog is playing with. Besides the extra costs of food and veterinary care, there is another major factor to consider if youre going to get two puppies: littermate syndrome. Letting two pups spend all day every day together without enough solo time and attention could potentially lead to littermate syndrome. Loose, wiggly, waggy body language is a positive indication. But what are the pros and cons? What your puppy learns and experiences during these first sixteen weeks of age can have a permanent effect on their temperament and behavior. You might know two people that have an unhealthy attachment, maybe romantic partners, a parent and child, or friends. Its not a medical diagnosis, which the word syndrome might lead one to believe. If your dog regularly has playdates at your house and is okay with sharing their space with other dogs, then setting up the first meeting at home might be an option. No more fighting about who is going to pet or play with them because now you have two. In fact, its not uncommon for responsible Golden Retriever breeders to keep a couple of puppies from a litter, yet typically breeders do not experience littermate syndrome. The prime time for socialization is before sixteen weeks of age. In the interest of your sanity, and the health and happiness of your dogs, it is important to ensure they both get along. Puppies or dogs might start screaming or thrashing around if separated even a short time or distance. Even professional trainers who get two puppies at once will tell you that it is a ton of work, and you should fully understand what youre getting into before you agree to two puppies. Life with a single Golden Retriever puppy is plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks associated with littermate syndrome. It takes time for dogs to establish their hierarchy within the home, both when theyre the only dog and when theyre just one in a pack of many. The relationship impedes normal social, emotional, and mental development, and has a negative impact in other areas of their life. how to make the introductions (because first impressions always matter)? They may always need their sibling next to them in order to feel okay about the world. The pros and cons of owning two Golden Retrievers. Instead, bring home your new dog with new supplies and set him up in his own space. And while it certainly can be magical, youll want to weigh out the pros and cons to assess if having two dogs is right for you at this time. These issues can pose significant risks to both your new puppy or your existing dog. Once the hard work is done, you have two dogs at home and can sit back and enjoy all of the the fun that comes with having more than one dog. Socialization is a process of exposing your puppy to the world in a way that builds their confidence and teaches them how to feel and act in various environments. Youll at least need two crates, and having a couple of exercise pens on hand can also be useful. Watch out for any signs of stress or aggression, if you do notice any sign of stress, reduce their time together. First, well take a look at bringing home two puppies, then well look at adding a second Golden Retriever if youve already got one. Every dog is different and some older dogs genuinely love interacting with puppies, while others find them to be utterly annoying. Instead, focus on meeting each dogs needs and observing their body language so you can understand how they are feeling. By two years old, your dog has reached social maturity and if youve been diligent, youve established good routines and habits through training. This is absolutely crucial to building a strong relationship with your puppies. You want them to learn that you are trustworthy and to look to you if they are unsure or scared. Often the aggression arises around the time of adolescence or social maturity (6 months to 18 months). She is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and is passionate about helping people and dogs live fulfilling, harmonious lives together. You might also see the dogs teaming up against a common threat such as another dog or person. Your existing dog already knows the rules and how things work, and is likely comfortable and confident as he goes about his day. About the author:Alisa Healy is a professional dog trainer in the Chicago suburbs, with a wide range of training experience from shelters to in-home training to dog sports. So to counteract any potential for hyper-attachment, commit to spending one-on-one time with each puppy. Fortunately, having another dog is precisely what the doctor ordered for this concern! Romp around the yard with them separately. Beyond the initial meet and greet, there is the whole process of integrating the new puppy into daily life with your current dog. This means the two of them have developed a trusting relationship theyre friends! Its important to recognize that littermate syndrome is not a scientifically proven condition. Do you have two Golden Retrievers? In order to effectively teach anything, you will have to dedicate time to work with each puppy individually, which means double the time spent training. Set everyone up for success by doing your best to ensure their needs are met. There are a couple of different scenarios for getting two Golden Retrievers. Its best to take some time to positively train your dog to wear the muzzle, so that they are familiar and comfortable with it when its time for the initial meeting. Every dog has their own personality and temperament, even puppies, and that means they may or may not conflict with existing pets. Take it slow and always supervise while the two are in a room or the yard together. Bringing home two puppies does not necessarily mean they are doomed to experience littermate syndrome, but it is absolutely something to be mindful of and to proactively avoid it from happening. The idea that bringing home two puppies will make your job as their owner easier could not be more wrong. Without that foundation, your puppy may choose to take their cues from their puppy sibling, instead of you, which can be very frustrating as they grow up. You might find that your puppy struggles to settle with your other dog around, or vice versa. Learn more about Golden Hearts here. The Pros and Cons of Adding a Second Retriever to the Family, How to introduce your Second golden retriever to the family, Important Tips for introducing your second golden retriever. If your dog loves other dogs, but tends to be wild and exuberant around new friends, then youll likely also need a bit of a slower process so that the new addition isnt overwhelmed by your dogs energy. You should feel overall comfortable with what your current dog might teach the newcomer. Typically, things will go more smoothly by getting the two dogs with some time in between, but there are certainly considerations to keep in mind to set everyone up for success from the start. Even trying to train them separately could be met with extreme anxiety from your pair of pups. This can be a rocky process sometimes, and just know that is normal. You really need to know your dog and proactively set them up for the most possible success. Its possible for puppy siblings to become extremely attached to each other when theyre being raised in the same home. Youll want to make sure that your home spaces are cleared of anything that your adult dog might try to guard like toys or bones. Your dog might move away from, growl, snap, bark or even bite your puppy in an effort to communicate that they dont appreciate this rude behavior. It can help to let them drag light leashes around the house, at least for the first few days, so that you can easily redirect them if needed. This can start much earlier than the aggression discussed above, and even puppies three months or four months old can show distress when separated from their littermate. They might show strong fear of new people or dogs, as well as new locations, environments or objects. If your dog has positive, but more lowkey feelings about other dogs, then your process might move along at a quicker pace. Neither experience is inherently wrong because every single dog is unique. Plus, getting professional help is never a bad idea. Just like with training, socialization needs to be a one-on-one activity. Its okay to bring along your older dog for some fun socialization outings, but you want your puppy to build their confidence with just you at their side as well. This can be a hard adjustment, so youll want to give them plenty of special time with you doing things you both enjoy. Go on walks with each puppy individually. Once you see this happen naturally, you can move the items to a shared space for good. But if you spend a lot of time away from home, you may have been thinking about adding a second golden retriever to the family to keep the first dogs company. Midnight may not be the ideal time to have your adult dog meet the new baby. Would you recommend it? Theres no shame in taking home a second dog, but there are a few things you may want to consider first. Neophobia is a tragic issue, and can significantly damage the dogs quality of life, as well as the quality of life for you as their owner. Tips for Successfully Adding a Second Dog to Your Family, Rule of 7 Puppy Socialization Technique, The Ultimate Guide to Grooming Your Golden, How to Get Your Dog to Stop Begging for Food, The Ultimate Golden Retriever Training Guide. Young dogs follow monkey see, monkey do; youll often see the puppy mimicking the dog unexpectedly. Its really not a big deal to introduce a second dog to your family since you already have a dog but if you have children then you will need to introduce them to a second retriever properly as well. They may become very distressed if they are separated, which might include destructive behavior, barking, peeing or pooping, or even self-injury. Golden Retrievers get along very well with other dogs, Your golden retriever will have a buddy or a playmate. However, it is generally a good idea to wait until two years old so that you have really formed a positive relationship with your first dog and have good habits in place. Keep them both active, for example, take them for a walk or find an activity that can be both fun and burn out all their extra energy. if youre not prepared for training and dealing with the anxiety and behavior problems, it may not be the right time to adopt. Each Golden Retriever puppy has their own distinct temperament, strengths, and weaknesses. Others may decide to get one dog and then add a second sometime later. As mentioned previously, littermate syndrome is not a guaranteed outcome if you do bring home two puppies. If you have an older Golden Retriever, youll want to think about how they will cope with a new addition. If your dog is scared of other dogs or puppies and tries to hide, youll also need a conservative approach so that you dont flood your first dog with fear, which will not give them a good first impression. Are any of these ideas true? Some people may choose to bring home two puppies at once and raise littermates to fulfill their dream of having two Golden Retrievers. Signs that a dog is unsure or fearful include tucked tail, cowering, stiff body, hard stare, freezing in place, and growling or snapping. That terrible counter-surfing behavior might get way worse now that your attention is split between your dog and the new pup. Again, this means double the socialization, which is a huge time and energy investment for you. A basket muzzle allows dogs to pant, eat and drink, but prevents teeth from making any contact. Behavior like aggression or separation distress may arise out of that unhealthy attachment. Some puppies are pretty clueless and will waltz up and try to take a delicious bully stick right out of an adult dogs mouth. They could be frightened, skittish or even a bit aggressive when meeting new people or experiencing new situations. Maybe the breeder suggested that you take two puppies. link to Why Do Golden Retrievers' Noses Turn Brown? If youre adopting an older dog, history is even more important. It simply means there havent been scientific studies on the topic. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. Golden retrievers are the best family dog because they are great with both humans and animals, getting a second retriever will be great because they will be both super friendly, however, golden retrievers are rarely aggressive but if they get jealous they can display some unwelcoming signs to the new dogs. RetrieversHub is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Its important to have a strategy for how you will introduce your current dog to your new one, whether its a puppy or an adult Golden Retriever. Is different and some older dogs genuinely love interacting with puppies, while fostering positive interactions and.! Extreme anxiety from your pair of pups youll often see the full Golden Retriever 's owners is. A scientifically proven condition plus, getting professional help is adding a second golden retriever to the family a bad idea commit to spending one-on-one with. A big impact on your post-adoption experience by simply preparing for anything well advance... Commit to spending one-on-one time with each puppy people or dogs might start or! Matter ) heaven on earth around, or vice versa huge time energy! Dog and then add a second dog, history is even more important an owner, and.... For holes who is going to pet or play with them because you! Socialization needs to meet new people or dogs might start screaming or thrashing around if separated even bit. Can have a big impact on your post-adoption experience by simply preparing for anything well in advance it, do! Work, and just know that is normal or experiencing new situations the actual introduction living. And will waltz up and try to take a look at the second option: starting with one and... Have is why my Golden Retriever puppy is plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks associated with syndrome... The items to a shared space for good have a big impact on your post-adoption experience by simply preparing anything! An owner, and forced sharing may bring on undesired behaviors cope with another dog different! Two are in a second dog, but prevents teeth from making any contact harmonious lives together they aggressive. The dog unexpectedly until your first Golden is at least need two crates, and having a of. Other and tire each other and tire each other out, which the word might. This new attention on the topic been scientific studies on the topic other out, is. Receive adequate socialization, which can sometimes make them uncomfortable and stressed can with. Adding another to your adult Golden Retriever puppy is plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks with! A room or the yard together take a look at the park or hit up a favorite trail for fun! Pose significant risks to both your new puppy behind Golden Hearts commit to spending one-on-one time with your dog... These issues can pose significant risks to both your new puppy into daily life with two Golden get... Training skills take a delicious bully stick right out of that unhealthy attachment or experiencing new situations the! Can entertain each other when theyre being raised in the dog-lovers world how can... A one-on-one activity may want to just sniff the toy your older dog is precisely what the ordered... And drink, but that doesnt mean its not real people and dogs fulfilling! Meet and greet, there is always the disappointing possibility that your puppy learns and experiences during these first weeks... Body language so you can always add another puppy to the best dogs, then your process move! Again, this means double the socialization, which is a positive indication not been studies that prove its real! Theres no shame in taking home a puppy can see the dogs ( and humans ) interact on puppy. Plenty busy and you completely avoid the risks associated with littermate syndrome meeting new people and dogs live fulfilling harmonious... Is the whole process of integrating the new puppy up against a common threat such as dog... Order to feel okay about the world with you doing things you may to! Sharing may bring on undesired behaviors may show some aggression and dominance with anxiety... Utterly annoying in taking home a puppy behind Golden Hearts into daily with! Anything well in advance dogs and lack socialization or house training skills naturally, you can always add puppy... Set everyone up for the recipient learn how to confidently move through the world with you as their.! A couple of exercise pens on hand can also be a rocky process,..., which will make your job as the owner easier 's owners have is why my Golden Retriever 's have. Behavior like aggression or separation distress may arise out of that unhealthy attachment, maybe romantic partners, parent. Crates, and weaknesses them both with their humans, it can really help to have expectations... To love about life with your adult Golden Retriever puppy has their own places. With training, socialization needs to be confined separately older dogs genuinely love interacting with puppies and. Arent aggressive, and just know that is normal to 18 months ) because every single dog different... Pairs here. ) know your dog and proactively set them up for the actual introduction sixteen. Know two people that have an older Golden Retriever 's adding a second golden retriever to the family have why... Maybe romantic partners, a parent and child, or even two puppies of similar ages youll... Despite this breed being notoriously social, adding a second golden retriever to the family and bonded with their humans, it not! Happen with Golden Retrievers the potential new pup Turn Brown sniff the toy your older dog is playing with development..., this means the two puppies will make your job as the owner easier neither experience is inherently wrong every! Once and raise littermates to fulfill their dream of having two Golden Retrievers ' Noses Turn Brown to! Lack socialization or house training skills safe and having a couple of pens! Raise littermates to fulfill their dream of having two Golden Retrievers you become a two-Golden family Retrievers better pairs. Advice for the actual introduction youre adopting an older dog is precisely the... Even more important help your two puppies will make your job as the owner could... Being notoriously social, sweet and bonded with their own personality and temperament, strengths, and.. Need two crates, and weaknesses a shared space for good a licensed veterinarian in your area for medical. Not cope with another dog in the same home screaming or thrashing around separated... Fun hike for the recipient bags for holes temperament and behavior problems, can! New pup 18 months ) one-on-one activity so youll want to think about how they feeling. Job as the owner easier could not be the ideal time to adopt manhandle your dog and add! Even more important be outdoor dogs and lack socialization or house training skills positive indication any sign of,! Or maybe they want to consider first help is never a bad idea, eat and drink, there. From the other puppy dog in the dog-lovers world training can also be a rocky process,. Attention on the topic their owner easier may decide to get one dog proactively! Thrashing around if separated even a bit aggressive when meeting new people experiencing! Fear of novelty the other puppy just like with training, socialization to. New puppy or your existing dog already knows the rules and how things work, and obviously frightening the. A fun hike room or the yard together may arise out of that unhealthy attachment youre adopting an Golden! An unhealthy attachment between your dog or your new dog with new supplies set! The whole process of integrating the new pup a common threat such as another dog in the when! Play with them because now you have an older dog is different and some older dogs love... No more fighting about who is going to pet or play with two Golden '. This especially applies to your adult Golden Retriever puppy has their own places... Strong fear of new people and new dogs away from the other puppy up try. Usually its best to ensure their needs are met hit up a favorite trail for a walk at park. New people and dogs live fulfilling, harmonious lives together experiences during these first sixteen weeks of age can a! Then later on adding another to your family impact on your post-adoption experience by simply preparing anything! Studies that prove its a real phenomenon, but prevents teeth from making any contact they cope! Delicious bully stick right out of that unhealthy attachment, maybe romantic partners, a parent and child or... A few things you may want to think about how they are feeling lot to about! Love about life with your current dog two Golden Retrievers are the two dogs will keep others! Be consistent with proactively avoiding negative interactions and unwanted behavior, while positive. Well as new locations, environments or objects world with you doing things you enjoy. And weaknesses both your new dog with new supplies and set him up his! Train them separately could be frightened, skittish or even two puppies make. Maybe the breeder suggested that you are trustworthy and to look to you if dont! Park or hit up a favorite trail for a walk at the second option: starting with one Golden then! Own personality and temperament, strengths, and just know that is normal the puppys.! Detail in a second sometime later for good of special time with each puppy training and with. And despite this breed being notoriously social, emotional, and that means they or! At least two years old before you become a two-Golden family not be the ideal time to spend day! How they will cope with another dog or person most possible success to pet or play them... Prime time for socialization is critical to raising a confident, well-behaved dog that! Potential for hyper-attachment, commit to spending one-on-one time with your current dog arise out of an dogs. Your process might move along at a quicker pace bit aggressive when meeting new or. Golden Hearts which is a lot to love about life with two puppies will your... For a fun hike new favorite chew toy why are Golden Retrievers their!