Should you adopt a dog of the opposite sex?
Give your dog the best life possible by providing opportunities for ongoing socialization with other dogs.
Let’s say you have a male dog at home, and you’ve fallen in love with a male dog at the local animal shelter. It may be best to find a female instead.
Even if your current dog is sweet as pie, there’s bound to be a conflict between the two males. Things may be OK initially, but they may be at each other’s throats in the future when they decide that it’s time to change the pack order.
The two males, especially intact male dogs, may fight over toys and the affection of their humans.
You may wonder how to get two female dogs to get along. Like male dogs, two female dogs also may struggle with dominance issues, leading to dog aggression.
When two dogs of the same gender live in the same household, they will be forced to determine which one should be the “alpha” and which one should be the “beta,” or bottom dog.
The “decision-making” process can be violent and nasty. Ultimately, the conflict could change both dogs’ personalities. One may become excessively dominant, while the other may become overly submissive.
With a male and a female, the male can continue being the alpha, and the female can be the top female in the pack. If both dogs have been neutered, there’s an even higher chance the two dogs will get along well.
A male and female dog can live in harmony because they don’t have to compete over a position at the top of the totem pole.
Gender matters with a second dog
Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but generally, gender will play an essential role in whether your new dog will get along with your existing dog.
Experts agree that the second dog should be of the opposite sex for the best possible chance of success.
Behavioral Differences – Male vs Female Cats and Dogs
You will notice more distinct differences in male and female cats or dogs if they have not been spayed or neutered. Females are generally moodier. Males are often more affectionate. Males may be more aggressive as well but it isn’t true of all breeds. If you have been around a female cat or dog in estrus, or “heat”, then you know key characteristics of a sexually mature female, such as marking, straying from the home, and vocalizing.
Males are driven to stake out territory and reproduce, while females seek safety and territorial protection to raise their young. These gender characteristics make for noticeable differences in personality if your pet is still sexually intact.
But what about when they are altered? As a rule, even spayed and neutered pets have subtle characteristics that are more specific to male vs female dogs and cats.
Dominance in dogs: is it true?
Whether or not dogs are more attracted to one gender can’t be objectively answered because all dogs and people are different. But, dogs generally tend to be more attracted to a specific set of behaviors that are exhibited mostly by adult women. It’s not that dogs are exclusively attracted to female adults. It’s that dogs like particular things adult females do. Dogs like women’s softer voices and smaller figures. They may be intimidated by a man’s larger frame, deeper voice, and facial hair. Most veterinarians and primary caregivers are female, meaning dogs are more frequently exposed to women throughout their lives.
Why female adults? The preference for older women over younger females is largely in part due to the differences in behaviors. Dogs, with little experience with kids, feel scared and threatened around children. Small children like to jump, grab tails, touch faces, steal toys, etc. Dogs (without previous experience) are terrified of children’s loud environments and spontaneous behaviors so it’s crucial that fido and baby socialize in order for both to adjust. The calmer the better.
But, dogs don’t pick who they like solely based on these individual characteristics. Your association with a dog plays just as a significant role. For example, your pup’s groomer has a soothing, light voice and has very relaxed mannerisms. Even though the groomer exhibits ideal qualities, they may not ever be friends. This is because your pup associates the groomer with things it hates, like being bathed and shaved. Because your dog despises the grooming experience, your dog will never like the groomer. On the contrary, if a dog associates you with positive experiences, it will take a liking to you, regardless of gender. The dog will remember that you’re associated with good experiences like receiving treats and playing outside.
Another deciding factor in which gender your dog is attracted to is based on its early life experiences. For example, if a dog was raised by an abusive owner who happened to be a man, there’s a very high chance that it will remain fearful of all males. The same would be true if the abusive owner were to be female. Even after the dog is adopted by a loving family, the dog’s only memories of men are extremely negative and scary. This dog would then have issues connecting with men because these early life experiences significantly impact development and socialization skills.
Of course, though, there are dogs that are attracted to behaviors mostly exhibited by men. The dog views the man’s larger frame and deeper voice as powerful and therefore puts forth an effort to show respect. To a dog, these qualities are exclusive to those in a position of authority and leadership. Mens playful tendency is compatible with that of an energetic and eager puppy. These tendencies also resonate with bigger dogs as well. A man’s larger body makes it easier to tolerate a larger dog’s strength and size. These types of dogs perceive greater strength as more attractive. If a female is the figure of authority, then the dog will view the woman in a similar light. Dogs prioritize a person’s traits and personality when selecting their alpha leader. We have to remember that dogs have personalities too and are attracted to certain things. Whoever your dog more strongly resonates with is based on personality and association.
If you suspect your dog “hates” men or women, don’t fret! This is highly unlikely, as your dog is probably just afraid of and unfamiliar with the other gender. It’s important to take immediate action. Dog to man socialization is a learned skill. Patience, consistency, and lots of positive reinforcement is key. Start by letting an individual of the same gender play with your dog to ensure comfort and negate fear. Once your dog progresses, start mixing the other gender into the picture. It’s okay if there’s a fido freak out…this is completely normal. Over time, with a maintained socialization regime, your dog will warm up to the other gender. And hey, more socialization for your pup means more socialization for you. Everyone wins. Your dog will learn to love and crave the presence of both men and women. It’s also important to be mindful of how you react to the other gender. Dogs pick up on our energy and learn from our actions. If you get anxious when you see or talk to the other gender, it’s possible your dog is learning these anxious behaviors from you. To a dog, your reactions stray from the norm and tells him, “Watch out! There’s something bad here!”