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My dog is aggressive. Is it possible to safely bring another dog home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 7 years and 8 months old | 60 lbs

Our dog is dog aggressive. We had another adult dog when he was a puppy. They were great together. Rocky passed away recently. We want to bring another dog into the house. We are very worried about introducing Cody to a new dog. We have been looking for a trainer or someone to help. They all say they can help, however. I’m worried they are underestimating Cody. He does not look for a reason to fight another dog, he goes right at them. Is this possible, or are we just wishful thinking?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Bette Isacoff

Dog Trainer

Published on January 6th, 2018

The most important thing is that, if you get another dog, you introduce the two on neutral territory. Just waltzing a strange dog into Cody's house is begging for trouble. You could try a trial meeting to see how Cody is with the other dog. I would recommend a bitch, as two dogs of opposite genders are the least likely to fight. Remember that Cody was there first, and be sure he gets the lion's share of attention. Sometimes, the novelty of a new dog, and the requisites of trainng, mean that the old dog gets left out a bit. The new dog will not know you, and will therefore have no expectations as far as interacting with you. But Cody will want what he's always gotten. I don't know if Cody is aggressive due to basic temperament, or if it's a learned behavior. You can ask your vet for a referral to a canine behaviorist (different from a trainer) to help with this. Good luck!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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