Many owners decide to get a second dog as ‘company’ for the dog they already have. It’s an idea full of good intentions but can so easily go awry. Once the dogs get adjusted to each other they are often allowed to ‘play’ together.

If you watch closely you will see that ‘play’ that initially appeared so friendly and benign is becoming increasingly boisterous (neck biting, pulling each other to the ground, mouthing etc.).

It is now only a question of time before one or both of these dogs learn that other dogs can hurt you. The flame has reached the blue-touch paper and from heron increasing acts of aggression will appear.

Initially they will turn that aggression on the dog they live with but it’s only a matter of time before any dog can become a target. (The early signs are growling, barking and lunging at approaching dogs.)

Whilst this is all very upsetting it is not incurable but does require a great deal of determination and commitment from the owner. First and foremost these two dogs must be separated and on no account should ever be left together unsupervised.

There is much work to be done reconditioning a reactive dog to accept unknown dogs.

By far the easier option is to not to allow things to progress this far. I regard every new dog that comes into my home as my one and only dog. He sleeps, walks, trains and plays only with me. I am his best buddy.

After six months or so, depending on how his training progresses, I introduce him carefully to my other dogs (who have already gone through the same training regime and know exactly how to behave.)

Growling and other signs of aggression are quickly corrected (sorting out squabbles is my job and mine alone). I always ensure they are fed in separate areas and supervise every meal.

Providing I am up to the job the dogs learn to trust me to ensure their comfort and safety leaving me to settle all disputes.

At this stage I start walking the new dog with the Pack to cement their relationship but sleeping together is strictly reserved for older dogs who are more interested in a good nights sleep than falling out.

That careful, step-by-step approach to adding a new dog to the household is by far the easiest way of creating harmony.