By Justin Jordan | Updated 17 October 2026
“Should we get a boy or a girl?” It is one of the first questions families ask when choosing a dog. Usually, someone has already told them boys are more affectionate or girls are easier to train. I would encourage you to look a little further than that.
Is a male or female dog easier to train?
There is no useful promise we can make that a female puppy will be easier, or that a male will be more willing to please. Both need clear guidance, patient practice, appropriate rewards and a home that meets their needs.
When we help a family, we look at the dog in front of us. Can they relax after activity? How do they respond to handling, unfamiliar places and other dogs? What helps them feel comfortable? Those observations are far more useful for planning training than a label such as “stubborn boy” or “bossy girl”.
What differences should you consider?
Size and practical handling
Males are often larger within the same breed, although individuals overlap. Ask about the parents, likely adult size and the needs of that breed or cross. Think about lifting the dog if injured, transport, grooming and who will hold the lead.
Reproductive care
An entire female needs careful management during seasons to prevent unintended mating. An entire male also needs secure management around females in season. Ask your vet about reproductive health, desexing and timing for the individual dog. Desexing is not a general fix for fear, poor manners or every form of aggression.
The dog already in your home
Sex can matter when choosing a second dog. Veterinary behaviour guidance often suggests considering an opposite-sex pairing when other factors are equal, but it cannot guarantee compatibility. Age, health, play style, size, social history and each dog’s comfort around resources also matter.
A lively puppy may overwhelm an older dog who wants quiet. Two dogs of the same sex may live comfortably together, while an opposite-sex pair may struggle. If your current dog is frightened of or aggressive towards dogs, get individual advice before bringing another one home.
Five questions to ask before choosing
- What does an ordinary day look like here? Include work hours, rest, exercise, grooming and the time you can realistically spend teaching a dog.
- What do we know about this dog’s behaviour? Ask for observations across different situations, not just “good with everyone”.
- What health information is available? Ask about relevant screening, veterinary care and any needs that could affect daily life.
- How will this dog fit with children and pets? Plan safe separation, calm introductions and adult supervision.
- What support will we have? A responsible breeder or rescue should welcome sensible questions and be honest about suitability.
Choosing a puppy from a litter
A single visit is only a snapshot. The puppy who is sleeping when you arrive might be full of beans an hour later. Ask the breeder what they have noticed over time, how the puppies have been raised and why they think a particular puppy suits you.
Try not to choose purely by colour, sex or who reaches you first. You are choosing a family member for years to come. Our questions to consider before getting a dog can help you talk through the practical side.
Bringing the new dog home
Prepare quiet resting places, barriers where needed and a predictable routine. Feed dogs separately and supervise early interactions. Give the resident dog breaks and avoid forcing them to share valued items or personal space. Use the RSPCA’s introduction guidance as a starting point, adapting the plan to the dogs involved.
For a puppy, our in-home puppy setup sessions help with routines and the home environment. Our Brisbane Puppy School builds early training and socialisation foundations. If you are adding an adult dog or managing a difficult introduction, ask us about individual behaviour support.
Common questions
Are female dogs always calmer?
No. Ask about the individual dog’s activity, recovery after excitement and comfort in your type of home. Sex alone will not answer those questions.
Does getting a second dog fix separation anxiety?
Do not choose another dog as a treatment plan. Discuss the existing dog’s distress with your vet and a suitably qualified behaviour professional first.
The right match is the one whose needs you can meet and whose company your household can enjoy. We are happy to help you think it through before the decision is made.
Give your dog a pat from us.
