One of the keys to a successful adoption of a new pet is to properly introduce him to your other pets in the home.
It is never a good idea to just bring the new pet into the home and set him free to meet the resident dog on his own. This can be perceived as very threatening to your resident dog and will set them up for a difficult relationship going forward.
Here are some tips to not only make your new pet feel welcome and well adjusted, but as importantly to ensure that your other pets are on board with this new addition to your pack:
- The first meeting should be on-leash outdoors on neutral ground away from the home.
- Walk the new dog separately for a good bit outside the area where he will be meeting his new friend.
- Then bring in the new dog on a leash and let them meet outside, walk around and sniff one another and perhaps even pee together!
- Avoid having both dogs meet face to face until they have sniffed side by side and become familiar with each other.
- Don’t have a tense leash. The dogs will be more comfortable and relaxed having a slack leash and room to maneuver
- Have a soft, friendly, positive tone of voice.
- Make this a fun adventure and take both dogs for a communal walk. Have treats on hand to reward both dogs for calm behavior.
- Make sure to encourage and pet your resident dog and to reward only good behavior.
- If there is a negative reaction such as growling or posturing, don’t punish the aggressor; rather take the dog to a safe space and let him calm down and ignore him for a bit. Then when he has relaxed, resume introducing the new dog from a safe distance and slowly bring them closer.
- If both dogs are exhibiting aggressive behavior (stiffening up, staring, growling or barking), take them to separate areas and try to reintroduce them at another time.
- If you have more than one dog to introduce, do it one at a time and gradually integrate the pack as each dog becomes familiar with each other dog.
- Once they are walking nicely side by side, on either side of their person, they can start to meet as playmates and interact face to face.
- When you are ready to enter the home, walk ahead of both dogs. Have them both sit at the doorway and then enter the home when you permit them to.
- Keep the leashes on for a short period of time (under supervision) until you are confident the dogs will not lunge or otherwise engage in a fight.
- Fill your resident dog’s water bowl with fresh water and show the new dog where his water and food will be kept, and let him see you fill the bowl.
Watch both dogs. Once you see safe, sociable behaviors you can remove the leashes.
Continue rewarding positive behavior with treats and/or affection. If the dogs begin to stare or show other negative reactions, control it immediately by redirecting the dog’s attention, with sound, a toy, or other distraction to regain control.
Acclimation may take a few days but by slowly introducing the new pet into the resident pet’s environment, you have a very good opportunity to set them both up for success.
If you found this article helpful, please read our other columns
For more information on bringing your new pet home
Photo Credits
Coco and Kirby, Sue Grundfest
Shooter and Ziggy, Kelly O’Shaunnessey
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