May 03 2009
When Introducing a New Dog into the Home
Introducing a new dog into your household does not have to be a complex even, it is in fact rather simple. For the most part dogs adjust really well and adapt quickly to a new environment, even to one where there are other pets such as another dog or maybe a cat.
The following are some tips that may come in handy when introducing a new dog into the home that already has another dog.
1. If there is already a dog at the house, introducing them on leashes is not a bad idea. This way if they do not get along, you and another person can easily pull the dogs back to separate them. If there is more than one dog already at the house or being brought home, again do the introductions on a leash and one at a time till all dogs have met, then two at a time with one new or vise versa.
2. Wagging tails is a great sign when introducing dogs, and sniffing may look rude but it is necessary. When the tails stop wagging then there may be an issue but do not be alarmed unless growling or fighting happens, just keep an eye on them. This is dogs getting to know one another and setting there boundaries.
3. When introducing the new dog, do so in an area at the house that is open and not another animals special place. This will make sure the new dog does not feel confined or trap in this new place and an existing dog will not feel as though he is being invaded.
4. You want to comfort the new dog, make him feel comfortable. If there is another dog however, you do not want to give the new dog more attention than him, he could get jealous and that could lead to fighting. This will only last a short time or may not be a problem it all.
5. Feeding is best done in separate bowls and do not let them switch bowls, they should stick with there own. This will prevent fighting over food and one dog hogging all the food or even guarding it. A water bowl can be shared that is not normally a problem.
6. When your new dog is picking his new spot in the house, do not let him take the spot of your other dog, this could cause jealousy and lead to fighting. Dogs already in the household will already have adjust to the new dog, kicking them out of their spot is going to far.
7. Toys are another thing that dogs can be territorial over and a new dog should receive a new toy all of his own and getting one for your other dog would not be bad idea as well, kinda like “be a good boy now.” Getting a new toy for your new dog will also make him feel more comfortable in his new place, he will have something no other dog has had and it is all his.
