So, you got a new dog to add to your family and you already have a pup or a cat. I’m sure you realize it’s not as simple as opening the door and expecting them to be besties right off the bat. Adding a new canine family member is work for everyone in the household. Learn how to properly handle dog introductions below.
Dog Introduction Expectations
Just because a dog came from a home that had other dogs or cats doesn’t guarantee an easy introduction or transition to your resident pets. Just like humans, dogs like some dogs and dislike others. Do you like every single person you meet? I’d say probably not, so why expect your dog to?
Dog Introductions to People
It is just not four-leggers your new dog has to adjust to. Even when purchasing a puppy, you can never be 100% certain what your dog’s history or ancestry is. Did they get excellent socialization? Were their parents’ dogs with no behavior issues? Keep in mind, some behaviors like guarding and aggression are partially hereditary. If you rescued a dog (and good for you!), your dog may have never seen a child, an elderly person, or a person of a certain race before. Your dog may have suffered at the hands of a man who wears a hat and therefore exhibits fear towards all men wearing hats. If you rescued a dog from a breeder, it may have never even been in a house before.
Transition Period
We give you these examples to help you understand that your dog is a feeling being who has a history that should be respected. Do not assume that there will not be a transition period or that your dog is going to jump right into your family without issue. Please don’t be discouraged if this is the case. Many dogs will need a transition period. We want you, however, to have realistic expectations and give you suggestions for when your dog needs some gentle introduction and some time to transition.
The suggestions we provide are very general and designed for a dog that just needs time. And time is essential for some dogs. Please do not rush the process because you feel confident. Good things come to those who wait. Taking time to make everyone feel safe is crucial when adding a new furry family member.
Every case is different and if you find yourself overwhelmed or just unsure of what to do, please reach out to Furry Fundamentals (or a force-free trainer in your area), if you are outside of the Charlotte, NC area and unsure of who to contact, please go to this website: https://www.petprofessionalguild.com/Zip-Code-Search It has a complete list of force-free trainers who have met the guidelines set forth by a national organization.
Dog Introductions the Safe Way
We suggest if at all possible, have a second person with you for first-time dog introductions. First, you can’t do the necessary walk alone and second, you need a second set of hands in case something doesn’t go as planned.
Start by taking your dogs on a lovely, calm walk in a neutral area. You should begin with the dogs a minimum of ten feet apart (if your dog has leash-based reactivity, reach out to a professional for help introducing your dogs). If you are walking in an area with the canine version of good smells, they might not even acknowledge each other. Good stuff! But don’t let it fool you… they are completely aware of each other’s presence. But allowing them to spend time together doing what dogs do best (exploring with their nose) helps them spend time together with no tension or expectation. As your walk successfully progresses, decrease the distance until the humans are side by side and the dogs are still having a pleasant walk.
If this doesn’t go well, do not proceed. Consider calling a force-free trainer. If it does go well (and we hope it does!) drop the leashes. We want to continue our introduction on neutral territory. Find a large park or field that is enclosed and safe to drop the leashes. Safety is always number one. You want the leashes as a precaution in case you do need to separate them. Do not leave them for an extended period of time. As with training, we want to end on a good note. Tired dogs can be cranky dogs and that does not benefit their meeting.
Beyond the Initial Dog Introduction
Did that go well? Let’s take it home! If it does not, do not proceed. Please keep in mind you will do damage (sometimes irreparably) if you progress when your dogs aren’t ready.
Keep those leashes on! But take them to your backyard (if applicable) or indoors. Be mindful of their body language and end on a pleasant note. Just because it is going well doesn’t mean you should let it continue. You might end up with a cranky dog and end on a negative note. Give them a break from each other. Give them individual attention and a high-value treat, toy, or chew, away from each other. We want them both to feel happy and reward as a result of their time with each other.
Supervised Dog Visits
Continue to allow them to spend time together when you can supervise them. Do not feed together or leave toys, treats, or chews down when they are together. You never know when someone will choose to guard something. As time progresses, you can begin to feed close by or leave toys down (when you are there) and see how well they share and play when resources are involved.
Do not assume because they get along when you are home, they will be able to spend 6, 8,10 hours together without issue. Safety first! When they can’t be supervised, separate your pups; crates in different rooms, a baby gate between floors, free-roaming in different rooms where they don’t have free access to each other.
Take one day at a time and closely monitor their interactions. It is always better safe than sorry! (yes, we used lots of old adages this blog J)
Check back for a guide to introducing your dog to cats and new family. If you need help with dog introductions, reach out to Furry Fundamentals.