Congratulations! You have made the decision to get a new puppy/dog.
Introducing a new dog or puppy to your family dog can be a mix of excitement and nervousness :o)
However if done correctly the transition will be smooth, in order to make this happen it is key to plan in advance and ensure that you continue to have a peaceful and calm household.
Understanding that your new dog or puppy has potentially never been in a house before will benefit both you, the resident dog and your new family member. If you are adopting a rescue dog, unfortunately many rescue dogs have either been abandoned or mistreated in their old life and they may need a longer time to adjust to their new life and surroundings.
We also recommend introducing your new dog over a weekend period, or a period when you can be at home for a few days at home to observe and supervise :)
We have put below some steps for consideration to ensure a successful outcome when introducing your new dog into your home.
Chose A Neutral Spot For The First Introduction
If possible when you are first introducing the dogs try and find a neutral spot which is outdoors and fully fenced. A neutral spot would be an area that neither dog has been to previously, and as such could not be considered 'owned' by frequent visits/walks etc. We advise that the 'neutral' spot is chosen is that taking your new dog into your home, or an environment that your resident dog is very familiar with may cause the resident dog to react differently as they consider this their 'territory'
Ideally this neutral space should be quiet and without other distractions (other dogs or people) hence a busy park would be not a ideal first introduction spot, however if you have friends garden that you could use (who doesn't have a pet) this may be perfect. Alternatively if there is a secure local park - this may be a consideration if there is a time of day that the park is very quiet.
If any of the above are not possible, the next best solution would be to introduce the dogs is an outdoor space with enough room for the dogs to roam on leads as they get to know each other.
No matter what location you chose for the first meeting - both dogs should always be on a leash at all times. This needs to be a standard leash and not a retractable type leash, as this can end up causing additional problems which you want to avoid.
Top Tip
Ensure that you put away anything which may cause a negative response. This would be dog toys, bones, beds, food bowls etc. It is key to consider anything at this stage that your existing dog may suddenly want to 'claim' such as a old toy that they haven't had any interest in for a while. You may find that with the introduction of a new dog, that this 'old' toy is all of a sudden the best toy ever!
Keep An Eye On Body Language
As mentioned above whilst the introduction always takes place in a neutral environment and on a leash - it is also key to keep an eye for positive (or negative) body language from both dogs.
Positive dogs body language would be: happy, wagging body language with an interest in one another. Negative dogs body language would be: hard stares, freezing, lowered or tucked tail or even freezing in one position.
In addition, look for any signs if one of the dogs is trying to get away (this are quite often misinterpreted) hence if you dog has come back to you, do not try sending them back into the situation, as this is likely to cause a negative response. If your dog has come back to you, they are typically trying to tell you that they need a time out and a break from the interaction - it is always key to listen to what either of the dogs are trying to tell you.
For the most part the first meeting is successful when following the advice given - however if you are unsure or not comfortable with the response that you are seeing, please do not hesitate to reach out to us for some guidance/advice. We can also help facilitate the first meeting in a safe and secure environment to ensure success :)
Walk The Dogs Together (on leash)
After a successful introduction, the next step would be to walk the dogs together (always on a leash). The dogs should be far enough apart that they are aware of each, but not close enough that they fixate on trying to reach each other.
Ideally for the first couple of walks - this tends to be much easier if you have someone that can walk with you. If you do not have this support network available, please reach out to us, so that we can help facilitate the first couple of walks together.
Always walk both the dogs in the same direction with a 'safe buffer' of space between them. Then turn back and trade places with the other dog-handler combination - the reason for doing this is to allow each dog the chance to scent where the other dog has walked. We also suggest allowing the dogs to investigate any 'pee' spots as smelling the urine is one of the ways that dogs can pick up information on each other.
At all times the handlers should remain calm, and keep a loose leash whilst walking. If both dogs are offering positive and social behaviours to each other, then you can start to gradually decrease the amount of space between them whilst continuing to walk in parallel with each other.
Top Tip
Try to avoid a direct face to face interaction between the dogs as they get closer together, as this can be stressful for the dogs and is not a natural way for dogs to meet
Interaction Off The Leash
If you are comfortable with how the dogs are interaction on leash, then it is time to consider introducing the interaction off leash.
To start this, ensure that you are back in a safe, enclosed and neutral environment (where possible).
Give the dogs a few minutes to sniff each other, whilst calming praising their interactions, and then encourage the dogs to walk forwards with you for a final brief walk
Top Tip
It is key that at every stage of Introducing the new dog, that you remain calm. Your body language remains relaxed, your voice is calm and no drama is inadvertently introduced by the dog handler(s) as this may cause either one of the dogs to react, and therefore not lead to the successful outcome desired
At this point, you may find that the dogs might want to continue sniffing each other to learn more about their new friend, or they may start playing together. Keep an eye on the universal sign that the dog wants to play. We call this a 'play bow' which is where your dogs front legs are on the floor and the bum is raised in the air.
Keep an eye on the interaction and ensure that this remains respectful and mutual at all times.
Introducing Into The Home Environment
After introducing the dogs as per the above steps, then you can introduce into your home.
Instead of introducing both dogs into the home at once, we suggest have a friend/family member taken your resident dog for a walk - this then gives your new dog time to look at the living space on their own. Never leave your new dog unattended at this point as they investigate their new home. We also suggest that the first experience of the new home is to keep the dog on a leash beside you. We appreciate that it can be tempting to just let your dog off the leash to 'go explore' but it is better to keep the initial investigation on the leash and avoid any potential unwanted situations
When they have checked everything out, take them into a more open area of your new home and away from the front/back door.
Top Tip
Avoid introducing the dogs in the home in a cramped or small space, as this may lead to unwanted behaviours as the resident dog may feel that they need to dominate for the position, which in turn may lead to accidental scuffles. As per the above make sure all toys, bones, bowls, beds etc are removed for the first introduction into the house
First Night
The first night should be like every other night, so that the nightly routine starts from the very first night. The dogs beds, place where they sleep etc should already be established to help them transition into the new routine.
We do not recommend that the dogs sleep in the same room during these early stages - this is to ensure that they both get the space that they need. As things progress, the night sleeping routine may change/adjust to allow the dogs to be together overnight.
Try not to change the resident dogs sleeping arrangements - if they sleep in your bedroom, you may decide that you also want the new dog to sleep in your bedroom - if this is the case, the easiest way to achieve this with the least stress, is to have a crate in the bedroom for your new dog (at least in the beginning) as this will avoid any potential situations overnight where you will not be ready to intervene if needed.
For hints and tips about introducing the crate - please check out our crate training blog :)
We would also suggest that each dog has their own water bowl to avoid conflict and ensure that they have water overnight if needed
Remember that the new dog may not be able to settle into a new home on the first night, and they may stir over night, or be off their food for a few days. This is all very new to the new dog and they may not understand at this stage that this is now 'home'. Time, patience, calmness and ensuring the same routine each day is the best way to speed up this process
Top Tip
Some dogs will adapt very quickly to the new surroundings and family life style. Other dogs (and especially rescue dogs) may never have had a home before, or never experienced life outside the yard/kennel. They may be shy, have been abused before and need extra love and attention to help them forget the life that they had before being adopted. Remember - everything always settles in time. One important item to note, is that if you new dog does need some extra 'love' to get them settled, the resident dog should also get some extra attention as well
Introducing The Family/Children
If you have children, it is important that the new dog is introduced to the children in the same manner as the resident dog is introduced.
We would recommend going on a family walk together first following the same principles as highlighted above.
It is very important that you let the new dog come and investigate/meet the children on their terms - as in the dog goes to the children vs. the other way around.
As mentioned throughout this blog any situation which raises excitement in your household should be avoided at first - the more time that the dogs have to become fully acquainted with each other before they need to have visitors/family over etc the better it will be in the long run. We therefore recommend that your children (and their friends) are supervised at all times until the dogs are fully settled into the home and environment
Top Tip
If you have children, do not allow them to hang onto the dog, hug the dog, put their faces to the face etc. Explain to the children that they will need to give the new dog some space for a little while to allow them to adjust.
Daily Life
As per the top tip above, always remain calm. Don't throw a 'Welcome Home' Party for your new dog on their first day home. It is key that the environment is kept as calm as possible as they learn to life with each other.
Maintain your residents dogs daily schedule, so that you keep a continuous routine that you resident dog is used to. We would also recommend that if you have children which walk the resident dog, that they do not walk the dogs together unsupervised until such time that both dogs are fully adjusted to the new lifestyle.
Top Tip
Try to set aside time to give each dog one-to-one time, we always suggest that you train each dog individually and that each dog has a solo walk whilst they are still acclimatising to each other
Always be aware of any signs that there may be 'tension' brewing between the two dogs, I would consider hard stares, low growls and body blocking etc as key signs. If you do notice any of these signs intervene and separate the dogs to give them some time-out from each other. If you do need to intervene, then always direct the dogs attention to something out, remembering to stay calm. In our house-hold we have baby gates, and as such if a 'time-out' was needed, we would the dogs in a separate rooms between the baby gate and each dog would be given a 'stuffed kong' to keep them entertained. Before reintroducing the dogs into the same room, the 'kong' would be removed.
Wait until you feel the dogs are comfortable with each before you start introducing valuable treats (such as bones, chews etc) and always supervise them when they are introduced. If the resident dog never gets these types of treats as they are aggressive over them, this needs to be the new rule for the new dog as well. If you want any behavioural guidance, please reach out to us.
Top Tip
Keep both dogs away from where food is being prepared and/or eaten (at least for the first few weeks) as if either dog is anxious about food, there could be unwanted behaviours which we are keen to avoid wherever possible
Dog Mealtimes
Always separate your dogs during meal times, so that they have their own space to eat peacefully.
As per the above situation with using 'stuffed kongs' we use a baby/dog gate to separate the dogs during meal times.
If one of the dogs finish first, do not allow this dog to then hoover over the other dog, or hoover near the baby/dog gate. To prevent any tension between the two dogs, always allow each dog to complete finish their food and lick their bowls clean. Always pick up the dog food bowls and put them away after each meal.
Top Tip
When using treats during daily activities, make sure that there are plenty for each dog. Whilst typically we would recommend 'high reward' value treats - in this instance it might be better to start out with less attractive treats as this will avoid any potential confrontation over them
Dog Beds & Introduction of Toys/Playing
Always ensure that each dog has their own dog bed, and own space.
Some dogs may get possessive of their beds, so it is key that they are acting appropriately around their beds
It is key that each dog has their own bed/space. For some dogs, they may prefer a crate/bed vs. a bed on its own. We recommend the use of crates, as used properly these become a safe and quiet space for your dog. You can also go on and train games/fun with them in the crate ;)
Top Tip
Even if you have a large dog bed that both dogs can get into - we do not recommend allowing them to share (at least until they are more comfortable with each other) and always recommend that they each have their own space
We suggest that toys are reintroduced back into the house slowly after the first introduction vs. bringing out a big box of toys straight away. Always supervise the dogs when they are playing and make sure that each dog has their own toy. Dogs who are not well socialised may not understand how to play and may play 'rough' at first - which can result in unwanted behaviours.
In addition, be mindful of playful interactions turning into guarding - such as standing over the toy or growling/snapping at the other dog. Be prepared to distract and re-direct the dogs to another activity if the play becomes too intense - as the dogs become more familiar with each other they will learn to regulate the play.
Separating The Dogs When You Are Away
Having some alone time is also an important aspect of the getting to know each other process.
Whatever you are leaving the house to pop to the shops, or simply take a quick shower, always ensure that you separate the dogs when you cannot watch them - as this will avoid any unwanted and potential confrontations. This then ensures that they are safe, and also allows that downtime and some time apart from each other.
We recommend to leave the dogs for short periods of time only at first to ensure that no problem arise when you are gone
Giving your dogs their own space etc, does not mean isolating either the new dog or the resident dog in another room and/or crate on their own for long periods of time. This will ultimately lead to resentment and will cause issues between the dogs in the long term. The purpose of having a second dog is to welcome a second family pet into your own home, and for the new dog to enjoy the same 'luxuries' as the resident dog
Play Time Breaks
Many dogs do not understand when to 'walk away' from play times - particularly when they having such fun together. However the non-stop playing can tip into inappropriate behaviours as/when the dogs start to get over tired.
Giving your dogs a break from each other allows them to relax and chill out. It is key at this stage that they have their own space to relax and have a 'break' from each other.
Top Tip
We use the command 'game over' so that our dogs are aware that the current play time has finished and its time for chilling :)
Have Patience
It can sometimes take a couple of months for your new dog and your resident dog to get fully comfortable with each other, so have patience with them as they are learning to live with each other and the routine.
If you have a new rescue dog, it can take six weeks for your new rescue dog to decompress into their new environment - hence calmness and patience is absolutely key to ensuring success.
Always calmly praise the positive interactions between the dogs and enjoy watching the lifelong friendship blossom!
Final Thoughts
Its important to note that not everything will be plain sailing from day one. This could be from puppy potty training to having visitors over for the first time, not everything will go exactly as you planned, and that's okay - as its all part of the adjustment and training period.
Also every dog has a different personality, even two dogs of the same breed can differ in behaviours and learn at different rates. As long as you are consistent, patient and calm then everything will settle.
One final consideration is to make sure that you are getting the new dog for the right reasons, for instance if you have a dog which has separation anxiety and the reason for getting a new dog is to try and help with this - you may find that the resident dog will remain distressed even with other dogs in the household. It is key to understand and resolve the resident dogs anxieties prior to introducing another dog into the household, as this may actually introduce new problems.
Need Further Help?
Many new owners benefit immensely by attending training classes or puppy classes (for the younger dog) to help with the training and getting that bond with your new dog.
Dogs of all ages benefit from training, but it also helps transition dog and owner into their new life together.
コメント