Introducing a New Pet to Resident Pets
(Part 1 of 3)
The following guidance is based on excerpts from
"Creating a Peaceable Kingdom: How to Live with More
Than One Pet" by Cynthia D. Miller (Animalia
Publishing). This book very helpful information for
anyone adding a new dog, cat, bird or other species to
their home, particularly people with resident pets.
Planning for Peaceful Introductions:
Until you have the new addition in your household, you
cannot be sure how relationships will develop.
Animals have unmistakable, distinctive personalities,
and they have their own likes and dislikes. If two
animals decide that they will not get along, there may
be constant battles, ranging from cold war to physical
scrimmages. You will be called upon to referee, and
you must act quickly and fairly to decide how to
remedy the situation. Some animals quickly, and
almost immediately, accept the new addition with
curiosity and approval.
If you intend to make changes in the environment (such
as adding a crate) or in the current routine (feeding
at a different time), then these alterations should be
initiated before bringing home the new pet. Giving
your current animals a prior opportunity to adjust to
these changes lessens the negative impact on their
lives when the new pet comes to live in the home.
Keep in mind that it is easier to introduce animals to
each other if none of them are adolescents.
Adolescence is a time for rebellion, activity and
feistiness. None of these qualities contribute to
successful introductions, but great friendships can be
developed despite them.
Be prepared to face any problems due to conflicting
personalities, and have a plan ready to enact to deal
with these challenges.
Have a number of alternatives and solutions in mind.
Do you have room in your house to keep the animals
separated until they can tolerate each other's
company? Are you equipped to set up a dog-free area
if your dog threatens your other animals? Can you
trust that all people in your home will be diligent
about keeping the animals in their respective
environments? Do you have the patience and
persistence to train the animals to respect each
other? If they can coexist peacefully when you are
present, can you provide a system to keep them apart
when you are not around?
Next week: Introducing New Dogs to Resident Dogs
For more Dog Tips about pet
care, adoption and the work PAW does, visit our
website at:
Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc.
www.paw-rescue.org
P.O. Box 1074, Greenbelt, MD 20768