Introducing a New Dog to a Resident Dog
(Part 1 of 2)
Issues to consider before bringing a new dog home:
* Barking
If your present dog is not a barker, remember that
another dog may create a noisemaking situation. Even
if the new dog is not a barker, the two dogs together
may increase the excitement level so greatly that they
just can't help themselves. Perhaps they make noise
only when they are playing, but it can still be
irritating to those around you.
(Note: It is important to determine and address the
underlying cause of problems such as barking, not just
the symptoms.)
* Fighting
Some breeds or individual dogs tend to fight more than
others. If the dog you have an affection for is one
that has a tendency to be dog-aggressive, be prepared
to deal with this problem. (This might include
careful supervision when you're home, and total
separation of the dogs when you can't supervise them.)
* Training
Your present dog should be well trained before adding
another canine. Being able to control using basic
obedience commands is essential. Every dog should be
obedience trained using a gentle, mutual respect-based
training method.
If you have not given your pet reason to doubt the
sincerity of your motives or any reason to be
resentful or distrusting, you will not lose control
simply because there is another dog in the house.
* Pack Behavior
If you have two dogs and are adopting a third, you may
find that the two gang up on the new addition. When
two dogs create a united front against the newcomer,
intervene and take charge immediately to make the
transition work. Otherwise, the situation can become
dangerous.
Your pets will know you are leader if you have shown
them that the best thing in the world is to look to
you for guidance. When the dogs know that you make
the rules, they live by your standards. They will
work out a pecking order among themselves, and they
will continue to respect your authority. Make sure
they see you as master before they spend extended time
alone together.
* Gender
As long as you spay and neuter, one animal of each sex
is the most frequently recommended combination.
Peaceful coexistence depends on three keys -- the
unique personality of the animal, your attitude, and
your determination to make it work -- not just the
gender of the animal.
* Age
Getting another dog of a different age will generally
make things easier. If both dogs are adolescents,
they can be quite unruly. Although there are no set
rules, some trainers suggest that the best age
difference is around three years. This difference
seems to make the balance of dominant and submissive
positions evolve naturally. The development of
friendships can be more difficult with a larger age
span.
* Two Puppies
Training one puppy takes hard, dedicated work.
Training two puppies is twice the work.
If you know that you want two dogs, it is recommended
to get one dog and raise him with all of the manners
that you would expect your little canine buddy to
possess, and then add another. The older dog may
demonstrate the proper way to earn your attention and
admiration, and your new little charge may learn the
ways of your home more quickly.
* Attention
Keep your first buddy confident in the knowledge that
he is important. Letting your attention diminish
because of the new family member can produce jealousy
in your first dog, which may create aggressive
behavior and anxiety.
In dogdom, there is no equality; there is a definite
hierarchy, with one dog higher than the other. Your
new dog will not suffer a psychological blow if you
give the first dog more attention. Show your first
dog affection when the new dog is around.
* Dominance Issues
Bringing in a new animal companion will alter the
dynamics of the group, so this is an especially
important time to be aware of social order. Your
dominant dog should have his ranking reinforced by
being fed first, going through the door first (though
not ahead of you), and receiving your attention first.
* Keeping Order
Although the dogs must develop their own social order,
they must remember that you are still in charge. This
means being fair on reprimands as well as affection.
Any misbehavior, regardless of who started it, must be
handled equally (and with consistency). When play
gets too rough, all must be placed in a down-stay
position or separated until calm is restored. Make
the rules, and then back them up with necessary
action.
Do not let your resident pet think that the
relationship is up to his discretion. Do not force
the new dog on him, but make sure he understands that
he has no room to question your actions. You brought
the new family member into the home and he must accept
him. Even if the present dog does not want to
interact and build a friendship with the new addition,
he must cordially tolerate the existence of the
newcomer.
If one dog is continually getting into mischief, he
may be expressing a need for more attention.
* Making Introductions
Think positively. Act with authority and confidence.
Remember, what you feel and think translates to your
actions even if subconsciously, and your animals sense
your emotions.
Introduce the dogs in neutral territory. A secure,
fenced area works well. Opposite-sex introductions
tend to go smoother than same-sex introductions.
Also, if the dogs are neutered or spayed, you will
have an easier time.
Praise positive behaviors and avoid giving attention,
even negative attention, for undesirable behavior. Do
not reprimand, sweet talk, or in any other way
interact with your pet until he is calm and relaxed.
Be sensitive to signs of stress or incompatibility.
Supervise the interactions. Recognize a balance
between too much roughness and the natural behavior of
dogs working out a social order. During the
adjustment period, be patient and cautious.
* Once at Home
Provide them each a place to feel secure and
unintimidated in your home. Your first dog should be
able to relax in his spot without worrying that he
needs to protect it.
At meal time, feed at the same time but in separate
areas of a room. Separate with a gate or in different
rooms if either dog seems anxious.
Helpful websites include:
Next week: "Introducing New Dogs to Cats."
For more Dog Tips about traveling with dogs and other
care, adoption and the work PAW does, visit our
website at:
Partnership for Animal Welfare, Inc.
The following insights and techniques are adapted from
the book, "Creating a Peaceable Kingdom: How to Live
with More Than One Pet" by Cynthia D. Miller.
www.paw-rescue.org
P.O. Box 1074, Greenbelt, MD 20768