So you’re thinking of adding a new furry family member and giving your resident pet a brand new sibling? How exciting!
While introducing a new dog can be a little nerve-wracking at first, it’s totally possible to help your pets build a loving, lifelong bond when you go about it the right way.
Follow these 5 tips for introducing dogs, and you’ll set everyone up for success!
#1: Go Slowly and Remain Very Calm
The very first meeting between your current pet and the newcomer is crucial, so don’t rush things! Keep the introduction brief, and make sure all humans involved are relaxed and not showing any signs of stress or tension.
Dogs can easily pick up on our energy, so it’s important we stay calm, quiet, and relaxed throughout the process. Rushing it could lead to fearfulness or aggression in one or both pets.
#2: Use Neutral Territory
Introducing the dogs on neutral territory where neither pet has claimed stake is ideal for reducing potential conflicts over guarding their space or resources.
A friend’s house or fenced yard, or even taking the dogs on a walk together on unfamiliar grounds, makes an excellent neutral meeting spot.
#3: Carefully Supervise at All Times
As tempting as it is to let the fur kids run and play right off the bat, it’s imperative that you carefully supervise at all times during the initial introduction phase.
This allows you to look for signs of stress, agitation, aggression, or discomfort so you can quickly nip any potential problems in the bud before they escalate. Letting the dogs off-leash or left alone too soon can quickly turn ugly.
#4: Go at the Pace of the Slowest Pet
Every dog has their own unique personality, and some may take to a new housemate faster than others. That’s okay! Go at the pace of the shyest, most reserved, or most easily spooked pet during introductions.
Give that one plenty of time and space to get accustomed to the newcomer before diving into shared spaces, toys, or playtime. Rushing them will only heighten anxiety.
#5: Swap Scents First
Want to kickstart introductions on the right foot? Have your dogs swap scents by trading blankets or beds for a few days before the face-to-face meeting!
This lets them get accustomed to one another’s smells and pheromones so that new dog smell isn’t so shocking and scary when they meet nose-to-nose.
It may take some time, but introducing a new dog to your resident pet doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful!
With these 5 simple tips—using neutral territories, supervising closely, swapping smells, and going slowly—you’ll facilitate a smooth transition so your fur kids can build that beautiful, lifelong bond.
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