Introducing a second dog into a  current dogs household

 

Introducing A Second Dog

 

 

Choosing the Right Dog

If the new dog is adult, try to select a dog that is to the best of your knowledge, accustomed to other dogs (i.e., one that is socialised). You should know your current dog well enough to know how well it gets along with other dogs. If it is a naturally submissive dog it probably does not matter too much whether the new dog tends toward submission or dominance.

However, if your current dog is dominant dog, your best bet is to acquire a dog that tends towards the submissive and is smaller than your current dog, Size can be important, as your established dog may feel threatened by a newcomer that is a  larger breed.

Introduce your established dog and the new addition in a neutral place, like a park or a garden that is new to both animals. It is better they meet outside then neither should feel cornered or enclosed. Both dogs should be on a leash. If your current dog is obedience trained, put him/her in a down/stay. Allow them to sniff one another and encourage play, discourage all aggression.

 

This is especially important if you are bringing home a new puppy as the older dogs will think it has found it and will more readily accept the pup when you bring it finally into your house.

 

Anxiety or Aggression

Should your new dog show anxiety or aggression, take the introduction slow and easy let the dog realise your existing dog is no threat, do not force the situation  allow your established dog to come and sniff the new dog. The new dog should learn to trust the established dog by realising that the he is not going to attack him, and your established dog learns that the new dog is acting either submissive or friendly to him. This fosters trust amongst the two animals.

 

If the dogs want to play, let them. In fact, encourage them, and do not interfere unless you feel you must. If you are in a secure area, you can let both dogs off the lead at this time.

Bringing Them Home
When you get them home the first thing you must do is establish a spot for each dog that is initially physically separated from each other. In other words kennels, crates, or even different rooms. Never feed the dogs together always feed the dogs if possible simultaneously in those separated areas (if in different rooms, close the doors while the dogs eat). If you must free-feed, the dogs should be placed in their respective areas for the entire time each one's food is down; you can also use these areas for "time-outs" when the dogs are misbehaving.

Quality Time
The second thing that is required is that you must be sure to spend quality time with your established dog. You may even need to increase the frequency of normal activities you would have with your established dog. This should keep him from feeling misplaced by the newcomer.

Finally, be sure and do activities with both dogs. This encourages the dogs to do fun things together, as well as fostering pack cohesion and communication. Make sure that both dogs realise you control the household. They will need to work out their own hierarchy amongst themselves, but they must understand that you are a benevolent controller and that you are ultimately in charge. Of all that is good.

 

 

© Stan Rawlinson

September 2006