\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. If youre not reasonably confident that introductions will go smoothly, you might do well to engage the services of a qualified behavior professional to help your dog meet new friends, at least the first time or two. If you are still considering getting a second dog, you should consult a veterinarian first to ensure that the new pet is a good fit for the family and home. In fact, it was the very best thing I have ever done for my dogs. If you are bringing a new puppy into your home, do not leave the puppy in the company of your adult dog unsupervised. It is worthwhile to give two dogs a chance to settle into their new surroundings in order to avoid potential conflicts. Be patient. People will think that youre strange for imposing strict rules for your dog, but remember, doing so protects them and other people from getting hurt. 2023 Animal Humane Society. Both dogs should be on a leash and have a solid understanding of basic obedience commands. If that's not possible, however, use these tips for an introduction at home: Keep in mind:Some posturing and mild aggression can be normal as dogs become more comfortable, even after a successful first few days or weeks. Once the resident dog seems relaxed, the new dog can be allowed to approach them. How To Introduce Two Dogs To Each Other! The challenge can be difficult, but it is well worth it to have a happy and healthy family. containerEl: '#fd-form-5ff22610166cbac66ce08ff4'
If you engage in aggression, you must be aware that it will never be tolerated and must be addressed as soon as possible. Ive been working with dogs since I was a child and have been dedicated to helping them learn and grow ever since. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Im Dolev, a passionate dog trainer and expert. When one dog looks at the other one, they get a treat. Other than those few events a year, theyre best of friends. After a few minutes, introduce your old dog to the new dog. I have just rehomed a 7 mth old rescue dog from a rescue sanctuary I actually volunteer at. The owners should allow the dogs to sniff each other and get acquainted before letting them play. to keep the other dog at bay. While it is certainly possible for your dog to become a recovering reactor so to speak, this comes with repetition, trust, and guidance. All rights reserved. Hosted by Sabrina Tavernise. If your dog is a shrinking violet, shell be happiest with a new companion who doesnt come on like a freight train or bully her playmates mercilessly. Rendy Schuchat. Lets not chemically damage our dogs with lemon juice acid that could burn corneas. Save yourself heartache and money. If you observe behavior that looks like outright reactivity or aggression, youll need to make a judgment call about whether the intensity of the behavior is such that you need to stop and seek professional assistance, or mild enough that you can proceed with caution. The problem is finding other people that are willing to walk with you (a total stranger, haha). #2 - Feeding multiple dogs can be challenging and time-consuming. 1. After a few seconds, distract them with treats and redirect their attention back to you. (Aggressive Dog!) Socialization is a vital part of a dog's care, but it is not always easy. If everything goes well, the dogs can be allowed to interact more freely. When they continue to appear reasonably relaxed, you may choose to end the introduction for the time being. When you select your dogs playmates, its important to consider what sort of dogs might make good personality matches and which might be a disaster. Verbally praise a good interaction, and keep the leashes loose. Having a compatible relationship can be rewarding and life-long for those who are fortunate enough to have one. I have seen more than one greeting that appeared to be going well until one or both humans tightened their leashes and boom! Play together. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. With over 20 years of experience, Rendy specializes in positive dog training and behavior modification to help people build and strengthen their relationships with their dogs. Alternatively, you may decide to proceed with dropped-leash greetings. But if she is restrained by a leash and knows she cant move away, shes more likely to behave defensively aggressive. Enjoy! If they start to get too worked up, separate them and try again another day. If the dogs are sniffing each other they are learning important information about the other dog. Here are some basic steps for introducing a cat and a dog: Before starting the introduction, let your new family member settle in by confining him or her to an enclosed area of the house for a few days. And again, if you have more than one dog, introduce each dog separately to the cat. Adding a second canine companion to your home can add extra fun, give your first dog a playmate, and help fill a personality or activity gap from the first dog. Spend twice as much time teaching your dogs basic manners (puppy commands). I often wonder if walking him off leash is feeding his reactiveness(?). 3. More than that, she warns, and you risk injury to the smaller dog if the larger one is too energetic or aroused. And if you have a dog who cant, accept him for who he is. Other dogs owners will assure you that its fine, and to just let the dogs sort things out., Trust me, its not fine, and letting the dogs sort things out has resulted in too many altercations. I prefer not to let dogs meet and greet with handlers holding the leashes. Feed the dog and give it water, which will calm it down and get it ready for the grand tour. I take every opportunity to work with my dog. Let the dogs walk away and "forget" each other. Let another adult handle one of the dogs, and make sure both dogs are on short, loose leashes. Protect the senior dog from being physically damaged bumped, bruised, body-slammed, or knocked over by a rambunctious pup. A large, uncluttered garage or warehouse space might work. If tensions between the dogs escalate or maintain at the same level of intensity despite your on-leash work over several sessions, the wise choice may be to look for a different playmate. This will help them get comfortable with the new smells and sights. Put up with one or both dogs' barking, crying, and being frustrated that they're not included. This article was co-authored by Rendy Schuchat. Supervise: Keep your eyes on both dogs at all times, whenever they are together, until the adjustment period is over. In most cases, the "old" dog that has already been residing in your home may feel territorial and defend their home against the "new" dog. Follow these steps to introduce dogs to another dog: Leash both dogs at first and keep a safe distance, i.e., on opposite ends of the space. Can you handle the additional cost? Some people have advised that the dogs refrain from coming into contact with one another for at least 48 hours following the fight, even if they live together, while others recommend that the two animals interact as soon as possible, at the very least, after the fight ends It is critical to keep them separated so that they are not distracted or occupied by each other; provide them with plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied. Rendy Schuchat is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of the largest dog training facility, Anything Is Pawzible, based in Chicago, Illinois. After a few minutes, introduce your old dog to the new dog. The most unbelievable part is that the rude dogs owner will say that your dog is so rude!! Rendy was voted one of the Best/Favorite Dog Trainers in Chicago by Chicagoland Tails Readers Choice Awards multiple times and was voted Chicago Magazines Best Dog Whisperer in 2015. There is absolutely no shame in hiring a trainer. Want to become AnimalWised? Your job is to supervise so that things dont get out of hand. As an animal behaviorist/trainer for over 30 years, I am impressed with this article. As the clock ticks down toward an unprecedented US debt default, the world's second- and third-biggest economies are watching in fear. So then, how do you successfully introduce your dog to new canine friends? I'm so glad that my article helped and I hope you continue to have success with Lolly! (You have to plan for this in advance.) How the dogs interact in their first few encounters can set the tone for their entire relationship, so follow these steps to set their relationship up for success. Most articles I read just aren't helpful in terms of actual actionable things pet owners can do to help their pups! Fortunately, the majority of our dogs can have canine playmates, although we sometimes need to help them be friends. formId: '5ff22610166cbac66ce08ff4',
Understand: The puppy was your idea, not your dogs. It often ends with them setting their dogs up to fail, or even putting them in potentially dangerous situations. Dont panic! Take the dogs for a walk along a different route than your dog is used to. The aim of any program developed would be to reduce anxiety levels associated with introducing two dogs into one household. Let's fir. You may have forgotten how much time is required to dedicate to training and, Is your family on board? With over 20 years of experience, Rendy specializes in positive dog training and behavior modification to help people build and strengthen their relationships with their dogs. After a short while, tie up the passive dog and play fetch with the aggressive dog. For example, tie up the aggressive dog and play fetch with the other dog. We also just got a 4 month old Aussie (less than a week ago) and she's very fearful of other dogs, so much so that she pees herself if they approach her. It can be difficult to get two animals to get along, but it is well worth the effort in the end. Happy, tired dogs are more likely to interact well than those who are bursting with energy. Thats what I do with my German Shepherd. This could lead to paralysis, loss of bladder and intestinal control, pain, and very costly veterinarian visits. If the aggressive dog starts barking or whining, reassure your pet verbally but don't play with her or pet her. I have been a dog owner for almost 3 years. No retractable leashes. It can be exhausting, but it also keeps reactivity at bay and builds your bond because they see that youve got their back. Learning how to manage them and navigate the world for them takes a lot of time and patience but, with the right training it is entirely possible for many anxious dogs to meet new dogs and people without issue. For example, You can pet him, but dont touch his head or give him a hug. If other people dont want to do that, then I dont bother with them. 1. ET. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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