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Tips On Introducing A New Dog
- Try to simulate an association first. Take your current pet to a friend's house and see
how the dog behaves with other dogs. Gradually introduce your dog to other dogs before
you start planning a new acquisition.
- Use neutral territory. Many dogs are protective of their property. Find a place that
belongs to neither dog for the introduction -- then hold your breath.
- Leashes and physical barriers may actually increase aggression. It is often better to
allow the dogs to see each other from a distance for a while. One strategy is to put the
dogs in two kennels, facing each other, about 4 feet apart.
- Investigate the possibility of providing a foster home for an animal from a shelter. This
gives you a chance to test the water and allows you to not make a commitment to keep the
pet until you are sure it will work out.
- Most pet owners have limited knowledge of their dog's behavior with other dogs. While
your dog gets along with your brother's dog, it may not get along with the new one. Try
to investigate your dog's tendencies ahead of time. If your community has a dog run, a
dog park or other fenced area, your dog's behavior in a group of dogs or with a strange
dog can give you some needed information about your dog's willingness to socialize.
- If there is a difference in age, plan for the changes that will occur as the younger
animal matures. Start anticipating changes in the relationship as the younger dog
reaches sexual maturity (approximately 7 to 9 months), and again when it hits maturity
(18 months to 2 years).
- Even though the dogs get along well at first, there may be trouble later. Ask your
veterinarian for the name of a qualified behaviorist -- before you bring the second dog
home.
- Have a game plan in place before you bring the dog home. Where will it sleep? Where will
it eat? Will you try to feed both dogs at the same time and place? Is your first dog
possessive of toys?
- Disrupting your first dog's living conditions may add stress to the relationship. Plan
to spend some additional time with your first dog, including a review of obedience
behaviors.
- Try to get the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist to guide you through this
process. Ask your veterinarian to refer you to someone who is qualified to help you.
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