Here are some very helpful dog tips for introducing a new dog into your home with your other dogs.
Sadie, a 9 month old Golden Retriever pup came into our home for training to be a Service Dog. Knowing that she had the proper temperament for the work she is about to do, makes a huge difference in a healthy transition into my home with 3 other dogs and a cat. However, it doesn’t matter if you are bringing a dog in for training or just a companion dog as a pet; knowing the temperament of the new dog as well as your own dog makes all the difference in the world.
One way of making sure the introduction goes smoothly is to be very keen on dog body language. If you’re not, you won’t know how they are feeling, nor will you know when or if you should intervene. These dog tips will help.
TIPS:
- Know the temperament of all dogs involved.
- Introduce outside on neutral ground.
- Introduce off leash in a safe fenced in area and only with the dogs involved. If you can’t do it in a safe fenced in area and must do the introduction on leash. Follow the 3 second rule approach.
- Best yet; go for a walk, taking any tension and energy off of them and on the environment instead.
- Remove toys inside the home and outside.
- Remove all bones or food related items inside and outside the home.
- Leave your treat pouch somewhere else. (we want to eliminate any resource guarding or food possession).
- Learn to speak dog. If you can’t read their body language you won’t know if they are anxious, fearful or aggressive and a fight could ensue. Signs of anxiety would be: stiff stance, closed mouth, direct stare, drooling, stiff upright tail, yawning, look away and many more. Get the Dog Decoder app to see 60 images of dog body language to keep you, your dogs and your family safe.
- Remain as quiet as possible. Let the dogs listen to each others body language with our interruptions. Dogs sense our anxiety. This is hard to do but keep your mouth closed and pay close attention to what they are communicating through their body language.
Taking these important dog tips into serious consideration can lead to a lifelong journey of joy and companionship for everyone.