Article Title: Resident Dog Meets Latest Four-Footed Family
Member
Author: Joann Henry
Even though dogs are very sociable creatures, introducing a new
puppy or dog to the resident pup in charge, can be problematic
at times. Not all dogs are receptive to having a new critter
taking some of the attention away from them. You will need to
prepare your house for the new arrival before you bring them
home. Put the dog toys, bones, food bowls and beds away, whether
you have ever seen the resident dog show jealousy when they are
around another dog before or not. This is easily accomplished
and will help make things go more smoothly.
To avoid any territorial issues, it is best not to bring the
new dog or puppy to your house or yard for that first
introduction. Take them to a neutral area and keep both dogs on
a leash. Ask a friend or a family member to go along so each one
of you has control of one dog. Let them be dogs & sniff each
other. They may bark or growl a bit or try to climb on top of
each other, just keep an eye on them and try not to intercede
until you see some type of clue that indicates a probable fight
lurking. If you have more than one resident dog, introduce each
dog to the new arrival separately before bringing the group
together. Allow them to do whatever it takes (short of taking a
chunk out of each other) to establish a relationship, with as
little intervention from you as possible. After the initial
meeting in a park or other common ground and IF they got along,
bring them into your home together, keeping them on a leash.
Take the leash off of the habitant dog when you first come
inside, but allow the new pup to explore the house with the
leash still attached. You can let the pup off of their leash but
only if the resident dog seems relaxed and cordial towards the
new family member.
Continue to follow your normal routine as far as meals, walks,
playtime and bedtime are concerned to keep things more familiar
for the resident canine. Spend quality time alone with each dog,
to bond with the newcomer, and also to make sure that the older
pooch does not feel as if they are being replaced by the
'outsider'. Monitor the dogs and how they interact with each
other before you leave them alone together. This may take a few
weeks until you see that they are comfortable enough with each
other to be in confined quarters together with no human
supervision.
About The Author: Joann Henry operates "Doggie Health Care"
http://www.DoggieHe
health. Sign up to receive her newsletter, & not only will you
get some free tips to keep your dog healthier, but FOR A LIMITED
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http://www.DoggieHe
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