Many dog owners often have more than one dog. Adding another dog to your household often provides your current dog with a companion. This can significantly improve the life of your dog. There are often complications with introducing a new dog to your dog in the beginning, though.
The First Day of Introducing a New Dog to Your Dog
Introducing a new dog to your dog can be complicated on the first day. This may come as a shock to your dog with not expecting a new dog to arrive at his home. When you pick up your new dog, you should not bring your current dog with you. This could create more tension than is necessary. Introducing the dogs on a neutral territory is also highly recommended. A quiet park, for example, could be their meeting place; this way your current dog does not feel as if he has to defend his territory against the new dog.
You should also make the experience as positive as possible when introducing a new dog to your dog. You should act happy while introducing the two dogs. Be sure to observe each dog’s body language while introducing the dogs as well. The dogs’ body language will tell you what they are feeling.
Encouraging Bonds Among Dogs
As previously stated, your dogs may experience complications with getting along at first. This is not unusual. In order to avoid “arguments” among the two dogs you should ensure they are not in competition with anything. This could be toys, water, food or even a favorite blanket. When the dogs begin to growl or bark at one another, you should discontinue the negative interaction by interrupting them.
If you have any questions or are unsure of how to go about introducing a new dog to your dog, you should contact our dog behaviorist for assistance. Learn more about dogs and cats: Can dogs and cats be best friends ?
Amber Johnson, Animal Behaviorist
Miss Amber Johnson has many years of experience with pets and is a licensed cat and dog nutrition and behavior specialist. She currently collaborates with PetPremium where she counsels clients in pet behavior and nutrition. The statements made in this article are the personal opinions of Miss Amber Johnson and based on independent experiences and could be different from the opinions of PetPremium Pet health Insurance or any other pet health insurance provider.
