There are 78.2 million dogs & 86.4 million cats in America! That means there is more than 1 pet per couple. If you ever decide to fill the “2 per couple” ratio, Bully Sticks For Dogs can help you make the transition from a one dog family to a two dog (or more) family. Dogs can be very territorial so this process needs to be a slow and steady one.
1. Leave your current dog at home when going to pick up your new dog. You don’t want them to meet in the car ride home. It may not be a happy first meeting. Leave your current dog at home in a crate that is placed far from the door you plan to bring the new dog in. This whole process is about smell adaptation. It’s said that a dog’s primary sense is smell, so if your current dog can ease into the smell of a new dog, then the actual first meeting will be much pleasant.
2. Crate your new dog in the opposite end of the house. This is a great way for your old and new dog to smell each other and effectively get to know each other without any of the potentially aggressive side effects. Give them “scent articles,” such as toys or blankets that can be passed between the crates. This will help the dogs get used to each others scent.
3. Let the new dog get to know his new home. While your current dog is still in his crate, let your new dog wander around in the home so he can acclimate himself to the new surroundings. For the time being, the new dog should only be out of his crate for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This will give the new dog plenty of time to discover it’s new home. When the new dog goes back into their crate, place your current dog’s scent articles in the crate.
4. Now it’s your old dog’s turn. Let your current dog out, with the new dog still out of sight. Your current dog will probably go crazy for the first few times because there is a new scent all in his house! This is when your dog will need you most. Your old dog may feel a little uncomfortable, vulnerable or confused. Pay attention to your dog and let him snuggle with you on the couch or in a chair. Calmly walk around your home and let your dog be near you.
Following through with these short routines of switching out the dogs several times a day will help the dogs quickly get used to one another. When your dogs don’t hectically sniff around for the other dog on their breaks in the house, you’ll know they’re ready to meet.
5. The Meeting
The whole reason for the build-up to your dogs physical meeting is to lessen the chance of any dog aggression coming out. By this point they are very familiar with your dog just because of their scent communication. However,you don’t want to throw all of that effort out the window by introducing them in the wrong way. The right way includes introducing your dogs in a neutral area. This can be a neighbors backyard,a ball park or any unfamiliar enclosed space to both dogs. This way neither dog has a territorial advantage over the other. Even though you will be in an enclosed space, make sure both dogs are on leashes. Make sure you have a partner to help you hold the other dog as well. Here’s the process you should take for the first meeting.
1. Take separate routes to the meeting place, keeping both dogs out of each others sight.
2. Let your old dog run around the enclosed space with the other dog still out of sight. Then switch the dogs. Let the new dog run around the enclosed space while the old dog is out of sight.
3. Both dogs will smell a familiar smell while running around. When you feel the time is right, bring out both dogs, on leashes, to meet each other. The stress of the new dog should have passed for the old dog. They will sniff, play and the meeting should be completely aggression-free!
While at the meeting place, give the dogs small treats and speak in a light and happy tone. It should be noted to watch for body postures in dogs in case any unforeseen aggression should come up. Look for the positive sign of the “play-bow,” a sign that is playful. Be aware of any prolonged staring, hair bristling on the back or deep throated growls as these are all negative signs.
If you have more than one old dog to introduce the new dog to, make sure you do all introductions separately.
Hopefully you’ve learned how to make new dog introductions go off without a hitch! Your new dog will be romping with the pack soon enough!
