Man's best friends may not be as friendly to their own kind. When you bring a new dog into your home, dogs who already live there may feel threatened. Follow these steps to avoid problems when introducing a new dog to your home and its canine residents.
Instructions
1. Take your current dog to play with other dogs in your neighborhood or at a dog park. Note how she gets along with the other dogs, and address aggressive behaviors by taking her to obedience school.
2. Visit the new dog. Whether the new dog is in a kennel or still with his mother, spend time with him outside of your home. Note his aggressive behaviors and resolve them before bringing him home.
3. Bring scents from your home to your new dog. You want to acquaint your new dog with the odors of her new life. A blanket, a dog toy or freshly worn clothing carry smells of your home.
4. Take the item(s) from Step 3 back to your current dog. Let him smell the object to familiarize himself with the scent of the new dog.
5. Introduce your two dogs slowly. Have your current dog on a leash in a comfortable area of your home or outside. Bring the new dog, also on a leash, to your current dog.
6. Allow the dogs to sniff each other. Release each dog from the leash and let them continue to check each other out. If they show their teeth, fight or bite, separate the dogs immediately.
7. Keep the dogs apart as much as possible for the first few weeks. Set up different sleeping areas for the dogs. Use a crate for the new dog, especially if you're house-training her, but allow your current dog to continue his existing sleeping arrangements.
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