How to safely introduce your new dog to your resident dog

Why dogs don't bond right away?

Dogs have personal tastes, just like people, so they might not click with every dog they meet right away. The bonding process can be impacted by compatibility in play styles, energy levels, and preferences for personal space. Days, weeks, or even months may pass before the dogs bond, contingent upon several variables including temperaments, prior experiences, and how the introduction and subsequent interactions are handled.

Certain dogs are inherently more gregarious and extroverted, facilitating their ability to form fast bonds with other dogs. Some kennels might be more reticent or nervous, which would take longer to get along with; unfavourable experiences or a lack of socializing might make dogs more wary and slow to form bonds. Dogs who have previously bonded well with other dogs are probably going to do so more readily.

Younger dogs and puppies may be more adaptive and attach more quickly, however, it may take a dog who is older or less energetic some time to become used to a new friend.

Heatstroke in dogs

Preparation

Careful preparation and attention to the physical surroundings as well as the emotional needs of the participating dogs are necessary for the establishment of a successful dog bond.

Recognize the energy level, temperament, and socialization background of both dogs. This aids in preparing the introduction and anticipating any difficulties. Ensure both dogs are in good health and have received their necessary vaccinations to stop illnesses from spreading during the introduction.

Designate distinct spaces in your house where each dog can go when they need privacy. These could be distinct rooms or areas within the home, each furnished with a bed, playthings, and water bowls. During the early phases of bonding, control the dogs' movement and safeguard their safety by using crates or baby gates.

Make sure that both dog collars and leashes are comfortable and strong for gradual introductions. Keep an ample supply of toys and goodies on hand to encourage play and reward good behaviour and establish distinct feeding stations to avoid rivalry and ease tensions during mealtimes.

How do I care for my puppy?

The introduction process

It can be a difficult procedure to introduce a new dog to your existing dog; it takes patience and careful planning.

If you are bringing a new dog home, introduce it to your existing dog in a space where neither dog has established a territory, such as a park or a friend's yard. To maintain the peace with both dogs, choose a time and location that is calm and free of distractions. During that time make sure both dogs are wearing harnesses and leashes, but keep the leashes loose to prevent stress.

At home, while the resident dog is kept apart but can view, let the new dog explore the house. Allow them to engage more directly over time while being supervised. For the first few days, keep an eye on every encounter to ensure everyone behaves well and increase the time the dogs spend together gradually, so they can develop their social dynamics. To assist your dog in coping with the new family member and lessen stress, try to maintain as much of their current routine as possible.

Start with parallel walks so the dogs can see each other but are too far apart to communicate. In this way, they assist acclimate to one another's presence. As you walk the dogs closer together, gradually close the gap between them; as long as they are calm, let them grow closer. Keep a cautious eye out for any signs of stress, fear, or aggression (such as growling, rigid posture, or intense staring) in both dogs. Step up the distance and take your time if either dog exhibits signs of discomfort.

For a short while, let the dogs smell each other if they seem at ease and maintain a brief yet constructive exchange. Treat and praise the dogs after they have interacted for a little while before separating them, this makes the interaction seem good in memory. Gradually extend the amount of time they spend together over a few days while maintaining these supervised interactions.

Assign equal resources, care, and attention to both dogs to avoid competition or jealousy and ensure that playing doesn't turn into a show of superiority. With a cool instruction, stop physical play and refocus their attention.

If the puppy or new adult dog is very energetic or hyper, shorten meetings and then gradually extend the amount of time you spend with them as they settle down. Give both dogs lots of exercise and mental stimulation to help them burn off extra energy and become less hyperactive. Reduce noise and other distractions during the first few contacts to establish a peaceful atmosphere.

Dog treats

Monitoring and managing behaviour

It is essential to observe and regulate behaviour during the dog introduction process to facilitate a seamless transition and avoid confrontations.

When two dogs play together, keep an eye out for reciprocal play. Seek for soft eyes, relaxed ears, and loose, wagging tails, as these signs indicate the dogs' comfort level. Open-mouthed, carefree play biting, bouncing, and bowing (play bow) are common examples of playful behaviour, however, rounded ears, fixed gaze, stiff tail, or stiff body posture could all be signs of uneasiness or even aggression. While lowered body position, a tucked tail, or averting eye contact can all be signs of submission, too submissive behaviour could be interpreted as fear. Stress or worry can be indicated by yawning, lip-licking, turning away, or panting when the weather is not hot.

Separate the dogs quietly and without punishment as soon as aggression appears. Consult a qualified behaviourist or dog trainer to evaluate the circumstances and create a plan for changing the behaviour.

It may take weeks or even months for dogs to acclimate to one another completely. Approach the situation with patience and consistency. Keep a careful check on their interactions and behaviour, noting any improvements or reoccurring problems. As the dogs' behaviour and comfort levels change, be adaptable and ready to modify your tactics.

Puppy farming and how to avoid supporting them

Final integration

The process of completely integrating a puppy or new adult dog into the life of a resident dog is known as final integration which allows them to live together in harmony and comfort inside the house. After the dogs have successfully interacted under supervision and are behaving either positively or neutrally toward one another, this step takes place.

Gradually give the dogs unsupervised time spent together inside the house. Begin with brief intervals and extend when you are at ease. If problems occur, go back to previous integration processes, like employing barriers or supervised interactions, for a while until the issue is fixed. Seek advice from a qualified dog trainer or behaviourist to help with the final integration if serious problems continue.

For both dogs, maintain a regular feeding, walking, and play schedule, as this arrangement strengthens their relationship and lessens stress. To strengthen your dog's bond, take them on walks, play fetch, or take them to training sessions; these are activities that both dogs will love.

Ensure both dogs always interact in a good or neutral manner, without displaying any signs of fear, aggression, or extreme stress. Common rooms such as the living room, kitchen, or yard should be easily shared by both dogs without any problems.

Reward positive behaviour with prizes and praise when the dogs play together or interact gently. Take the dogs on walks or excursions to the park when you go on them; excursion experiences together can deepen their relationship. If necessary, give each dog some alone time to recuperate and unwind on their own where they feel safe in their surroundings. By doing that, they can avoid becoming overwhelmed.

Consider the integration process accomplished when there are no indications of stress or conflict and both dogs are completely at ease with one another. Continue giving the dogs chances to connect and spend quality time together, ensuring a peaceful, long-term partnership.

Dog friendly summer activities