A common question I get is how to introduce a new dog to an existing pack, or family. It can be quite the ordeal and lots of opportunity for failure if this is not done well. I have compiled a few tips and tricks for you.
1. Always pick a breed that will realistically fit with your lifestyle. If you will have multiple fur family members pick a breed that enjoys a bigger pack. Some dogs are single person dogs, they thrive with just one person they bond to and that is fine with them. But many dogs appreciate a fuller family. Pick a rescue that allows trial periods.
2. When going to pick up your new dog, take an item that smells like your existing dog or dogs(or even family members if no other dogs are present). Put that item with the dog while transporting. But don’t make a big deal about it. Just introduce the smells to the dog.
3. When you arrive at home with the new dog. Have another family member or friend (helper) to walk your existing dog or dogs outside the home on leash. And meet them on the trail away from home with your new dog. Then walk together. The humans should Greet each other without making eye contact with the dogs. And walk. Maybe this means you need to be 10 ft away from each other walking in the same direction, where you gradually get closer to each other as the dogs calm down.
4. Take a moment to allow the dogs to sniff the same items.
5. Allow the dogs to sniff each other. Don’t let either dog tuck their butts to not allow sniffing. There is important information shared during that interaction. Sniff and be sniffed.
6. Once the dogs are comfortable with each other, then head back to the house.
7. The house is a less neutral ground. And we are letting the new dog know what our boundaries are. Allowing the old dog to assert boundaries is fine, as well you should back them up and shoo the new dog away from any hot areas. All toys, food, water, and other resources should be put away and re-introduced when dogs can be contained. Starting with water. Then toys. Then food.
8. Contain the old dog, and let the new dog sniff and explore. Then reintroduce the old dog when the new dog calms. But only if the body language indicates that curiosity is the only excitement we are seeing.
9. After a period of time where you feel comfortable with the dogs interacting with each other, you can start leaving them for a few minutes at a time. You can go to the other room, and quietly listen to their exchanges to see if they are ok together. Increase the time and distance from them as you feel more comfortable. Don’t leave prized resources down for them to fight over when you aren’t available. I advise that containing both dogs to start when the grownups can’t be there to supervise, this separation can go on for a while.
10. Continue going on walks together. Exercise is the great neutral zone.
