Introducing a new dog to your dog.
Once you have a dog that has established it's territory in your home and yard, adding another dog can be a little touchy. There are some things you can do to make life easier for everyone.
If you crate trained your first dog, you might consider having a crate on hand for the next dog. This will give the second dog protection, and let you have peace of mind when you have to leave the area where the dogs will be. Don't expect the dog you have now to invite another canine into it's space without a little fuss.
Before bringing the new dog into the house for the first time, think about trying this: When you go to get the new dog, bring a blanket or towel that has the scent of the first dog. Place this near the second dog, or if it is a small dog, wrap the pet in the item. Once you return home, bring the blanket or towel to the first dog before you bring the second dog into the house. If the first dog becomes somewhat familiar with the scent of the second dog, it might easier to introduce the new pet.
Some suggest having the fir
st dog meet the second dog outside. It could be less traumatic to your pet to do this, and then slowly invite the second dog inside, watching your current dog's reaction. Having a second adult with you as you try this is a very good idea.
Another idea is to offer a toy to your first dog, and a toy to the second dog. Try to get the dogs into a friendly game, keeping both on leads so that you have control when you need it. After a few minutes, attempt to walk the dogs around your yard, either with your holding both leads, or with a friend hold one of the leads.
Understand that the dogs need to get close to each other, and check each others scent. There might be a little growling, which you want to stop immediately. You need to be in control here.
Don't attempt this while the dogs are hungry. Be sure both dogs have been fed before you start this. For the first few feeding you may want to put the dogs away from each other so there is no issue before they become buddies.
Some find it just takes a few minutes to make both dogs happy. For others it is days, or longer. Being patient will pay off.
If you crate trained your first dog, you might consider having a crate on hand for the next dog. This will give the second dog protection, and let you have peace of mind when you have to leave the area where the dogs will be. Don't expect the dog you have now to invite another canine into it's space without a little fuss.
Before bringing the new dog into the house for the first time, think about trying this: When you go to get the new dog, bring a blanket or towel that has the scent of the first dog. Place this near the second dog, or if it is a small dog, wrap the pet in the item. Once you return home, bring the blanket or towel to the first dog before you bring the second dog into the house. If the first dog becomes somewhat familiar with the scent of the second dog, it might easier to introduce the new pet.
Some suggest having the fir
Another idea is to offer a toy to your first dog, and a toy to the second dog. Try to get the dogs into a friendly game, keeping both on leads so that you have control when you need it. After a few minutes, attempt to walk the dogs around your yard, either with your holding both leads, or with a friend hold one of the leads.
Understand that the dogs need to get close to each other, and check each others scent. There might be a little growling, which you want to stop immediately. You need to be in control here.
Don't attempt this while the dogs are hungry. Be sure both dogs have been fed before you start this. For the first few feeding you may want to put the dogs away from each other so there is no issue before they become buddies.
Some find it just takes a few minutes to make both dogs happy. For others it is days, or longer. Being patient will pay off.
Tags & Keywords : dogs, dogs as pets, second dog as pet
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