Introducing Fido to his new friend

Adding a new dog to your family is always a challenge when you have another dog at home. The mistake many people make is that they rush the introductions, not giving either dog a chance to get comfortable. If you are going to be adding a new dog to your family, remember to take the introduction process slow and follow these simple tips to help your dogs get to know one another.

The First Meeting

Don't just toss the dogs together in a situation and hope for the best. The first time your dogs meet should not be in the back seat of your car as you bring your new dog home. In fact, that shouldn't be the second or third time they meet, either. No matter how well your dog gets along with a new dog, it's still risky to confine them to such a small space right after they've just met, especially one your dog might consider part of his territory. Leave your dog at home when you go to pick up your new pet, then complete the introduction process slowly on neutral territory.

Find a Neutral Spot

Finding a neutral place is crucial when it comes to dog introductions. If you introduce your dog to a new dog in your home, your dog may feel threatened and try to protect his territory. Instead, try taking both dogs for a walk around your neighborhood or visit a park.

Keep Leashes On

Having a leash on both dogs as they get to know each other is the safest way to make sure you can quickly separate them if they begin to fight. Keep the leashes loose so the dogs can explore freely.

Reward Good Behavior

Keep the introduction positive by using an upbeat and happy tone when speaking to the dogs, which will encourage them that the introduction is a happy occasion, not a threatening one. Be sure to praise both dogs for their good behavior.

Take it Slow

Once the dogs are in your home together, it's important to continue to slowly introduce them to one another. Remember that your dog might feel territorial about your home. Make sure the dogs have separate food and water bowls in separate areas and, if giving them treats or chew toys, make sure they are separated, as well. Dogs can easily become possessive of food and toys, especially around an unfamiliar dog.

Supervised Visits

For the first few weeks after bringing home your new dog, make sure all interactions with your other dog are supervised. If you need to leave your dogs alone, make sure they are crated or confined to separate areas of the house.

Most importantly, be patient with your dogs. Just because they don't form an immediate bond does not need mean they cannot become friends and leave peacefully together.

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, two cats, a bearded dragon, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.