Bringing a new dog into your home is an exciting time that is filled with anticipation and joy. However, when you already have a dog at home, it can be a difficult period, and you can worry about how your current dog will react to a new family member. It is easy to see pooches making friends quickly on social media and in the park, seeing them play together and snuggling with each other after a long day. But, this can be far from reality for the relationship between dogs in the same household. Some dogs can instantly become buddies after meeting, while others can feel jealous or unhappy, so a bond takes time to grow.
Whether you’re adopting a rescue or welcoming a new puppy into your home, the introduction of your current and new dog is vital. This is what sets the base for a happy, well-adjusted, and harmonious home. Every pooch has its own unique personality, past, and comfort level, so you need to approach these introductions with patience and sensitivity to not rush your furry friends.
Explore how to introduce a new dog to your current one successfully in this guide to have a smooth introduction. These encourage you to introduce your dogs with a structured and thoughtful approach, making both the new and current dog feel safe, secure, and comfortable in your home together.
Prepare Your Space in Advance
Before you pick your new dog up and take it home, you need to take some time to prepare your house and their living environment. Create a living zone in a quiet corner of your house, away from the noise and hecticness of your home and any spots your current dog enjoys. This instantly gives your new pooch a place where they can decompress and gradually adjust to their surroundings, while not overwhelming your current dog. In this space, you should include a bed or crate, food and water bowls, and a few toys for them to snuggle with and play with when they want. Make sure this space is also clutter-free to create a calming atmosphere. This helps to reduce sensory overload and makes your new addition to the family feel more at ease when they arrive.
You should consider the layout of your current dog’s space as well. Make sure it doesn’t intertwine with the new pooch’s space and that there apart from each other when they want to rest. Doing this will make the change of a new dog coming into the home easier because they can both go to their own private space when they need to for relaxation, play, and sleep. They can retreat to their space when they’re overwhelmed with each other to prevent any fallouts. This is crucial because dogs are territorial animals, so sharing toys, beds, or food stations too soon can cause tension between them.
Get Expert Advice
Even though ideally you would love your dogs to become pooch pals instantly, every dog is different. Some will prefer to have their own space and company away from another dog. For example, an older dog may not be overjoyed or welcoming to a bouncy, energetic puppy in the home. Due to this, it’s ideal to seek advice from an expert to help guide you on introducing your dogs to each other in the best way for them. Find a local dog behaviorist or trainer before you even choose a new dog. This professional can give you advice on the type of dog that will be the best fit for your current dog and household. They can also help you settle both dogs down with the change.
Take Introductions Slowly
As with anything, the first impressions matter the most, especially when it comes to dogs. You should give your new pooch a lot of time to get used to their new environment rather than overwhelming them with a lot of attention and stimulation. Let them naturally explore your home through scents and sounds. They may just sit in their quiet corner for longer and not come out at first, and that’s okay. Your new pooch will come out in their own time to explore and mingle.
Having this patience with your dog can also help your current dog feel positive about the new addition. Your furry friend won’t feel left out if you aren’t all fussing over the new dog and will feel content with carrying on their usual routine. They may also be more inclined to meet the new addition and be curious about them, rather than see them as a threat.
It’s best to introduce your dogs on neutral ground rather than your home because your current dog will be territorial over your home as it’s their space. Choose a quiet outdoor space or park to introduce them. Keep both dogs on leashes and observe their body language. If all goes well, a short walk together followed by time in the backyard can help build positive associations before transitioning indoors.
Do Scent Swapping
Dogs use their scent as their main sense, so it is their everything. They gather a lot of information about the world around them through their snouts. Before you even do a physical introduction, you can actually introduce them to each other by using scent swapping. The perfect way to do this is by bringing them a blanket, toy, or something else with the dogs’ scent on it from each dog. Place these items in a safe and calming area, like their corner or garden, and allow them both to investigate it on their own terms.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on routine. Establishing consistent feeding, walking, and sleeping schedules not only promotes good behavior but also offers reassurance in a new setting. A stable routine communicates to your new dog that their needs will be met, reducing anxiety and building trust.
Training sessions early on are also beneficial for etiquette on how to behave daily and how to interact nicely with other dogs. Even the simplest commands like sit, stay, or come can create a strong foundation for future behavior. Reinforcing desired behaviors with rewards, like dog treats, and praise will encourage your new dog to feel confident and connected to you and your current pooch.
Pay Attention to Body Language
Your dog may not speak, but they communicate in many other ways, including body language. Look for signs of stress, curiosity, fear, or contentment as they interact with their new environment. A tucked tail, lowered ears, or excessive panting may indicate discomfort, while a relaxed posture and wagging tail are signs of ease.
Similarly, you need to monitor your current dog’s reactions carefully. Some initial uncertainty is natural, but prolonged signs of aggression or stress should be looked into and sorted out quickly. Remember, never force interaction; give both pooches the space and time they need to build trust on their own terms.
Building a Lifetime Bond
Introducing a new dog to your household is just the beginning of a lasting relationship. With the right balance of structure, affection, and patience, your new companion will soon feel like part of the family. This approach can also make your current dog feel at ease and still very much loved even with the new arrival. The early days may be challenging at times, but the bond you build now can provide you with years of loyalty, love, and joy.
