“”"A dog is the only
thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself
Adding a new dog to your family is very exciting.
If you already have a dog, there are ways to ease your new pet into ‘the pack’.
Dogs, like humans, are social creatures, but they are pack animals and their
‘rules of engagement’ are different from ours.
It’s important to consider your current dog’s
personality, traits (dominant or submissive) and sex in order to choose a breed
or mixed breed complementary to these. We recommend that you learn about breeds
(a good site is ‘Isabelle Vets’ and click on ‘New Dog’ tab), visit prospective
pets, and talk with an adoption counselor prior to bringing your pet home.
Often times, a rescued dog doesn’t have much
experience with other dogs. But, this doesn’t mean that an adoptee won’t
make a terrific family member. One option is to ask the shelter if Foster Care
is an option before you commit to adoption.
Following are tips to introduce your dogs:
- An
already crate trained dog is helpful; if your pet isn’t, consider buying a
crate and training prior to the new dog’s arrival.
- If your
dog hasn’t had much contact with other dogs, begin by setting up meetings
through friends’ dogs, out walking, parks, or a basic obedience class.
- Once
you have tentatively chosen your new dog, begin planning the introductions. A
few days before the meeting, let them share smells by giving the new dog a
towel with your dog’s smell and your dog the same for the new dog. Place them
in neutral areas (not in a crate or on a dog bed) so that there is no
threat to personal territory.
- Don’t
take your current dog to where the new dog is residing (especially a shelter;
if your dog was rescued, the sites and smells could re-traumatize him). Along
with a friend, have the dogs meet in neutral territory such as a park (without
other dogs present) or the sidewalk. Introduce them on loose, relaxed
leashes. You want to communicate confidence rather than tension.
- Let them get to know one another
and then release them to run and burn off energy before heading home. If they
don’t seem to be getting along, take them for a leashed walk. In a relaxed
tone, practicing basic commands such as ‘heel’, ‘stay’, ‘sit’. Then
re-introduce them.
- After
arriving home, let them reacquaint in the yard. Once indoors, you can expect
that your new dog (and, perhaps, your current) will soil herself. This is very
normal and it’s important to just clean up without making an issue.
- Your
new pet will probably want to explore. Give freedom to both dogs, but supervise
them, again in a relaxed manner, so that they don’t get into trouble by finding
themselves in a confined space.
- If you
are using crates, give them time-outs if they get too rambunctious. Be sure
each crate contains familiar items like toys.
- Give
your dogs attention, praise and treats when they are
getting along.
- If they
fight early in their relationship, observe them but try not to get involved.
They are working out dominance and, as long as there isn’t blood, they will
establish the pecking order. If you interfere or stop them, a fight will
probably reoccur.
- Some
dog, especially Terriers, use growling to intimidate and can sound much more
menacing than they actually are. However, if a fight escalates and especially
if there is blood, you will need to intervene.
- To
break up a fight: Don’t reach in with your hands; you will probably be
bitten by accident. While the dogs are still working out their relationship,
have water available to throw over them. (Outside, spraying them with a hose
should quickly break them apart.) Again, don’t make any judgments by punishing
one dog or babying another; they need to learn from their fight. Your only
post-fight action should be to put them in their crates (and take several deep
breaths!).
- However,
if fights are more the norm or if you sense that this is a bad match, you may
want to involve a professional trainer or look into another home for the new
dog (especially if it’s foster care). You shouldn’t feel guilty; some dogs will
never get along. But, usually they will settle in and adjust to one another;
this may take a couple of weeks to a month.
We are
delighted to announce that in March, Maria Sherman, Manager of Featherle in
Featherle has employment opportunities available.
Our
Written by Rebecca Nilson-Owens
703-430-0414;
featherlepetcaresterling
703-221-3647;
canineclipperschool@verizon.net