Today, many homes include multiple animal companions. It is not unusual for a family of pets to include one or more dogs, a cat, a bird, and the occasional gerbil and hamster! So, often times, in addition to meeting his new human family members, a new puppy must also be introduced to his new animal companions. Here are a few helpful tips for peaceful and friendly introductions:
Other Dogs
If you have another dog or dogs, keep in mind that it is not unusual
for an adult dog to take several weeks or months to fully accept a new puppy. Although it
seems odd to many pet owners, it is a fact that many adult dogs are not naturally tolerant
of puppies who are not their own. The best way to promote friendly relationships is to introduce
the puppy gradually, and always making sure that the resident dog feels comfortable as he begins
to accept the new puppy as part of your family. Here are a few important rules to follow:
- Before bringing the new puppy into the house, pick up your dog's toys and food bowl and secure
these in an area that will not be accessible to the puppy. This will prevent any possession problems.
- Once the new puppy has arrived and is settled in, introductions should be made while someone is
holding the puppy. The resident dog can be allowed to gently sniff and greet the new puppy. (If the adult
dog’s behavior is unpredictable, he should be kept on a lead during initial introductions).
- Your puppy should always be supervised when around the adult dog and should not be allowed to nip or
harass your adult dog. The importance of gradual introductions and not allowing a young puppy to pester the
resident adult dog is of utmost importance and cannot be overly emphasized.
- Pet gates are helpful aids for dividing space in your home. They can be used to keep the puppy and the
adult dog physically separated while allowing safe and gradual introductions.
- Give your adult dog plenty of time to adjust to the new puppy and do not allow play between the two until
both are showing relaxed behaviors when in the same room together. Be patient – This may take days or even
several weeks! In the meantime, give your resident dog plenty of attention and love and do not alter his daily
routine in any way.
Cats
When introducing a puppy to a resident indoor cat, the cat must be allowed access to most of her territory and
must be provided with escape routes that allow her to avoid the puppy. Here are a few helpful suggestions:
- Confine your puppy to one room or section of the house and allow your cat to have the remainder of the house
during the first few days or week. (This helps with housetraining too!)
- Most cats will show curiosity and will gradually begin to approach the room where the puppy is kept. When your
cat begins to show signs of acceptance (no hissing or signs of fear), she can be allowed to come into the room while
the puppy is crated or held.
- Use your cat’s behavior as a guide during introductions. If your cat is friendly and curious, allow your puppy
to say hello (keeping the puppy on lead can help with control). As your cat becomes more comfortable, interactions
can be increased.
- Dogs should never be allowed to chase or torment cats, even if the behavior appears to be in play. Most cats do
not enjoy being chased and chasing games can rapidly turn into predatory behavior, putting the cat at risk for injury.
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