Bringing a new dog into your pack is exciting, but it can be stressful for your non-human pack, including dogs, cats, or other small furry or feathered pets. You must know how to introduce your new dog to avoid problems. Trouble-free introductions reduce the odds of fights and other kinds of conflicts.
The Importance of Good Introductions
Your resident dog(s) or cats may view the new dog as an intruder. This situation can be stressful for the human and furry family members. Be relaxed and calm. Introduce your pets slowly and calmly. Slow introductions may prevent any aggression issues that could be difficult to curb later on.
Introducing Multiple Pets
If more than one dog is in your family, introduce each dog calmly and slowly to your new dog. Slow introductions can prevent any aggression or fear-based behavior. Resident dogs need to understand that the new addition is not a cause for concern.
Cats also require careful introductions, especially in the case of hunting or herding breeds. These dogs have a strong prey drive that might encourage chasing or herding cats. Smaller breeds, like terriers and Chihuahuas, are sometimes small enough to be injured in a conflict with a cat.
Always Supervise Your Pets
Never leave your pets unattended. It’s a good idea to have a family member or friend assist with introductions. Extra people can help prevent disasters from occurring.
When there is any conflict, calm behavior will discourage any aggression, with separating the combative pets using diversionary techniques being the most helpful. Avoid yelling, screaming or using violence against the pets. Introductions between pets should be positive for them, not negative.