INTRODUCING NEW DOG TO OLD

INTRODUCING NEW DOG TO OLD

By Lee Oden

Have someone go with you so they can hold him while you drive. If no one is available be sure to take a crate and use it. You don't want a potentially frightened or confused dog jumping all over the car while you are trying to drive.

Get as much information about his behavior as possible. But remember that behavior will change in a new situation, new house, new rules, another dog, etc.

When you get home have someone else meet you on neutral territory with your current dog. Let them sniff each other and then take them both for a walk around the block or whatever. Watch for signs of dislike or aggression. Don't allow one or the other to snap or bite at the other one. After it looks like they are OK around each other, then you can take them back to your house and bring them both inside.

Once inside you could still have territorial disputes over toys, attention, etc. Keep in mind--one dog will become the alpha dog and you can't help decide which one that will be. This may develop over time but at some point only one will be the alpha.

Keep one or both on leashes initially so that if a dispute develops you can stop it by pulling them away using the leashes. Saves wear and tear on the hands because if you have to reach in to separate them you are the one who will be bitten.

Make it clear to both of them that fighting is not allowed behavior (you may not even have to deal with this problem--but you never know) . If you have to break up a fight--give them both a "time out by confining in a crate or separate area for a few minutes. After a while you'll be able to recognize when one "sibling" wants to pick a squabble with the other one and stop it before it starts. Watch for one dog staring at the other one and the one being stared at acting uneasily or getting "huffed up."

Establish "potty" rules immediately when you get him home. Assume you are starting from scratch and train his as if he's a puppy--keep crated or have him on a leash with you where you can pay enough attention to him to be sure he doesn't have an accident. Take him out to the place where you want him to go, etc.

Don't leave new/old dogs alone together when you are not thereto keep an eye on them. Don't take a chance that a dog fight won't occur while you are gone. It's not worth an injured or dead dog. Crate them both, or if the "old" dog is used to being free in the house, you could always crate the "new" dog in another room. Leave the door closed so the uncrated dog can't taunt him through the bars. (Yes, it does happen. Dogs will act just like kids sometimes) . This can be relaxed to separate only with a baby gate eventually and if behavior warrants.

Feed them in separate areas- for example, put one dog in the laundry room off the kitchen with a baby gate closure, and feed the other one in another part of the kitchen where they can't see each other eat. Food is a great fight starter, especially if you have one that gobbles and one that picks through every bite.

Once alpha dog has been established, you can help prevent spats by recognizing the alpha dog as alpha. Give the alpha dog treats first, let the alpha dog out the door first, etc. Helps keep order in the pack. You, of course, will be alpha over both of them.

Jealousy can be a problem when another dog comes into the household. Be sure to pay attention to both and not baby the newcomer. He'll fit in eventually. The "old" dog may need reassurances that you still love her. It's a good idea to give each one some separate attention without the other one around to try to horn in.

Don't change sleeping arrangements for the current dog. If she sleeps on the bed with you continue to let her, but I suggest putting the new dog in a crate in your bedroom or somewhere else if that is what you choose. You'll also want him crated until housebreaking has been re-established and is very reliable. Whatever you prefer for an arrangement do it from the start. I don't recommend having the new dog sleep on the bed right off the bat. This could cause a territory dispute (territory is you) and cause some stress for the old dog because her world has changed.

UMR 2001Š