Introducing Your New Dog To The Family

Do you own other pets or another dog?

Here are tips from Leichhardt Puppy Preschool on how to introduce your new puppy to the family.

Introducing your new puppy to a household with other pets can be concerning. The ideal time to introduce a puppy to your other pets is when the puppy is still very young. A well socialised puppy, which has lived with other animals in a controlled environment, is much more likely to live harmoniously with other pets.

When choosing a puppy to share a home with other animals, the age and breed should be taken into consideration.

The first meeting very important and should happen when the dog is as calm as possible. Introduction to other species should be a slow process. Increase the amount of time the animals are exposed to each other gradually. Use food rewards to keep your puppy calm. Monitor the dog’s reaction closely, and be aware of any signs of excitement or distress.

If you are introducing a dog to a household with a cat, you will need to introduce them carefully.

Think about what kind of experiences both the cat and dog has had with other dogs and cats. You’ll need to ensure that both of them are comfortable with each other. Begin by creating cat friendly ‘areas’ in the house, ensuring that each area has an escape route for the cat which the dog cannot use. This is to minimise stress to the cat during the transition.

Make sure all your dogs each have their own ‘zones’ as well. They should have their own beds for relaxing and own eating areas. This will help them feel more comfortable.

Basic obedience exercises will help to strengthen the dog’s impulse control.

This might be needed for example to deter the dog from chasing the cat.

Introducing dogs to other pets may not always go smoothly, or quickly, but with a little patience you can give yourself the best chance of having a happy multi-pet home.

If in doubt seek advice from a professional dog trainer from Leichhardt Puppy Preschool.