Bringing a new dog in with existing pets

Pack Hierarchy Issues

When you bring in a new pet with existing dogs, there are opportunities for fights. The existing hierarchy of the ‘pack’ is thrown into disarray. It is often impossible to say whether the new member will be an alpha or not.

As much as possible, let the dogs work it out, unless it breaks into open aggression. Then you can try to bring in a professional trainer or, if possible, keep the fighting dogs separate by isolating them to certain parts of your home. Note:

Never try to separate fighting dogs yourself! Instead, wet them with large amounts of cold water. Cold and humidity will serve to scare them, and defuse the situation.

Feeding Routines

If you have only had one dog in your home before, a matter that can be a big problem is adding a new meal time partner. When you have two or more animals that try to eat in a room – especially a restricted area – be careful! Make sure you stay close by. Even dogs that are always docile and friendly can quickly turn aggressive when there is food in the mix.

Never Ignore Your First Dog!

When you bring in a new pet, it’s easy to start ignoring your existing dogs. You know better than to do that, but there is a natural tendency. Be aware the tendency is there, and work on not giving the new dog lots of attention by reducing or ignoring time with the others. Dogs are very sensitive to our emotions and actions, much more than we owners realize. You will send erroneous feelings to the older animals if you change the amount of time and attention you give them. Keep all your pets happy by spending quality time with each of them.

With a little patience and effort on your part, it shouldn’t take long for them to adjust, and everyone settle into an acceptable routine.

Hopefully all will work out, and you won’t end up returning the dog to where you got it.