Integrating New Dogs into the Family
Dogs are pack animals. They are most confident, relaxed and happy when with other dogs. They consider us humans as part of their pack, but we do not behave like other dogs. We don’t do the “mouthies” game, or pounce on one another, or chase each other around the house. Our habits are more sedate. Only dogs can play like other dogs, so only other dogs can fulfill their needs for canine-to-canine communication and interactions.
Unless you can offer your dog lots of your time every day, you should consider having more than one dog. Having more than one dog can generally prevent separation anxiety issues as well as they give each other the exercise they need. They will keep each other occupied when you are unable to do so. And they give each other the comfort that only another dog can offer.
Proper Introductions are Important
If you already have a dog and intend to obtain another, there are appropriate procedures to ensure the introduction goes smoothly. There are, however, specific circumstances to consider. Is your current dog a puppy, adult or senior? Each age will require a specific approach to the new dog’s introduction. You will also need to consider the age and background of the incoming dog.
Current Dog’s Age and Considerations
Puppy 3-6 months – This is not the time to bring in another dog. You already have your hands full with house and leash training along with behavior monitoring. The last thing you need is to double the trouble. Also, this is a very important bonding time between you and your puppy. Another dog would make the individual bonding with your current puppy more challenging as you would need to spend time with the new dog, too. It is important to bond with each of your dogs individually to gain the most out of your relationship with them.
Puppy 7-12 months – While your current dog needs to socialize with other dogs and still has a lot to learn within the family structure, this would not be a good time to bring in another dog. You are dealing with an adolescent who is still taking up a lot of your time as they need copious amounts of exercise, attention and training. It would be a good idea, however, to make sure your teenage pup gets lots of time playing with other dogs, so they learn proper social skills.
Adult dog - This is the ideal time to bring home another dog. Your current dog has learned appropriate behavior and social skills and can help you care for and train the new dog. The new dog can be of any age and your current dog will likely be accepting and happy to have a new pack member.
Senior dog – While a new dog will help a senior dog be more active and happier, be sure that the new dog is not so high energy that your senior dog can be overwhelmed. For example, if your senior dog is a retriever, you may want to consider getting another retriever, not a higher energy breed such as an Australian Shepherd. Retriever puppies are calmer and learn well from their older pack mates. But, if you already have an Australian Shepherd in your home, who as a senior still has a lot of energy, another high-energy dog will fit in fine. Always consider your current dog’s energy levels and try to not get another dog whose energy levels will greatly exceed that of your current dog.
Geriatric dog – This is not a good time to introduce a new dog. Your elderly dog likely has health issues and doesn’t need to be pounced on, have their tail pulled or ears chewed on. Geriatric dogs don’t have the energy to put up with a younger dog who wants to run and play. While some geriatric dogs will merely attempt to move away, others can become outright aggressive, especially when hurt repeatedly by the new dog.
Incoming Dog Age Suggestions
There are specific ages where dogs tend to quickly acclimate to their new homes and new canine siblings as well as ages where they may create a challenge to existing pets. A lot also depends on the new dog’s history.
Puppies 2-6 months of age tend to acclimate very quickly, especially if there’s an existing dog in the home. At the beginning they will mourn the loss of their siblings. Having another dog will give them an emotional boost and help them settle in faster. The more social your current dog, the faster the new pup will acclimate. Also, the more likely your new puppy will “follow the leader” and house train faster, too.
Puppies 7-12 months of age tend to acclimate quickly but can be a little more challenging as they are already adolescents and attempting to assert themselves over other individuals. This includes you and your current dog. You know that you must be persistent and make certain your new dog learns their Ps and Qs, but your current dog will have to learn how to do the same to another dog in their own territory. This can take many months to a year to establish and there may be “arguments” along the way.
Adult dogs tend to take a lot longer to acclimate, especially if the current dog is another adult. Also, if you adopt an adult dog, they likely have a history which can mean emotional or physical trauma. You and your current dog will need to be patient and understanding. Give the dogs time to work out their hierarchy kinks and remain patient. Do not show favoritism in any way. The dogs must be treated equally for their relationship to work.
Senior dogs entering your home with another senior dog will likely go well. Both dogs may sniff at each other and leave each other alone for the most part. Over time they will tend to sleep closer together, but becoming playmates is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Adding a senior dog to a household with younger dogs can be a recipe for trouble. The incoming senior dog is likely to be apprehensive and uncomfortable in another dog’s territory and without patience and great social skills on the part of the other dog, there may be some quarrels.
Proper Introductions are Important
While you should always consider the ages of the dogs with whom you are creating a pack, you should also consider the best means of introducing them to each other.
First Impressions
Dogs can be very territorial. A new dog can be looked upon as an interloper who must be thoroughly investigated prior to an invitation to join the family pack. It is best that the first introduction be done in a neutral area, where the current dog may not be defensive.
Neutral areas can be down the road a bit from your residence, a dog park, dog day care or parking lot. Anywhere that isn’t thought of as territory by the current resident dog.
Without having to be consumed by protecting the home front, your current dog can be open to proper social greetings of a new dog. Here is what you should do to ensure it goes smoothly:
1. Keep leashes loose at all times.
2. If you can do this in a securely fenced area, remove leashes entirely.
3. Remain near, but in a calm and positive state of mind.
4. Praise the dogs when they display appropriate behavior such as sniffing each other’s noses, rears or legs.
5. Do not get nervous if one dog puts their leg over the other. Wait for the other dog’s reaction. They’ll either stand still or squirm out from under the leg. Observe their reactions after that. Does the assertive “leg lifter” attempt to do it again? Do the dogs play bow? Does one of the dogs attempt to move away?
6. Don’t be alarmed at squeaks or yipes unless the dog causing the other to make those high noises doesn’t move away. If that is the case, redirect the assertive dog with a squeaky toy, ball or bell. This will release the frightened dog from their fear position. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to separate them; they merely need more acclimation time.
7. When the dogs are running and playing together, when they both come to you for praise and touch, they are ready to be taken into your home together.
Despite a good initial introduction that doesn’t mean all will be well when you bring them home. They will still require a lot of observation at the beginning and watch for signs of discomfort from them. It can take anywhere from 3 months to 2 years for a full integration, depending on each individual dog’s ability to accept a new pack member.
References:
https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/home-living/how-to-help-an-adult-dog-adjust-to-a-new-home/
https://www.wikihow.pet/Acclimate-Two-Dogs
https://ohmydogblog.com/2011/11/how-to-introduce-a-new-adopted-dog-to-existing-dogs/
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