Introducing a New Dog to the Resident Dog

You have decided to add another dog to your family.  One very basic question is “Does your

resident dog wants another dog in the home?” If they are social and get along with others then 

two dogs can be endless fun and they keep each other company when you are not home.

The first step is selecting the right dog as a new companion dog.  The placement volunteers will

assist you in making the right selection.  With any new dog you bring into your home with and

existing dog there are rules to follow for success.

1. Prepare your home in advance for the arrival of a new dog by removing any trigger items

• Removing all toys

• Remove food bowls

• Prepare adults and kids to not give affection at first.

2. When you arrive home take the dogs on a short walk to calm them from the car ride and to

reinforce their bond. Walking is the best way to create a pack bond.

3. After the short walk, take the dogs into the back yard and with leashes on, let them roam

free together. Do not hover or try to get them excited. Just let them sniff around the area

and each other.  Should there be a problem the leashes make it easy to separate them.

4. When it’s time to go into the house, the new dog should be on a leash for two reasons.

First to prevent any accidents until you are certain they are housebroken.  More

importantly the new dog needs to learn their place in the pack and should not be allowed

to start taking over from day one.

5. Having the new dog observe from a crate or on a leash is the best way for them to safely

get used to the sights and sounds of their new home.  You never want to give a new dog

too much too soon. They are much happier and more relaxed if from the start they realize

that you are in control.

6. Walk the dogs together as often as possible. In the outside world they begin to look to

each other as trusted and respected pack members. Walking together is the best way to

create a bonded pack.

7. Feed the dogs separately. You do not want food to create a situation that is a negative

impact on the two dogs bonding.  Feed one inside a crate the other outside the crate or whatever works best for your situation. This may not be forever but you must remove food triggers until

you know the two dogs are a bonded pair. 

8. Do not instigate or excite with toys at first as possession may trigger aggression. Again,

this may not be forever but a level playing field is important in the beginning.

9. Do not shower either dog with affection as affection may be a trigger of possession. You

can slowly integrate affection back into the picture with both dogs. Be aware of body

language to avoid a jealous encounter. 

10. Learn to be a calm assertive leader to your dog. Dogs that do not feel the need to control

are happy, relaxed well adjusted dogs. 

11. Above all give it time. Having another dog in the house is new for everyone. Sometimes

it’s as if the new dog has been there forever and other times it take some leadership skills

to settle them into a friendship. Call RAB if you need help. We are here to make the

adoption successful.