Ever wonder if dogs get jealous like humans? Many behaviourists say jealousy is tied to their territorial instincts. Dogs can feel left out when you bring home a new pet, have a child, or even start dating someone.
Introducing a new pet to your dog depends on their personality. Some dogs bond quickly, while others might take weeks or months to get used to the newbie. Be patient and don’t hurry. Every small progress, like a calm sniff or playing together, helps your pets get along better.
Your dog might act out when someone or something new is stealing your attention. They could bark, bite, or nip. So, be careful when bringing in another pet with your dog around.
Prepare Your Existing Dog
Before bringing the new pet, ensure the dog at home is well socialized. Some dogs are naturally more friendly and quickly accept a new companion, while others are territorial and anxious.
If your dog is territorial, you must do more work to prepare it to welcome the new pet. Gradually expose it to people, other animals, places, and situations to help it become more comfortable around new animals.
Train your dog to obey basic commands like stop, come, and sit, and reward it for good behaviour. This will strengthen your bond and help the dog feel more secure during the introduction. However, consider a professional trainer or behaviourist if the dog is too aggressive or anxious around other animals.
Create Safe Areas
You can expect some tension during the introduction, so create safe retreats for both pets. A retreat is a safe space where pets can run when they feel overwhelmed or unsafe. It should have everything the dogs need, such as a bed, toys, food, and water. Visit pet stores to obtain the necessary supplies. If possible, the retreats should not be close to each other.
Choose the Right Pet
When choosing a new pet, consider your existing dog and how they will coexist. For instance, if you’re adopting another dog, consider its size, breed, and temperament. A dog with a similar energy level and play style can be a great match.
Introducing a cat or smaller animal like a rabbit requires additional precautions, as dogs have prey instincts that could be triggered. Moreover, a large, high-energy dog may unintentionally harm a smaller animal during play. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring in a cat or other small animals. You can. However, handle the introduction carefully to avoid chasing or fear-based reactions.
Neutral Territory First Meeting
The pets’ first meeting should be in a neutral area, such as the park or a friend’s yard. Meeting in your yard or home for the first time can make the dog feel territorial. The neutral setting prevents your dog from needing to defend its space and helps both animals approach each other with less stress.
If the new pet is also a dog, you can further reduce tension by allowing them to explore each other’s scent without a face-to-face encounter. Have someone walk the existing dog while you bring in the new dog to explore the house. Then, take the new dog somewhere else and allow the other dog to come in and sniff around.
During the first meeting, keep both dogs on leashes to give you control over the situation. If the new pet is a cat, keep it in a carrier and allow the dog to sniff and observe from a distance. This will enable them to get used to each other without direct contact.
First Few Days After Bringing a New Pet
Keep the pets in separate areas of the house. This will allow them to adjust to each other’s presence without the pressure of direct interactions. You can create boundaries by using baby gates or closed doors. If you work at home with a puppy, separate from your pet and let them know not to bother you during office hours.
When you feel they are ready, start with short, supervised interactions and gradually increase the time, but continue to supervise closely. Reward both pets with treats and affection if they behave calmly or show friendly behaviour toward one another.
Common Challenges During Introduction
Even if you prepare well, bringing home a new pet can present challenges. One common problem is when a dog guards its food, toys, or sleeping area. To avoid conflict, feed pets separately and ensure each has its bed and toys.
Sometimes, your current dog might feel jealous because of the attention the new pet gets. Spend quality time with your dog one-on-one to show them they still matter to you.
If the new pet is smaller, like a cat or rabbit, your dog might want to chase it. You can stop this by giving your dog toys or treats when they focus too much on the other animal. If your dog shows aggression, such as growling or snapping, it’s a good idea to talk to a professional trainer for help.