Ask The Dog Guide: Bringing a New Dog into the Mix
Question: What’s the appropriate way to introduce a new adopted dog into a house with 2 dogs and 2 cats?
Answer: Excellent subject. There are a number of detailed “methods” out there for introducing new animals; many involve allowing each pet to smell the other’s scent for some time before a physical meeting, etc. We don’t think that separating animals first is necessary, but some people do. There are some general guidelines that will help the process, whether you choose to follow specific steps or not.
With dogs:
Dogs that already live in your house will be territorial and consider themselves higher in the pack order. Continue to greet them first when you come home, before the newcomer, give them treats first, etc.- reinforcing their dominance will help them adjust to the new dog.
Conduct the first meeting in a neutral place, if at all possible. Let them all sniff each other, and watch their behavior. Stiff stance, hair standing up on the back, and straight-up ears are warning signs- keep the dogs away from each other when you see those behaviors. If they are playful, let them play with each other.
Reward ALL good behavior, including simply ignoring the new dog (preferable over trying to fight with him). Continue rewarding each dog for anything positive during the first few days.
With cats:
Dogs and cats are entirely different species, obviously, therefore will not understand each other at all in the beginning. Lots of positive reinforcement, in the form of incredibly wonderful food rewards, is the best tool to have when introducing your new dog to cats. You should have something that he cannot refuse as you’ll want him to pay more attention to you than he does to your cats.
For the first meeting, keep your dog on a leash while bringing her into a room where cat(s) are. Make sure she is aware of treats you have before you enter the room where the cats are. Once you enter the room with the cats let her look at them but not approach. After she sees them for a short amount of time, enthusiastically call her to you and give her a treat as soon as she’s more focused on you than your cat. You want her to understand that whatever the distraction, you have something better. Letting your dog drag the lead around for a few days (so you can grab her quickly if needed) is a good idea.
Also reward your cats whenever they are in a room with the new dog, so they develop a positive association with this new creature.
In general, when you are introducing animals, stay positive and don’t worry. They will pick up on your mood, so if you’re relaxed about the whole process, they will be more relaxed. Remember that changes in your household take time. With some positive reinforcement you should have a harmonious household in the end.
Our 16 year old cat, Smoky, and Reef taking a nap together. They both care more about being on the bed than each other.
