 |
| BRINGING A NEW DOG HOME: TEACHING TWO DOGS TO GET ALONG-Dog training tips free |
Adding a second (or third) dog to the family? We are pleased to provide these tips to properly introduce dogs to their new dog families.
Choosing a housewife that will suit your current dog is an important consideration for anyone thinking about expanding their family. Before bringing a cute puppy or adorable mute home from a local shelter, take some time to evaluate the personality, training, and history of your current dog and the one you are considering. Some thoughtful reflection can now save you from unnecessary headaches later.
Choosing The Right Pet For The Right Reasons
If your dog is active and outgoing, adopt a dog with similar qualities. If your dog is calmer and more reserved, look for a dog that will admire this type of lifestyle. Try to get as much information from the adopting agency as possible. Most shelters and rescue groups have some type of temperament test that is used to evaluate dogs in their charge. To see that the adopted dog has been around other dogs before. Most dogs have to "learn" how to get along with each other.
If the dog you are considering is not socialized properly, it may be better to consider another dog with better social skills. The same goes for his dog. Even if we think otherwise, it is usually not a good idea to "pet" your existing dog. If you decide to bring a second (or third or fourth) home, make sure you are doing it for you!
If the dog you are considering is not socialized properly, it may be better to consider another dog with better social skills. The same goes for his dog. Even if we think otherwise, it is usually not a good idea to "pet" your existing dog. If you decide to bring a second (or third or fourth) home, make sure you are doing it for you!
Steps For Introducing New Dogs To Current Family Dogs
1) Do not force your "home team" dog to protect your home turf. If dogs meet in a neutral location, they are less likely to see the other as an intruder. Start in a neutral area such as a neighbor's yard or enclosed park that your resident dog has not seen. Each dog must be on a reliable dog leash and dog collar and controlled by a different person.
2) Positive reinforcement dog training works. You want your dogs to have a positive experience with each other from the beginning. Allow your dogs to sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal confirmation. After playing them for a while, put both dogs in a "sit" or "stay", then let them interact again. Finally, take them on a walk together, allowing them to smell each other on the way.
3) Pay attention to the body posture of the dog. Watch for body positions that show a defensive response. Defensive body postures include trailing hair, bandage of teeth, deep fingers, a tight-legged gout or long stare. If a dog goes into these postures, immediately switch to positive reinforcement mode and get your dog to follow your teachings. Allow your dogs to interact again, reducing the distance between the two.
4) Once your dogs start tolerating each other, it's time to bring them home. Whether or not they ride in the same car is actually a judgment call for how well you think they are getting with the size of your car or SUV. We have found that allowing a new dog to enter the home first can make your family dog less likely to feel they need to "protect their turf".
2) Positive reinforcement dog training works. You want your dogs to have a positive experience with each other from the beginning. Allow your dogs to sniff each other and greet each other normally. Give them positive reinforcement through calm verbal confirmation. After playing them for a while, put both dogs in a "sit" or "stay", then let them interact again. Finally, take them on a walk together, allowing them to smell each other on the way.
3) Pay attention to the body posture of the dog. Watch for body positions that show a defensive response. Defensive body postures include trailing hair, bandage of teeth, deep fingers, a tight-legged gout or long stare. If a dog goes into these postures, immediately switch to positive reinforcement mode and get your dog to follow your teachings. Allow your dogs to interact again, reducing the distance between the two.
4) Once your dogs start tolerating each other, it's time to bring them home. Whether or not they ride in the same car is actually a judgment call for how well you think they are getting with the size of your car or SUV. We have found that allowing a new dog to enter the home first can make your family dog less likely to feel they need to "protect their turf".
Special Advice For Helping New Puppies Get Along With Adult Dogs
As anyone with a puppy can tell you, they can often be a handful. Also, because puppies are still learning, they usually disturb adult dogs, which is no end. Puppies simply have trouble recognizing that their actions are disturbing adult dogs. Most good-natured adult dogs will carelessly grow or sniff playful puppies to set boundaries of acceptable behavior. This is normal and is actually a positive thing. However, for the safety of both dogs, never leave a puppy and an adult dog alone together. Give your adult dog plenty of time with puppies, and whenever you have time, try to give them some time alone with you and your family.
Dogs can be very protective of their dog food and resource guarding can be a serious issue. Never allow your dog and adult dog to eat outside of the same dog bowl, as this can protect the resource. Feeding each dog a different dog crate (at least to begin with) is a great way to keep food fights to a minimum. This is also true if you chew your dog for raw bones or dental health or for special treatment.
more resources
If your dogs are not getting along, please do not punish your dogs. Punishing dogs for normal reactions to each other is actually a hindrance to their progress. Instead, contact a professional dog trainer to help you.
Adding a new dog to the family can be a fun experience for everyone and if you adopt it with a positive mindset (and some patience) then your dogs should pulse in no time. To find a dog trainer near you, visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers web site.
If you are ready to bring a new dog into your family, we have suggestions on how to introduce two dogs to each other. While every dog is a person and reacts differently; Following these guidelines will increase the likelihood of creating a positive experience for both dogs.
WATCH MOOR DETAILS TO GO NEXT POST-
