If introductions are not properly done, the fur can fly if you already have another pet and add a new puppy to the household. Here are some steps to help your new and old pets adjust to one another.
- If you already have a pet that will not be able to accept or get along with a puppy, don’t get a puppy.
- If there is more than one other pet at home, introduce the puppy to them one at a time, beginning with the alpha (head) dog or cat. Introduce them first through the crate, allowing them to see and smell each other. After a few days, let them meet without the crate between them, but have one person hold or restrain each animal.
- Hold introductions in a neutral space if possible, such as in the yard or family room.
- Don’t do introductions at meal time and always separate when feeding.
- Each pet must have their own food and water bowls, bed, toys and crate or space. Show the existing pets that they will still get sufficient food, and still have their own possessions that the new puppy may not have.
- Keep the puppy and other pets separated until they accept each other’s presence. ALWAYS supervise all contact until their relationship is reliable and they get along well.
- The adjustment will not happen overnight. Give the animals sufficient time to accept each other. Introductions should be done slowly, over a period of at least one to two weeks.
- Let the existing pets know the new member of the “pack” is here to stay and should be accepted. Let the puppy know he is the new kid on the block and should learn to become part of the pack.
- Give sufficient attention, first, to older pets, then to the new puppy.
- Owner should continue to support the existing hierarchy of the pack prior to pup’s arrival, but don’t show favoritism to one animal over another.
- When old and new pets can be together (supervised of course), play as a group and show them that they can have a good time as a larger pack.
