CAPITAL HUMANE SOCIETY
2320
Introducing Your New Dog To Your
Resident Dog
Copyright
Denver Dumb Friends League and Humane Society of the
Animals
that live in groups, like dogs, establish a social structure within the group
called a dominance hierarchy. This dominance hierarchy serves to maintain
order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among pack members. Dogs also
establish territories, which they may defend against intruders or rivals. This
social and territorial nature affects their behavior when a new dog is
introduced to their household.
Introduction
Techniques
·
Choose A Neutral
Location: Introduce the dogs in a neutral location
so that your resident dog is less likely to view the newcomer as a territorial
intruder. Each dog should be handled by a separate person. With both dogs on a
leash, take them to an area with which neither is familiar, such as a park or a
neighbor’s yard. If you frequently walk your resident dog in a park near your
house, she may view that park as her territory, so choose another site that’s
unfamiliar to her. We recommend bringing your resident dog with you to the
shelter and introducing the dogs before adopting the new dog.
·
Use Positive
Reinforcement: From the first meeting, you want both
dogs to expect "good things" to happen when they’re in each other's
presence. Let them sniff each other, which is normal canine greeting behavior.
As they do, talk to them in a happy, friendly tone of voice - never use a
threatening tone of voice. Don’t allow them to investigate and sniff each other
for a prolonged time, as this may escalate to an aggressive response. After a
short time, get both dogs' attention, and give each dog a treat in return for
obeying a simple command, such as "sit" or “stay.” Take the dogs for
a walk and let them sniff and investigate each other at intervals. Continue
with the "happy talk," food rewards and simple commands.
·
Be Aware Of Body
Postures: One body posture that indicates things
are going well is a “play-bow.” One dog will crouch with her front legs on the
ground and her hind end in the air. This is an invitation to play that usually
elicits friendly behavior from the other dog. Watch carefully for body postures
that indicate an aggressive response, including hair standing up on the other
dog's back, teeth-baring, deep growls, a stiff legged gait or a prolonged
stare. If you see such postures, interrupt the interaction immediately by
calmly and positively getting each dog interested in something else. For
example, both handlers can call their dogs to them, have them sit or lie down
and reward each with a treat. The dogs will become interested in the treats
which will prevent the situation from escalating into aggression. Try letting
the dogs interact again, but this time for a shorter time period and/or at a
greater distance from each other.
v If
you have more than one resident dog in your household, it may be best to
introduce the resident dogs to the new dog one at a time. Two or more resident
dogs may have a tendency to "gang up" on the newcomer.
Introducing
Puppies To Adult Dogs
Puppies
usually pester adult dogs unmercifully. Before the age of four months, puppies
may not recognize subtle body postures from adult dogs signaling that they’ve
had enough. Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments may set limits
with puppies with a growl or snarl. These behaviors are normal and should be
allowed. Adult dogs that aren’t well socialized, or that have a history of
fighting with other dogs, may attempt to set limits with more aggressive
behaviors, such as biting, which could harm the puppy. For this reason, a puppy
shouldn’t be left alone with an adult dog until you’re confident the puppy
isn’t in any danger. Be sure to give the adult dog some quiet time away from
the puppy, and perhaps, some individual attention as described above.
When
To Get Help
If
the introduction of a new dog to a household doesn’t go smoothly, contact a
professional animal behaviorist immediately. Dogs can be severely injured in
fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve.
Conflicts between dogs in the same family can often be resolved with
professional help. Punishment won’t work and could make things worse.
See
Our Handouts
“A
Guide to Finding Professional Help for Animal Behavior Problems”
"Explaining
Canine Rivalry"
"Understanding
Aggressive Behavior in Dogs"