What's the best way to introduce a new dog to existing dogs?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Jeffrey Milner

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 11th, 2017

  This is difficult to predict. I would recommend setting up a meet and greet first in a neutral location. The dogs should be introduced to one another both on leash so they can be adequately controlled in case something should happen. Let them smell one another and get a sense of one another. If they are behaving well, they should both be rewarded with treats and praise. If you do decide to take the other dogs on, they should not be simply thrown into the same area together. I would integrate them slowly and carefully, particularly since one of them is old. In some cases, dogs can be extremely accepting of any newcomers which is great. However, you shouldn't bank on it and should instead handle things methodically and slowly to encourage the best possible outcome. Hope this helps. Let me know if I can assist in any other way.

  

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• Answered By Rodrigo Roca, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 23rd, 2019

  Hello, sorry to hear about Isabella. There are a couple factors that may influence this, but here are some steps you may take to begin to condition Isabella to meet new dogs. Hope this helps and best of luck.
  1. Slow introduction on neutral territory
  • Allow them to view one another from afar, such as on a walk or at a park or friend’s house, and make this a positive situation.
  • Don’t let them run up to one another right away. Introducing pets too quickly can often lead to miscommunication.
  • They often determine their hierarchy relatively quickly, and a new puppy introduced on an older dog’s territory can make for a negative interaction.
  • Your older dog might be territorial and not respond well to the new introduction on his home turf.
  
  2. Make it a positive experience.
  • Give them lots of treats, play games that they enjoy, and give them praise.
  • Allow them to interact with your full attention, and praise each of them for interacting with one another positively.
  • Introduce food and treats when they show calm and relaxed behavior, and they will begin to associate one another with a positive environment.
  
  3. Keep it Controlled
  • Monitor the body language of both dogs and watch for impending fear or aggression. By watching the interactions between your pets, you can be aware of impending problems and prevent potentially dangerous interactions.
  • Do one introduction at a time if multiple dogs are involved. At first, your pets should not be allowed to interact without your supervision.
  • A useful technique is to have both dogs on a leash with one adult per dog. If you know that your dog might be possessive of its own toys, do not use them during these interactions.
  
  
  4. A Little Bit at a Time
  • Short play times and breaks will help keep the experience more positive and prevent overwhelming them.
  • Allow them to play as long as they seem to be interacting well, without fear or aggression, and take the time to separate them for short breaks.
  • If you are seeing signs of aggression such as growling, bared teeth or raised back fur, give the dogs a break from each other
  

  

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• Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

  Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

  Published on October 24th, 2017

  It can be very difficult to guess if new dogs will get along. I always recommend discussing with the adoption group if you can have a trial period to test the dogs together for compatibility. Meeting on neutral ground is always a good idea. Go to a park (preferably NOT a dog park with other strange dogs around) or other semi-private area that does not belong to either dog. Keep both on a leash and let them see each other. If there are no signs of aggression (lunging, lip licking, raised fur, rigid tail, etc) then get closer and see how they get along.
  
  Here is some more information:
  https://www.petcoach.co/article/5-tips-to-introduce-a-puppy-or-dog-to-your-older-dog/
  

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful