Time to add another appendage to your family ? Here are a few ways to get your canine companion acclimatize to change as your gang grows in size .
1. Introducing Two or More Dogs to Each Other
Dogs are social creatures and so often ( not always ) revel the ship’s company of others . However , if you are adopting an older dog , there are a few steps to make introductions go smoother . If possible , start canine introductions with olfactory property , says Zazie Todd , PhD , societal psychologist , founding father of the popular blogCompanion Animal Psychology , and author ofWag : The Science of Making Your Dog Happy . " Introduce the scent of an existing dog to a new bounder before they meet , " she says . " And give the fresh andiron a dainty to help associate a positive place with the scent . "
It also helps to put in dogs on inert earth . take the air the dogs together , parallel to each other , then criss cross to allow each hound to smell where the other weenie has walk . If both dogs seem relaxed and happy , tolerate them to see ( still on loose leads ) . The frank will probably sniff each other , then either snub each other or lead up play . Watch for any responsiveness and redirect them immediately . Todd recommendspositive reinforcementfor behaviors you ’d wish to see more of . Treats can be a great reinforcer ( if the wiener is motivated by treat ) .
2. Be Patient, Positive, and Realistic When You Introduce Your Dog
If your dog does n’t initially get along with a newfangled member of your fur family , do n’t get brainsick or disappointed with your dog ; try usher in them later on . Sometimes it film clip for dogs to develop trust and sympathy with a new furred friend . An older hotdog may take more issue with a rumbustious pup who does n’t understand bounds , and a puppy may find a more fledged or much larger dog to be a minute scary . Provide each pet his or her own space , separating them from each other , but still enabling them to still see each other from a prosperous space . use baby gate to make dependable areas and bit by bit remove the gate over sentence . If after a few weeks the relationship has n’t shape up , consult with a ex-serviceman behaviorist for direction .
3. Bringing Your New Dog Home
Although two dogs may get along in a inert environment , once the new pooch comes home , the established pet may become stress . Start by walk both dog outside your home . Then , fetch them both indoors on a loose lead so you’re able to help prevent issues . Pick up all your current pet ’s toy dog and intellectual nourishment bowling ball beforehand to forefend any intention for resource guarding . Have a crate set up or a private field in the home for the new dog . Supervise any interactions with other furred creatures in the house and provide each andiron opportunities for alone metre . Remain near the dogs during feeding sentence , separating their bowls to prevent any concerns over food . Always pay up close attention tocanine body languageand enablechoicesto build confidence and combine .
4. Introducing Your Dog to a Cat
Cats and dogs can become expectant friend , but your bozo might chance the sudden intrusion of an gumptious canine firmly to bear . Cats can learn to love , or at least go harmoniously , with a new frump with the many of the same technique you use to introduce a dog to another frankfurter . ensure the cat always gets to make up one’s mind when , and how , they interact with the dog . Never storm the interactions and do n’t let the new cad overrun the cat ’s space , chase them , or bother them during eating times .
5. Introducing Your Dog to a New Baby
As with pet - to - pet introductions , start the introduction of the new family penis using olfactory property . " Introduce the scent of the baby to the detent before she see the baby , " advises Todd . " Let the cad smell out a sister cover , then give the dog treats at the same time to produce a positive association , " says Todd . Allow the hot dog to leave the room whenever they want and ensure the dog does n’t have to hold out gimcrack crying . Keep taking your frankfurter for walks and give them chance for lots of estimable enrichment and monitor their behavior to check that they are notstressedor queasy .
6. Introducing Your Dog to a New Puppy or Kitten
If you are impart a new pup or kitten to your family , follow the same procedures number above for an older frank . Keep in mind that kitty and puppies are small enough to be hurt by a large , Old animal . So , never leave them alone with an adult dog or kat without your supervision . Both pup and kitty have boundless energy and may annoy or beleaguer your matured pets . Make certain they can be part for part of the daytime to give your current pet a break .
7. Introducing Your Dog to a New Human Family Member
Most of the time a new wienerwurst or qat will blend easily with your human family . But , it ’s always impertinent tokeep a close oculus on your fresh petaround small child . Toddlers , in special , can alarm a new favourite by screaming and hunt around the household or by pull on the animal ’s ear , tail , and fur . climb on or chasing your pets can be terrifying to your dog or cat . turgid , favorable , active frump can knock untested small fry down with a swipe of their seat .
The skilful rule to follow is to never leave alone a youngster alone with any animal and to teach your child how to pretend appropriately around your darling . Also talk with the shelter or breeder you ’re flummox your new favorite from to find a positron emission tomography that matches your category ’s lifestyle and do n’t hesitate to seek help from acertified animal behavior adviser .
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