"Heaven goes by favour. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go
in." - Mark Twain
Introducing Your New Dog to a Resident Dog
By: Suzanne Hetts Ph. D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Introduction
Domestic dogs are social animals. This means they naturally live together in groups
which have a social structure called a dominance hierarchy of "pecking order". Dogs
also establish territories which they defend against entry by intruders or rivals. The
territorial natures of dogs needs to be taken into account when a new dog is brought
into the household.
Territorial Behavior
1. Choose a neutral location to minimize the chances of the existing dog perceiving
the newcomer as an intruder. Each dog should be handled by a separate person.
With both dogs on leash, take them to an area such as a park with which neither is
familiar. (If you frequently walk your dog in an area, even several blocks from your
house, he may view that area as part of his territory.) You may want to bring your
resident dog to the shelter and begin the introduction out side on the grass or in an
area nearby.
2. Use positive reinforcement. From the first meeting you
want both dogs to expect good things to happen when
they are in each other's presence. Let the dogs sniff each
other which is normal canine greeting behavior. As they
do so, talk to them in a friendly and happy tone of voice.
"Look, it's your new friend. What good dogs you are!"
DO NOT use a threatening tone of voice. Do not let the
dogs investigate and sniff each other for a prolonged
time as this sometimes escalates into an aggressive r
response.
After a short time, get each dog's attention and give each dog a tidbit of food in return
for obeying a simple command such as "sit." Take the dogs for a walk and continue
to allow them to sniff each other for short periods of time, the "jolly" talk and the food
rewards.
3. Be aware of body postures. A body posture which indicates things are going well is
the "play bow". The dog will crouch with his front legs on the ground and his rear in
the air. This is an invitation to play which usually elicits friendly behavior from the
other dog.
Watch carefully for body postures which indicate an aggressive response may occur.
These would include hair standing up on a dog's back (piloerection), baring of the
teeth, deep growls, a stiff-legged gait or a prolonged stare.
If you see such postures interrupt immediately. Don't do so in a punishing way, but
rather get the dogs interested in something else. For example: each person can call
their dog (give a little jerk on the leash if necessary), have it sit or lay down and
reward with a food tidbit. Wait a bit and try letting the dogs interact again, but this time
for a shorter period and/or at a greater distance from each other.
4. Taking the dogs home. When the dogs seem to be tolerating each other's
presence without fearful or aggressive greeting behaviors, you can take them home.
Whether you decide to take them home in the same or different vehicles will depend
on their size, how well they ride in a car, and how trouble-free the introduction has
been.
5. If you have more than one 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.
Back to Tips on Your New Family Member
Part 2 Introduction
Whenever more than one dog lives in a household, the dogs will establish a
dominance hierarchy. This social hierarchy is determined by the outcomes of
interactions between the dogs. Owners can not choose which dog they wish to be
dominant. When a new dog is brought into the family, the hierarchy is upset because
the newcomer's place is unsure.
Dominance Behavior and Social Structure
1. Who will be dominant? It's difficult to know ahead of time which dog will ultimately
be dominant. Individual personality as well as breed characteristics are important
factors. Males are usually dominant over females. Young adult dogs are usually
dominant over puppies and aging dogs. Larger dogs are usually dominant over
smaller dogs. Initially, the resident dog is likely to be dominant but this may change
as the new dog becomes more familiar and comfortable with it's surroundings.
Remember that these are generalizations!
2. How is dominance established? Dogs usually establish their dominance
hierarchies through a series of ritualized behaviors which include body postures and
vocalizations which do not result in injury. However.....because of past experiences,
inadequate socialization or genetic temperament tendencies some dogs may with
little warning, escalate dominance displays into aggression. If this occurs you need
to consult with a professional, such as an animal behaviorist who can provide
behavior counseling.
3. Support the dominance hierarchy. You need to
support whatever dominance hierarchy or "pecking order" the dogs establish for
themselves. Don't undermine the natural hierarchy by
attempting to treat the dogs equally or preventing the
dominant dog from asserting it's position. Dominant
dogs can and should be allowed to take toys away, push
in for attention, control favorite sleeping areas and other
valuable (from the dog's point of view) resources. Allow
this to occur.
4. Keep the routine. Try to keep the resident dog's routines as much the same as
possible by keeping feeding, exercise, play and sleeping times and locations the
same as before the new dog arrived. You can also give each dog some time alone
with you. Perhaps the subordinate dog has a hard time playing with toys because the
dominant dog takes them a way.
Put the dominant dog outside with a chewy or some other distraction while you play
with the subordinate dog inside. When structuring these individual sessions, the dog
(dogs) not receiving the attention should be isolated in such a way that is is
associated with pleasant circumstances. If the dominant dog perceives that the
subordinate animal is receiving special attention while it is not, it may undermine the
hierarchy and contribute to fighting problems.
5. Introducing puppies to adult dogs. Puppies usually pester adult dogs unmercifully.
Before the age of 4 months puppies may not recognize subtle body postures from
adult dogs, which are signals that they have had enough. Well socialized adult dogs
with good temperaments can set limits for puppies with a growl or a snarl. Adults
which are not well socialized or who have a history of fighting, may attempt to set
limits with more aggressive behaviors such as biting, which can harm the puppy. For
this reason, new puppies should never be left alone with an adult dog (dogs) until
you are confident the puppy is not in any danger. Be sure to give the adult dog some
quiet time away from the puppy and some individual attention as well.
Bringing Your New Kitty Home
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cat (Cats)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Dog (Dogs
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Cat (Cats)
Cat Housebreaking Troubles
Dog Housebreaking Problems
Facts About Declawing Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Dog
Lead Training
Small Children and Puppies
Outdoor Dogs
Hot Weather Care For Pets
You Can't Find Good Homes For All of Them
Have You Walked Your Dog Today?
Dogs and the 4th of July
Does Your Dog Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
in." - Mark Twain
Introducing Your New Dog to a Resident Dog
By: Suzanne Hetts Ph. D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist
Introduction
Domestic dogs are social animals. This means they naturally live together in groups
which have a social structure called a dominance hierarchy of "pecking order". Dogs
also establish territories which they defend against entry by intruders or rivals. The
territorial natures of dogs needs to be taken into account when a new dog is brought
into the household.
Territorial Behavior
1. Choose a neutral location to minimize the chances of the existing dog perceiving
the newcomer as an intruder. Each dog should be handled by a separate person.
With both dogs on leash, take them to an area such as a park with which neither is
familiar. (If you frequently walk your dog in an area, even several blocks from your
house, he may view that area as part of his territory.) You may want to bring your
resident dog to the shelter and begin the introduction out side on the grass or in an
area nearby.
2. Use positive reinforcement. From the first meeting you
want both dogs to expect good things to happen when
they are in each other's presence. Let the dogs sniff each
other which is normal canine greeting behavior. As they
do so, talk to them in a friendly and happy tone of voice.
"Look, it's your new friend. What good dogs you are!"
DO NOT use a threatening tone of voice. Do not let the
dogs investigate and sniff each other for a prolonged
time as this sometimes escalates into an aggressive r
response.
After a short time, get each dog's attention and give each dog a tidbit of food in return
for obeying a simple command such as "sit." Take the dogs for a walk and continue
to allow them to sniff each other for short periods of time, the "jolly" talk and the food
rewards.
3. Be aware of body postures. A body posture which indicates things are going well is
the "play bow". The dog will crouch with his front legs on the ground and his rear in
the air. This is an invitation to play which usually elicits friendly behavior from the
other dog.
Watch carefully for body postures which indicate an aggressive response may occur.
These would include hair standing up on a dog's back (piloerection), baring of the
teeth, deep growls, a stiff-legged gait or a prolonged stare.
If you see such postures interrupt immediately. Don't do so in a punishing way, but
rather get the dogs interested in something else. For example: each person can call
their dog (give a little jerk on the leash if necessary), have it sit or lay down and
reward with a food tidbit. Wait a bit and try letting the dogs interact again, but this time
for a shorter period and/or at a greater distance from each other.
4. Taking the dogs home. When the dogs seem to be tolerating each other's
presence without fearful or aggressive greeting behaviors, you can take them home.
Whether you decide to take them home in the same or different vehicles will depend
on their size, how well they ride in a car, and how trouble-free the introduction has
been.
5. If you have more than one 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.
Back to Tips on Your New Family Member
Part 2 Introduction
Whenever more than one dog lives in a household, the dogs will establish a
dominance hierarchy. This social hierarchy is determined by the outcomes of
interactions between the dogs. Owners can not choose which dog they wish to be
dominant. When a new dog is brought into the family, the hierarchy is upset because
the newcomer's place is unsure.
Dominance Behavior and Social Structure
1. Who will be dominant? It's difficult to know ahead of time which dog will ultimately
be dominant. Individual personality as well as breed characteristics are important
factors. Males are usually dominant over females. Young adult dogs are usually
dominant over puppies and aging dogs. Larger dogs are usually dominant over
smaller dogs. Initially, the resident dog is likely to be dominant but this may change
as the new dog becomes more familiar and comfortable with it's surroundings.
Remember that these are generalizations!
2. How is dominance established? Dogs usually establish their dominance
hierarchies through a series of ritualized behaviors which include body postures and
vocalizations which do not result in injury. However.....because of past experiences,
inadequate socialization or genetic temperament tendencies some dogs may with
little warning, escalate dominance displays into aggression. If this occurs you need
to consult with a professional, such as an animal behaviorist who can provide
behavior counseling.
3. Support the dominance hierarchy. You need to
support whatever dominance hierarchy or "pecking order" the dogs establish for
themselves. Don't undermine the natural hierarchy by
attempting to treat the dogs equally or preventing the
dominant dog from asserting it's position. Dominant
dogs can and should be allowed to take toys away, push
in for attention, control favorite sleeping areas and other
valuable (from the dog's point of view) resources. Allow
this to occur.
4. Keep the routine. Try to keep the resident dog's routines as much the same as
possible by keeping feeding, exercise, play and sleeping times and locations the
same as before the new dog arrived. You can also give each dog some time alone
with you. Perhaps the subordinate dog has a hard time playing with toys because the
dominant dog takes them a way.
Put the dominant dog outside with a chewy or some other distraction while you play
with the subordinate dog inside. When structuring these individual sessions, the dog
(dogs) not receiving the attention should be isolated in such a way that is is
associated with pleasant circumstances. If the dominant dog perceives that the
subordinate animal is receiving special attention while it is not, it may undermine the
hierarchy and contribute to fighting problems.
5. Introducing puppies to adult dogs. Puppies usually pester adult dogs unmercifully.
Before the age of 4 months puppies may not recognize subtle body postures from
adult dogs, which are signals that they have had enough. Well socialized adult dogs
with good temperaments can set limits for puppies with a growl or a snarl. Adults
which are not well socialized or who have a history of fighting, may attempt to set
limits with more aggressive behaviors such as biting, which can harm the puppy. For
this reason, new puppies should never be left alone with an adult dog (dogs) until
you are confident the puppy is not in any danger. Be sure to give the adult dog some
quiet time away from the puppy and some individual attention as well.
Bringing Your New Kitty Home
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Cat (Cats)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Dog (Dogs
Introducing a New Cat to Resident Dog (Dogs)
Introducing a New Dog to Resident Cat (Cats)
Cat Housebreaking Troubles
Dog Housebreaking Problems
Facts About Declawing Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Cat
Benefits of Altering Your Dog
Lead Training
Small Children and Puppies
Outdoor Dogs
Hot Weather Care For Pets
You Can't Find Good Homes For All of Them
Have You Walked Your Dog Today?
Dogs and the 4th of July
Does Your Dog Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck?
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
 |
