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Adding a new cat or dog is as easy as one, two, three. To provide a smooth transition and positive introduction follow these three steps.

STEP ONE. Introduce each cat, each dog through scent BEFORE they actually meet.

If you are bringing a new cat or kitten, puppy or dog into the household it is better to first prepare each one for the experience by using their natural instinct, scent. My favorite adjustment technique is in two parts.

PART ONE, before bringing the animal home, if possible, take a clean towel, shirt or cloth and rub it on each animal. Send the pet'(s) in your home towel to the new cat or dog, and the new family member's towel is sent to your home. If you have more than one pet, provide a towel to AND from each pet. Place the towel with the scent of the new animal under their food bowl. While eating, they will start to equate the scent with something positive, eating. This will be like sending pictures to each other to get acquainted. If this is an option for you, take advantage of it.

PART TWO, in conjunction with scent introductions, you can then move on to introducing the animals on neutral territory. Neutral territory equals cat or dog will not need to guard their own territory, feel there is an intruder in their home and will know each other before you make the transition.

Allow the cat and dog to view each with protected contact, for instance through a fence, x-pen or a crate. Feed them treats as they gather up each other's scent. If using an x-pen or crate take cat or dog out and from a distance let them look as you positively reinforce with treats. Then take the other animal out and make sure you are far enough away where both feel comfortable and there is no barking or hissing. Next, if you have a fenced barrier, you might test how the process is going by allowing them to make their greetings through protected contact, meaning keeping both safe. Keeping them comfortable with each other is the key to this process. Do this one or several times, depending on how the first visual meeting goes. If all has gone well, then continue to bringing your new pet home and keep interactions safe and positive with steps two and three.

STEP TWO. At home, keep both cat and dog safe during learning process.

Often people just let introductions take place naturally and give the new pet free run of the house. It is better to continue introductions slowly, safely and positively. Do in-home introductions as slowly as you did on neutral territory. If

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