by Bazofts Revenge

Created on: May 13, 2007   Last Updated: May 15, 2007

The introduction of another dog into the home with an established dog hierarchy will if carried out in the wrong way be disastrous for one if not all parties. The following tips are given as a guide and not every dog/pack can be guaranteed to accept another.

1) Ideally you should already know the temperament of your current dogs and be well on top of their welfare and maintenance.

2) Having decided that you can cope with another dog physically, mentally and Financially can your other dogs cope?

3) Choosing your new dog has to be taken with great care. Ideally the Dog should choose you! The organisation you are getting the new dog from should be happy to bring the new dogs out to you in an open area which is neutral territory.

4) It is best to introduce your pack one at time to the new dog walking them past each other gradually getting closer on each pass. The respective handlers should have treats ready to distract and reward each of the dogs whilst they get used to each others presence.

5) If this initial meeting goes well then you can progress onto letting your alpha (Top) Dog play in an enclosed area with the new dog. This will help in their bonding. Remember plenty of treats and praise to reinforce that being together is a good thing. As play goes on introduce other members of the pack one by one. This shouldn't be done all on one day especially if you already have more than two dogs. Any respectable organisation won't let you just take the dog straightaway. They will welcome you coming back everyday to let the dogs play.

6) Once you are happy that all dogs get along fine then you have to prepare the home for the new addition. It is best that all beds are moved about to slightly different areas. Sort out feeding stations well apart.

7) If the organisation is not too far from your home it is a great idea to walk with the top dog to the organisation to collect your new dog. If others can help and walk the other dogs too then all the better. Let the dogs play again and when your ready and the dogs are tired walk them home together. As they enter the property together the territorial element should have been reduced to a minimum. Now tired all established dogs should settle down for a sleep. The new addition will probably pace about as it will all be new but he/she should settle in a couple of hours. If the organisation is too far then on your homeward journey stop your transport 1 mile from home and walk the dogs from there. You can always walk the dogs back to pick up your transport later.

8) Squabbles and small fights are to be expected sometimes new dogs especially rescued dogs may have forgotten how to play and have to relearn their bite inhibition. This will take a little time but most dogs are fast learners.

9) Feeding is one of the biggest causes of fights. Ensure everyone knows their place. First you as the Real pack leaders must be seen to eat first, even if you have to pretend. Then its up to you to feed as per pack order remembering its very hard to put down more than two bowls at once. If its a problem feed them one at a time if you have the luxury of kennels this isn't a problem. For the owner with a smaller property then its trial and error. Usually so long as top dog has been fed first the others can be fed in any order but I can't tell you everything somethings are for the owners to judge.

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