Introducing a new dog into the household

[oconnorjoy]

Pebbles, my 4 yr old Pom, has been really lonely since losing her furbrother Bamm Bamm and we have decided to get a new dog. We are getting a 3 yr old Pom from a breeder in the area. She had her as a breeding dog but she has never gotten pregnant. She will not be spayed until after we get her. (I'll probably wait a few weeks to let her settle in first) She is up to date on all her shots. Pebbles is a sweet, non agressive dog and so is the new dog accoring to the breeder so I don't anticipate any major problems. Does anyone have any suggestions for making the transition into our home easier?
Joy

[JUDY S]

I have never had serious problems introducing new dogs, but I don't really have a method. I am sure Mamabear will have some great advice for you as usual.

[Marty]

I haven't had trouble either, but one suggestion is to introduce them on neutral territory first. Let them sniff and get used to each other before bringing them into your home together. The front yard is usually enough for my dogs, but some people do it in a park or further down the street.

[davet]

here is stuff I used to hand out to clients...havn;t read the for years so m,ay not have any relativity (?) to your situation




http://www.mvhspets.org/dogsbabies.htm

http://www.theeagle.com/stories/071506/ ... 715051.php

[oconnorjoy]

Thank you
Marty, I will introduce them on neutral territory - good idea
Davet - thank you those articles are helpful
Joy

[k9Karen]

I think the biggest thing is to not forget to give lots of love to Pebbles so she doesn't feel like the new dog is replacing her. They should work things out for themselves, but things may be a little tense now and then, especially in the beginning. I've introduced 4 different dogs into a household that already had 1 or 2 dogs, and the biggest problem I ever had was over food. When we got Foxy, she was used to free-feeding. My dogs were the kind that inhaled their food, and if Foxy left any, they went for it immediately. It took a while, but she learned she had to eat her food when it was put down. All three get along beautifully now, except that Allie is a bit aloof and snotty sometimes when Foxy wants her to play - it's really cute, but I feel sorry for Foxy. I think Allie is just that way, and it doens't have anything to do with Foxy coming into the household later.

Good luck and congratulations!

[mamabear]

I would have you ask the breeder if the new dog was the alpha amoung the other dogs in the house. IF she was there will absolutely be a problem in your home.

Here are some rules;

YOU and who ever else is a human in the house is above all dogs in home. Of course male humans have the alpha male role and female humans have the alpha female role. And yes there is a huge difference in roles when it comes to the pecking the order.

Pebbles is below YOU as a female, so you are alpha then the dogs comes BUT since Pebbles is there the longest SHE will always be above the new dog. NO exceptions ever.

I will go under the assumption right now that the other dog was not treated as alpha. Please be very careful in finding this out. If they say ah don't worry about it... worry! It is very critical to know this and not have a breeder blow you off when asking this question. I have had breeders say oh no the dog was fine and wasn't alpha but then found out that the breeder had no clue and well lets just say it was a nice outcome.

Ok so going under the assumtion right now that the other dog was not an alpha in the breeders home here are some tips for you. And yes neutral grounds is best.

Always keep all dogs on a leash at all times.

Buy a crate for the 2nd dog as you might have to use it. (crates are a dogs safe place and having one for both can help them have their OWN place).

Have someone take the 2nd dog on a leash for a walk outside of your home, lawn or sidewalk is fine but no closer.

YOU have Pebbles on her leash and go outside and remember everything you feel will trickle down that leash and Pebbles will feel it so don't be nervous.

Once outside you being the alpha just walk as if it were any other day and see the dog and just ignor it for the first glance. Watch what Pebbles does, have the other person holding dog 2 DO NOTHING but walk the dog or stand there.

If there are no signs of the dogs growling at eachother then bring them closer. THEY MIGHT pull as if angry but might want to play and thus the pulling. Let them sniff eachother and hang out outside for a little bit. YOU WANT PEBBLES TO INTRODUCE DOG 2 to your home. You want pebbels to INVITE dog2 into your home. It has to be Pebbles doing this. So you can walk and see what happens. If she is not angry for dog2 following her then it's a go and procede into home. YOU GO FIRST THEN PEBBLES...never have dogs go in house before you. Then the other person goes in home and brings dog2 in as well.

Keep dogs on leash and see what happens. DO NOT keep dogs in doorway this is where many fights happen. If they are playing then let them be.

All food and water should be up and away. No one drinks or eats at this time.

If there seems to be a problem then crate dog2 and leave her in a room where there is quiet. Bring Pebbles to cage and see what happens.(this is only if there seems to be a problem)

Ok so if all seems to be going fine then here is what is next....

Pebbles always gets fed first...never at the same time or in the same spot.

Pebbles goes out first never let them out the door together....If you use a leash then put them both on a leash and you walk out first and let Pebbles out first and then the other...This is tricky especially because they are small dogs but it needs to be done this way for now.

Dogs are always fed after a human has eaten. for instance, if they eat in the morning, then it is after you ahve eaten something even if it was a slice of bread or after your coffee.

Pebbles gets her food first then dog2. You do not have to wait till pebbles is finished to feed dog2 but make sure you put her food down first. You might have to put dog2's food in another room for now.

If you allow pebbles up on the furniture then you will assume that dog2 will do the same. If pebbles acts as tho she is above YOU then you will have to stop this until she knows YOU are the alpha and only above them all.

A clean calm transition is what you want. If they seem to be fine and nothing is out of the ordinary then don't fix it. If you see one snap at each other hten you will have to really crack down on the alpha and who is what. Pebbles will always be above the other dog in the higherarchy. It is the way of the wild.

If you have questions or concerns please feel free to post here or pm me and i'll try to help you some more.

[oconnorjoy]

Our visits have not gone well...Pebbles doesn't know what to think of this dog that doesn't seem to like her Hubby and I have decided not to proceed with this adoption. Instead, we are going to take our time and look for a sheltie puppy. We think that a male would be best...any opionions?
Joy

[k9Karen]

I have 3 shelties - all female. They get along very well together. Shelties are usually very good with other dogs, and bringing a puppy into the mix should immediately establish Pebbles as the alpha female, even if the puppy is female too. I think you can make it work either way, but bringing in a male might be easier for Pebbles since she is used to having a male around rather than another female. The only problem I can think of that might happen has to do with the herding instinct of the sheltie - they love to herd and chase, and can be heel-biters It's just a little playful nip - used to get the sheep moving - they do it to people and other dogs too. I think it's cute, especially in a little pup, but I could be described as a sheltie nut. Some people (and dogs) don't find it amusing. If Pebbles does not like to be chased, the sheltie personality might be hard for her to take.

[mamabear]

k9k is right. May I ask the reason why you would like a sheltie?

And good thinking with not adopting the other dog. Its hard to say no but your Pebbles has to come first.

I agree with everything k9k has said about shelties. They truely are great dogs and if raised from a puppy you have a great shot at a really good clear headed dog, but remembering their instincts and what they are bred for need to be addressed. You can not take that out of them and Pebbles might have issues with the whole hearding this when the sheltie is bigger than her. LOL

If you wouldn't mind telling what type of dog you are looking and what are your interests, like not a big dog, or not a shedder, calm, hyper..... I would love to help you find a dog that would best fit Pebbles and your family. If you wish you can pm me as well with the info or on here.
Doing your homework is key and am glad that you are to that Pebbles is not stressed out over this.

good luck