How to bring a new dog to your dog at home - Dog Training with Americas Canine Educator

Summary

In this video, Tom Davis, America's Canine Educator, provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly introduce a new dog into an existing household. He emphasizes the importance of creating a calm, controlled environment during the introduction process to avoid issues like resource guarding or territorial behavior. Key steps include meeting in a neutral location, allowing the dogs to get familiar through a controlled walk, and maintaining calm behavior when bringing them onto the property. Davis also advises on feeding protocols, affection distribution, and basic obedience exercises to foster a smooth, successful integration of the dogs into the pack.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure to pick up valuable items like toys, food, and water before introducing a new dog to avoid resource guarding issues.
• 😀 Always meet new dogs in a neutral, safe location before bringing them onto your property to ensure a smoother introduction.
• 😀 Walking the dogs together in neutral territory is crucial for allowing them to get used to each other without pressure or aggression.
• 😀 Swap positions during the walk to allow dogs to get used to each other through scents, helping them develop familiarity gradually.
• 😀 Take time during the introduction process; don't rush it, and let the dogs adjust at their own pace.
• 😀 Stay calm and neutral when returning to your property to avoid triggering possessive or protective behaviors from your resident dog.
• 😀 Make sure to control the environment, particularly food-related situations, by feeding the dogs separately or in crates to avoid food aggression.
• 😀 Don't overindulge the new dog with affection or attention to prevent jealousy or tension between the new dog and existing pets.
• 😀 Basic obedience training with both dogs together, such as sit, stay, and heel, can help strengthen their bond and reduce behavioral issues.
• 😀 Remember to always set a neutral tone when interacting with both dogs to avoid reinforcing jealousy or favoritism.
• 😀 Being patient and following a structured, step-by-step approach will help you avoid common mistakes and ensure a successful dog introduction.

Q & A

Why is it important to remove items of value from the house when introducing a new dog?

Removing items like toys, bones, and food helps prevent resource guarding, where the dogs might fight over or protect these valuable items. This reduces the chances of aggression during the introduction process.

Should you bring the new dog directly onto your property when introducing them to your existing dog?

No, it is recommended to meet in a neutral location first. Bringing a new dog directly onto your property can trigger territorial behaviors in your existing dog, making the introduction more stressful.

How does walking the dogs together help in the introduction process?

Walking the dogs together in a neutral area allows them to get used to each other’s scent without direct interaction. It also helps keep the dogs calm and neutral, reducing the risk of conflict while they adjust to each other.

What should you do if the dogs show signs of aggression or discomfort during the walk?

If the dogs show signs of aggression or discomfort, stop and reassess the situation. It’s important to give them time to calm down and not force any interaction. This ensures their safety and avoids negative encounters.

Why is it important to avoid overly praising or petting your existing dog when entering your property?

Over-praising or petting your existing dog can create jealousy or territorial issues, especially when introducing a new dog. It’s crucial to stay neutral and calm, signaling to both dogs that nothing has changed and they should remain composed.

How long should you wait before letting the dogs interact directly after the walk?

You should allow the dogs to interact directly only when they seem comfortable. If they're still air-scenting and curious but not overly excited, you can let them meet. However, it’s important to be patient and assess their body language before making this decision.

What is the purpose of switching the dogs' positions while walking?

Switching positions during the walk helps the dogs get used to each other’s scent in a safe, controlled way. It prevents one dog from becoming overly dominant or reactive and helps them build familiarity without direct confrontation.

Why should you feed the dogs separately in crates during the introduction process?

Feeding dogs separately in crates reduces the risk of food aggression and helps them feel safe. It also prevents direct competition for food, allowing the dogs to adjust to each other’s presence without the stress of resource guarding.

What could happen if you give the new dog too much attention during the introduction?

Giving too much attention to the new dog can cause jealousy in your existing dog, leading to tension or behavioral issues. It’s important to treat both dogs equally to prevent feelings of favoritism.

What should you do if the dogs show signs of playfulness during the introduction?

If the dogs show signs of being ready to play, it’s a good sign that they are comfortable with each other. You can allow them to play, but ensure that the environment remains controlled and that neither dog becomes overly excited or aggressive.