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Welcoming a New Dog: Tips for a Smooth Introduction

Many of my clients bring a new dog into the home (albeit a puppy or an older dog) or move in with a partner who also has a dog or cat. Introductions should be slow and deliberate with separate spaces and/or baby gates and leads for management. Throwing dogs in together does not always end well. Not all animals want to live together, any more than all humans want to live with another human they don't know. Stressed and anxious dogs may exhibit aggression if they feel threatened and this will escalate if not managed properly.   Considerations will be the size of the dogs, health, socialisation history (good or bad) and any guarding tendencies - amongst other things.  


  • Pairing the scent of the other dog (or cat) with their food can be helpful. Rub a towel on each dog and place it under the other dog's food bowl to smell as they eat. This will create good associations.


  • Introducing in a neutral territory can also be beneficial as can parallel walking together initially. Observe the body language of both dogs so you can identify signs of stress and calm.



  • Create calm environments with the use of enrichment like snuffle mats and Lickimats separately instead of high arousal activities like chasing balls and toys. 

  • Distance is key to helping dogs feel comfortable around each other.

  • Plan ahead and don't not leave them to 'work it out' themselves, particularly if you are seeing aggression. Dogs grow into behaviour, not out of it.  These things can take time. It takes the time, it takes... Feel free to contact me to make a plan for integrating new dogs or if you already have concerns.    Cheers, Debi🧍‍♀️and Memphis 🐾

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