Getting a new pet is extremely exciting. While you’re dreaming about names and sweet cuddles, there may be someone in your house that isn’t going to be quite as thrilled, your already established pet in the home. Introducing a pet to the household can be a little tricky, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster.
Of course, there will probably be a little bit of rivalry at first. After all, you are their mommy or daddy first. Luckily, here are a few tips that will help make the transition easy for them and for you too!
Proud pet owner, Laurie Luck of Smart Dog University has welcomed 15 puppies into her home within 12 years has a lot of experience. And from her experience, we can learn a few things about how to get these new “siblings” to get along.
Communication skills are very important
Social skills in puppies are lacking (to say the least). Basically, they are brand new to this world, they don’t understand how to “dog” yet. Puppies in the litter communicate differently. They pounce, play, nip, and even sleep on each other. Adult dogs are great for teaching puppies what not to do as a proper dog. Things like, don’t walk on me, don’t bark in my face, don’t jump on my head, etc. Those are great lessons for both interactions with people and dogs.
However, all their snapping and growling at the new pet is teaching them The Dog Code. These include don’t steal my toys, don’t touch my food, don’t bite at me, don’t come near me. This is all very normal, as long as the behavior of your adult dog is appropriate. These all go for cats as well.
Supervision
Watching your current pet and the new pet interact is the best way to reinforce the behavior that is expected of both. Avoid punishments, but do show positive reinforcement to positive behavior. The more you’re around, the easier it is for the pets to communicate correctly.
Separation is key
When you’re not around or if it’s starting to get a little unruly, separate them. Not only does it give everyone a little peace and quiet, crate training can be a great way to teach puppies house training.
Safe areas
Also, have escape routes for everyone and safe areas for each pet can be beneficial. Laurie Luck continues with her knowledge stating, “I taught my dogs how to move away from an annoying pet very early in our service-dog-raising years. I would call out “kennel” if my dogs were beginning to become annoyed by the new pet. They would run to their crate, I’d put a frozen stuffed Kong inside, and I would close the door. The dogs could enjoy a special treat and be rid of the annoyance… I reinforce that decision to self-crate almost every time with the delivery of a frozen stuffed Kong.”
No matter what, getting a new pet is an awesome experience! Enjoy the new life in the house and take it one day at a time.