samsonsmom

(By NANO/for BOXER FORUMS)

INTRODUCING A NEW DOG INTO YOUR PACK

When introducing a new dog to your pack it is best to take it slowly and meet on more neutral territory. Outside, not in the house, is the best way to do that . This gives dogs more room to “get away” if needed and they will feel less threatened and more comfortable upon meeting each other. If you have more than one dog you will need to let them meet the other dog one at a time, starting with your lead dog, or senior dog and going in your current pack order. You can follow the above instructions (Dog Greetings). Remember you are the pack “Leader” and in charge of all the good stuff, interactions and accepted behavior for your family of dogs. You set the tone and teach, not the dogs. Don’t let dogs “work things out.” Leaders don’t do that they get involved and help

Now you want to actually bring the new dog into your house. I HIGHLY recommend the use of ex-pens or baby gates for barriers. (See use of Ex-pens sticky in BF for further info) and double barriers depending on dog’s behavior towards each other. It is best to keep dogs physically apart for awhile to give them a chance to get to know each other before you move on with physical greetings unless you have a puppy which typically goes quicker as they typically are accepted into packs easier, but not always.

With a new puppy it is good to start with a walk together with your current dog on leash so you can help with the interacting. I use the words “It’s a baby, gentle” in that baby-tone voice to help them understand to be careful with the new little one. Your tone of voice is a huge contributor of information to your dog as to what is going on in life. Avoid phrases like “it’s okay, it’s going to be alright” etc, that just contributes to anxiety about things. Make new things and experiences sound interesting not menacing to your dog. Walks together work well for new adult or adolescent dogs also, just follow the Dog Greetings info for older dogs.

Always treat and feed your current dogs before the newcomer. Make sure all feeding are done separated from each other using some sort of containment or physical barrier. Dogs shouldn’t face each other and be sure to pick up dishes as soon as they are thru. No body is to lick out of anyone else’s dish even if empty. That keeps anxiety over food from being a problem and helps them learn that they are NOT being replaced by the interloper. Also make sure to keep your old routine as much as possible with the current dogs and giving appropriate amounts of cuddle time and attention to them separately as to not cause them reason for animosity.

Spend separate time with the new dog and the other dog(s) watching behind gates so you can bond with the new dog and they can learn it is okay to share your attention and that you approve of that. Give them praise for a “good settle” when they sit quietly and watch you with the new addition. You can also throw treats over to your current dog(s) during this exercise so they learn when you are with the new dog good things come their way. They will learn to associate new dog as a positive thing with this practice.

Continue to let dogs spend time behind a barrier as they get to know each other and adjust. Some dogs can take several hours, others can take days. Don’t rush them into it let them take the time they need to get to know each other. Take that extra time and make sure that all the experiences are positive as possible. Remember it is a big adjustment for everyone involved. Watch body language during the adjustment period and help them to keep tension low with increasing the space between the dogs when necessary,. Keep up all high-value bones and toys during this time unless you are involved with dogs separated during there use. This keeps any resource guarding opportunities out of the equation. If any guarding ensues even from a distance it’s “Oh, oh, bad choice” and away the goodies go.
(By NANO/for BOXER FORUMS)

__________________
--WILLOW---Owned by *Angel 8/8/05 & Flick 3/8/08
Samson, waiting at the bridge 8/27/08



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