Blog: Bringing in a New Family Dog

When welcoming another dog into your family, it is critical to follow some simple steps to ensure a successful introduction between all dogs involved and to keep them safety. 

• Step 1- Neutral Territory: The initial introduction should take place in a neutral territory for both dogs. This should be done to avoid territorial behavior. Ideally, the dogs should have some kind of barrier between them for the first introduction. 

• Step 2 - Duration & Location of Introduction: The introduction should be no more than 20 - 30 min and if the dogs seem overly anxious or insecure around each other, the introduction should be stopped before the behavior escalates into unwanted behavior. The location should be someplace that is not too busy and is relatively quiet. Added stimulation will only serve to create further anxiety in both dogs. 

• Step 3 - Multiple Dog Introductions: If you are introducing more than two dogs to each other for the first time, the introductions should be one dog at a time. Multiple dogs meeting for the first time can be overwhelming and may produce feelings of anxiety. 

• Step 4 - Walk the Dogs: After the introduction, take the dogs on a walk together. Be sure that you keep both dogs under your control and try to prevent any physical contact between them. 

• Step 5 - Home Introduction: The new dog(s) should be introduced to your home without the presence of the other dog(s). Be sure to supervise the new dog and set your rules and boundaries right away. You want your dog to familiarize itself with the new surroundings and at the same time know what his place is in your family pack. 

• Step 6 - Don't Leave the Dogs Alone Together At First: Be sure to never leave the dogs alone together for the first couple of months. Only after this time, if you are completely convinced that they will be okay together, should you leave them alone. 

The first meeting should be a positive one. Go slow, it may take a couple short introductions before they become comfortable around each other. If you find that the dogs are not becoming friendly towards one another, please setup in home meeting with professional dog trainer in your area.

Vladae Roytapel is the Russian Dog Wizard from SoCal Dog Training in Newport Beach. He has been featured on the David Letterman Show, CNN, Fox and more major news outlets. He can be reached at 949-274-3445 or via email at socaldogtraining@gmail.com. To learn more tips and secrets from the Russian Dog Wizard, visit www.socaldogtraining.com