Introducing a New Dog to Your Resident Dog
Introduce the dogs in a neutral location (such as the shelter or a park). If you have more than one resident dog, introduce them one at a time.
Begin by taking the dogs for a side-by-side walk. Start with them approximately 10 feet apart and allow them to gradually approach each other during the walk.
When the dogs greet and sniff each other, communicate with them in a cheerful and friendly tone of voice.
Keep the introductions between the dogs brief, but repeat them frequently.
Aim to keep the leashes loose at all times. A taut leash can convey your nervousness about the situation to the dogs and increase their tension.
Be vigilant for body language cues that indicate the dogs are becoming tense (such as raised hackles, bared teeth, growling, a stiff-legged gait, or prolonged staring). If you observe these behaviors, interrupt the interaction by calling the dogs away from each other and redirecting their focus, perhaps having them sit.
Next, transition the dogs to your yard for a while and, eventually, into the house. Keep the dogs on leashes indoors until you are confident that your resident dog is comfortable with the new housemate.
Until the dogs become comfortable with each other, avoid confining them together in small spaces like cars or hallways.
Do not leave the dogs unsupervised until they are at ease with each other.
Whenever the dogs are together, maintain a positive and encouraging tone. If they exhibit good behavior together, offer treats to create positive associations with each other's presence.
Progress slowly; if they don't interact well initially, keep them separated except during supervised interactions. Ensure all interactions are positive, using a cheerful tone and treats.
DO NOT UTILIZE PHYSICAL PUNISHMENT if a fight ensues. Instead, use a loud noise like a whistle, an air horn, or a squirt of water to interrupt the interaction. Then call the dogs to you and have them sit.
