11 Tips to Prepare Your Dog For a New Canine Companion

Yep, you’ve done it. You’ve decided to add a second dog to your canine family. Congratulations! So now what? Maybe you’ve already found the perfect addition to your home or perhaps you’re still deciding on which type of dog would be the best match for your lifestyle and current live-in buddy.

Either way, the decision certainly comes with a to-do list, starting with how to introduce your current dog to a new roommate, so to speak! When it comes to adding another dog, reparation is key. Not every new introduction is perfect. But, you can make the new welcome a much warmer one by following a few steps.

First things first. If you haven’t chosen your new dog yet, decide carefully, as there are several things to consider. You want both dogs to get along well and peacefully co-exist. So, consider choosing a breed with a size that is similar to your current dog. Also, think about the personality traits of both dogs.

The new dog you choose should have a temperament compatible with your current dog. This will help minimize the chances of a conflict. Some experts even suggest choosing a dog of the opposite sex. While this doesn’t always guarantee they still won’t become rivals, it’s said to be the safer bet.

It’s true. Your first canine companion may need a little extra love so they don’t feel like they’re being replaced by a new furry friend. We know, it might sound perhaps a bit dramatic, but some dogs, when used to having you all to themselves, may have a difficult time with the idea of sharing.

To ease them in, consider giving them some special attention. This will help make the transition to a multi-pet household easier to accept. In the long run, they’ll be better for it, and you’ll feel more confident that you took the extra time to make them feel wanted, needed, and loved!

Before you bring a new dog or puppy home, make sure they have a separate area for their items. Things like toys, beds, bones, and food bowls. Your current dog, even though they’re not prone to being possessive, could display this behavior with a new dog, fighting over toys or food.

It’s best to avoid this altogether, even avoiding clutter, as congested areas could trigger aggression between dogs. Keeping separate areas and individual items for each dog should keep any territorial tendencies at bay!

Here’s an idea! If you’ve already gotten a new dog and are ready to make the introduction, before they meet face-to-face, let them get used to each other’s smell by swapping items like blankets or toys that smell like them. It allows the dogs to familiarize themselves with each other’s scent in a controlled, safe way.

Why is it beneficial? Well, dogs heavily rely on their sense of smell to gather information about their surroundings and other animals. Swapping scents allows them to learn about each other’s presence before they meet face-to-face. This can help reduce anxiety during their first meeting.

When introducing both dogs for the first time, consider doing this in a space where neither dog feels territorial like an open field or park. Make sure you closely supervise the dogs. It can even be beneficial to get help from a friend so someone can keep an eye on each dog. What will happen? Well, it depends.

They may sniff or circle each other, start to play, or ignore each other altogether. Experts recommend waiting a day after the first meeting and then trying again.

Do this in the same neutral territory, (with both dogs on a leash at first) and once they become used to each other, you can bring the new dog into the home!

If you’ve already made the initial introduction, instead of going indoors right away, consider taking both dogs on a walk together in an area with lots of open space. This way, they can get to know one another on their terms . They can take the time to explore while again, on neutral ground.

It might be helpful to ask a friend or family member to help you walk one of the dogs, so each can have their space and relax.

Certainly don’t force them toward one another. Try to be casual, as pushing them to say hello could create unnecessary tension. Instead, praise any positive behaviors and allow them to greet one another naturally.

So you’ve introduced your two dogs, great! Once your first dog shows acceptance and tolerance toward the new pal (without any signs of aggression), award him or her for good behavior. You can do this by giving them a high value reward, like a treat, lots of pets, or displaying your praise vocally.

Rewards allow you to reinforce positive behavior in hopes that it’ll continue long-term.

In the initial meeting phase, however, continue the reward system. Consider using baby gates to create barriers between the dogs that allow them to see each other without directly interacting. The hope is that a gradual introduction will set them up for future success!

Once your dogs coexist in the same space, it’s crucial to establish a routine so they can anticipate and understand their daily experiences. It provides a sense of security and reduces anxiety by providing predictability.

This is especially important for your first dog. Their everyday routine has now been altered, so giving him or her a consistent idea of what happens now is ideal.

Remember to keep food, bowls, and toys separated, feed the dogs in separate rooms or areas to prevent food guarding, and continue to train both dogs and reinforce good behavior.

Make sure both dogs are getting plenty of exercise, both separately and together. When it comes to playtime, be sure you are there to supervise and be prepared to intervene if they become overly excited.

It might take some time for your first dog to get used to sharing his or her space. But, with the proper guidance and routine, along with some patience from you, it shouldn’t take too long for them to become well-adjusted.

Just be persistent with your actions, make each dog feel special and loved, and set the tone for a cohesive space in your home. Much like humans, dogs need time to adapt to new relationships and environments.

Think of this like a retreat for each of your dogs. Places they can go when they want a “timeout” from one another. Inevitably, they’ll feel overwhelmed at times. Settling into a new environment can be stressful, especially at first. So, you’ll want to create their own separate safe spaces.

This also includes places to sleep at night. Not all dogs want to cuddle up or be near one another when sleeping. So, keep this in mind when thinking about a dog bed for the new pup and where to place it.

Find out what your new dog might be used to. Giving them a similar kind of bed could make them feel more comfortable and “at home.”

Once your two dogs have met, monitor them closely for signs they might need a break and time away from one another. Warning signs to watch for can be yawning, pacing, side eyeing, lip licking, or even teeth bearing.

For the first few weeks, try and keep things as calm and relaxed as possible. This time period is crucial in creating routine and stability in the home.

Because of this, it’s also important to limit the number of visitors into your home who want to come say hello to the new canine family member. Eventually, your dogs will grow more comfortable with one another. They will adjust to their new routine and environment, but until they do, the fewer distractions there are, the better. 

Slow and Easy

If you do experience problems introducing your dogs, remember not to force the relationship. Let them get to know each other gradually. If conflicts continue to arise, separate the dogs and assess the situation, moving on to other activities.

Remain vigilant of any signs of aggression or stress during this time, and if problems still persist, consider hiring a professional to help. 

Even after the first few weeks and allowing both dogs to adjust, continue to stay alert of potential challenges by observing their behavior. Signs of distress might include excessive barking, aggression, or even changes in appetite. If you notice any of these behaviors, address them immediately to prevent the situation from getting worse. 

By being proactive and giving both dogs the best start possible, you can create a more relaxed and positive living environment, allowing your canine friends to share a strong, more connected bond.

You, as their owner, get a playmate for your first pup and constant companionship from two dogs instead of one. Certainly, if loneliness and boredom were a concern for anyone before, it will no longer be, as a new and exciting adventure is about to begin!

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