tips-for-introducing-a-new-dog-to-a-multipet-house-dog-obedience-training-near-me

At some point, you may want to add a second dog to your family. And just as it is important to be intentional in introducing your dog to a new baby, the same intentionality should be present when bringing home another dog or puppy. Whether you acquire another puppy or adopt an older dog, you’ll want to make proper introductions to help the new relationship get off on the right paw. It’s also important to be patient and positive and provide the new dog with a routine. You may also want to look for dog obedience training near me in Schaumberg, IL and the other surrounding Chicago suburbs for your new pup or your current dog to help you manage and eliminate unwanted behaviors.

Dog Training Tips for the Initial Meeting

As we do with our clients who work with our dog trainers in introducing them to other dogs in doggie daycare, kennel boarding, or dog training, let the dogs meet in neutral territories, such as somewhere outside, such as in a backyard, park, or even in a friend’s house. With both dogs on a loose leash, each with their own handler, let them sniff each other while talking to them in a happy and pleasant tone. A loose leash promotes confidence and ease. Tension on the leash suggests something to be worried about. Walk the dogs around and let them each perform a couple of simple commands so you can reward them. Meeting new dog or puppy friends should be fun!

Heading Home For the First Time with the New Dog or Puppy

Once they’ve had a little while to get to know each other and seem to be getting along, now it’s time to head home. Walk them home if you’re close enough; otherwise, load them up in the car. Ideally, both dogs will ride in separate crates, but if that’s not possible, secure them in their own spots: for instance, put one in the backseat and one in the front. When you arrive, let them spend some time together in the yard supervised, before you enter the house.

To prevent jealousy, each dog should have their own crate, dishes, and toys which is always an important part of our dog obedience training as we work to have each dog respect each other’s space. Feed the dogs in their crates or in separate areas to avoid food aggression. Give plenty of love and attention to your first dog so they know they haven’t been replaced. Have separate play and dog training sessions with each dog, but provide time for group interaction, too. This satisfies their needs for individual attention and your need for them to work and play well together.

Continue to Monitor Interactions Between the Two Dogs

If you’re introducing a puppy to an older dog, make allowances for each dog’s potential issues. An older dog may not enjoy having a puppy constantly climbing over them. Give the older dog a place they can retreat to when they’ve had too much, or crate the puppy so the older dog can have some time on their own or with you. A puppy is still learning their place in the family pack. Don’t leave them alone with older dogs until they’ve fully integrated into the home. For some dogs, this takes as little as a day or two, but for others, the getting acquainted period can last for weeks. Until your new dogs seem to be accepted or are of an appropriate size to take care of themselves, crate one or both dogs when you leave them alone.

Dogs are social at heart, and most of them enjoy company. In most cases, your dog will welcome the companionship of another dog. That will most likely be the case if you’ve taken the time to socialize your dog with new people, animals, objects, and experiences.

At Bark Avenue Daycamp, we provide both dog and puppy obedience and behavioral training, so if you are looking for dog obedience training near me in Schaumberg, IL, or any other Chicago suburb, contact Bark Avenue Daycamp to sign up for obedience classes. You will also find us if looking for doggie daycare near me if you are in Elgin, IL, and the surrounding areas, giving you the opportunity to get your dog acclimated to other dogs before you bring a new dog into the family. Contact us today to talk about our services and what will work best for you and your fur-family!