Old Pet, Meet New Pet
For many animal lovers, one furry friend just isn't enough. If you're thinking of bringing a new pet into your home, there are several important steps you should take to make sure the introduction is a smooth one.
Some of the planning starts before your new canine or feline even enters the front door. Contributor Debbye Turner, who is also a veterinarian, talked about both cat and dog introductions March 30 on The Saturday Early Show.
Remember that dogs are pack animals. They socialize better when they are with each other, and they prefer to have other dogs around.
This is not the case with cats. In the wild, they don't live in groups and they prefer to live alone.
Consider a trial run by inviting a neighbor or friend bring their pet to your house for a visit, to get a general idea of how your pet will react to a newcomer.
There are many factors to consider before bringing a new pet into your home: species, breed, size, age, gender and health status.
MAKE INTRODUCTION ON NEUTRAL TERRITORY. Dogs are very territorial, The wrong thing to do is to bring a new dog into your home and just let it fend for itself. Introducing dogs on neutral territory will reduce the older dog's urge to protect "its" territory.
KEEP BOTH DOGS ON LEASH. It is very risky to introduce dogs off leash. Turner does not advise it. And if you are not absolutely sure about both dogs' disposition, you may consider putting muzzles on both of them.
NEVER try to break up a dog fight if the dogs do not have muzzles on!
DON'T ALLOW ANY SHOW OF DOMINANCE. Use a very happy tone of voice when introducing the dogs. Be generous with "good boys" and positive reinforcement. That way the dogs will associate the process with good things.)
USE SEPARATE FEED/WATER BOWLS IN DIFFERENT LOCATIONS. ALSO, SEPARATE TOYS. Food and toys are the most common causes of fights among house dogs. Let the older dog choose which of these things he wants first. Do not use treats when introducing new dogs to each other; this could trigger aggression.
BE PATIENT. DON'T RUSH IT. For several days, only allow the new dog contact with the older dog while you are present. Having the new dog in a crate is another non-threatening way to introduce them.
QUALITY TIME/OBEDIENT TRAINING. Walking, grooming, playing and obedience training are all good ways to do this. Also, spend quality time with the existing pet, to reassure it of its position in the family. Train your older dog to follow some basic obedience training commands before bringing a new dog into the family. This will help you correct inappropriate behavior more easily. Basic commands that every dog should follow are "sit," "down," "stay," and "come."
Introducing another cat into a family with an existing feline is trickier. Cats tend to more skittish and prefer living alone. The older the animals gets, the more difficult it becomes to introduce them to each other.
SEPARATE FOOD, WATER AND LITTER BOXES.
It also is important to delay the introduction for several days, and keep the new cat confined to one room for several days. Allow the cats to sniff at each other under the door. This allows the cats to become familiar with each other's scent. It also gives the new cat time to adapt to its new surroundings gradually. Be sure to spend time with the new cat often. But also take time to reassure the older cat that it is still loved and treasured.
LET THE NEW CAT GRADUALLY EXPLORE THE HOUSE. Be sure to accompany the new cat on its expedition to increase the cat's comfort level. Make sure you stay with the new cat and watch it interact with the older one. Gradually increase the exploration time each day until you see the cat start to display signs of comfort while out -- like grooming and lying down.
THE LAST STEP IS A FACE-TO-FACE INTRODUCTION. Have a "get to know you" session. When the cats finally meet face-to-face, supervise them continuously and closely. A little hissing is to be expected, but separate them immediately if a fight looks imminent.
Gradually increase the amount of time the cats spend together. You may start to allow them to eat in the same room - but from different bowls. It's important to remember that occasional hissing is normal among cats.
What if the cats just don't get along? There are three options:
- Keep one of the cats confined for part of the day, while the other roams free.
- Keep cats permanently separated in different parts of the house.
- Find another home for the new cat you'd hoped to adopt.
- Be sure the dog is properly restrained, either on a leash or in a carrier -- or a muzzle, if you are not sure of the disposition.
- Be sure the cat has an avenue of escape if it needs it.
- Introduce them away from the older animal's food, water bowls, beds and toys. This reduces territorial aggression.