Congratulations on making the wonderful decision to adopt your first dog! We know this experience can be exciting and a bit overwhelming at the same time. But don't worry, we're here to help you every step of the way. We want to make sure your new best friend's introduction into your home is as smooth and successful as possible.
1. Prepare properly:
Before bringing your new dog home, make sure you have everything you need to welcome him. This includes comfortable beds, bowls for food and water, toys, leash and collar, and of course, lots of love and patience.
2. Do it gradually:
The introduction of a new dog into a home already inhabited by other dogs should be done gradually. Don't make the mistake of just bringing the dog home. This can generate stress and territorial conflicts. It's important that all dogs feel safe and comfortable during this process.
3. Meet on neutral ground:
To introduce your new dog into your home, you will need the help of a family member or friend who is known by your current dog. You will all meet in a neutral place, unfamiliar to any of the dogs. This will help establish a neutral base for the encounter.
4. Long walks:
Before the dogs meet, it's important that everyone takes a long walk together. This will help drain the dogs' energy and allow them to get to know each other in an environment that doesn't belong to any of them.
5. Gradual introduction:
During the walk, your current dog should walk ahead with the leash, while the new dog will be led by your friend or family member. After a while, let your current dog sniff the new dog's rear, but avoid a direct encounter for now.
6. Walk together:
Continue the walk with your current dog leading the way, and then let the new dog sniff the current dog. Gradually, you will be able to bring the whole group together, with the dogs walking on the outside and the humans in the middle. If they manage to walk together without incidents, it will be time to bring them home.
7. Let your current dog enter first:
When you get home, let your current dog enter first, followed by the other dogs. This will allow your original dogs to "invite" the new member of the pack to their territory in a natural way.
8. Establish hierarchy:
Once your dogs have become a pack, it's important to let them establish their hierarchy among them. Remember that you and the other humans in the home are the pack leaders. If you try to force a dominant position on a submissive dog, you will only generate anxiety and insecurity. Let your dogs determine their own order and they will be happier for it.
We hope these tips are useful in the wonderful adventure of having your first dog at home! If you have any questions or need more information, don't hesitate to contact us. We wish you all the best in this new stage with your furry friend!