Introducing Dogs To Each Other
By Sherry Woodard
If you have a dog and a new one will be entering or visiting your home, there are things you can do to ensure that the meeting comes off without a hitch. A new dog can mean you are bringing home a foster dog or a new puppy; someone who has a dog is moving into your house; or someone is visiting with a dog.
If you know that both dogs are very social with other dogs, the meeting should be easy. But, you may not know this, since some dogs don't get out and mix with other dogs that much. If your dog (or the new dog) has not been spayed or neutered, the meeting may be more difficult.
If you are uncertain how one (or both) of the dogs will react, be cautious. First, the dogs will need to be on neutral ground. Choose a place where neither dog is likely to feel territorial. Even your dog's favorite park is not a good spot, unless it is a dog park (dogs are often used to meeting other dogs there). If you are adopting a dog from a shelter, ask the staff if they can help to introduce the dogs. If your dog is accustomed to meeting dogs at a pet supply store like Petsmart or Petco, you can ask their trainer to help with the introduction. The dogs could casually meet while you are on a shopping trip.
When the meeting occurs, have each dog on lead with a calm, relaxed adult handler. Keep the leads loose, since pulling on the leash might communicate to the dog that you are fearful or anxious about their meeting. As the dogs approach each other, watch their body language closely. The dogs may need to do a little posturing or make a little noise, but if you don't know how to tell the difference between between dogs getting to know each other and dogs who don't like each other, have someone there who does.
If they try to play by pawing or play bowing with their legs stretched out in front of them, they may want to be best buddies. Allow them to sniff each other, and give praise for a nice greeting. If you want, you can take them for a walk together, stopping, stopping occasionally to allow them to sniff and investigate each other.
If they stiffen their bodies and stare into each other's eyes with their hair up and their teeth bared, they probably aren't going to become fast friends. If they lunge at each other and try to fight, separate them and don't try further introductions without help from someone with experience in dog training and behavior.
If neither of the dogs is food aggressive, you can practice commands that they know and give treats as rewards. Giving treats can also serve to distract the dogs from focusing too much on each other.
If the dogs seem fine with each other, drive them home and settle in, but make sure you've put away your dog's toys, bones and food bowls first, since these items may be sources of conflict. If you're going to offer "high-value" items like Kongs or chews, it may be best to separate the dogs. Once the dogs are good friends, they may be more willing to chomp side-by-side on high-value items.
To introduce a puppy to a dog, use the same procedure as above. But, if the puppy is under four months old, both the dog and the puppy may need frequent breaks from each other. Some dogs will quickly lose patience with puppy energy. If the dog does not like the puppy, do not leave them alone together.
If you are not confident or comfortable at any point, please seek help from someone who is knowledgeable about dog behavior.
Introducing a Cat and a Dog
By Sherry WoodardSome dogs do fine living with cats; others simply cannot live safely with felines. Even if the dog has cat experience and the cat has lived with a dog before, proceed cautiously with the first introduction. It's best to have two people present, one to intervene with each animal if necessary. If you have more than one dog, introduce each dog separately to the cat.
The dog should be held on a loose lead. One person should watch the dog's body language and the other should watch the cat's. If the cat is not acting aggressively (raising his back, hissing) toward the dog, he can be allowed to move around freely. A cat is rarely a threat to a dog, but there are some cats that will meet dogs aggressively. If the dog is not acting aggressively toward the cat, then you can ask the dog to sit, or lay down & stay, while the cat moves around freely, sniffing the dog if he wishes. The dog should be praised & rewarded if he ignores the cat.
If the dog has a strong prey instinct, she will become very focused: she'll stiffen & stare, and may start barking & whining. If you see these signs, do not allow the dog near the cat. Especially, do not allow the dog to chase the cat. If the dog lunges and tries to chase the cat, you should try a different strategy for getting them to share space.
Instead, put the cat in the bathroom with a tall baby gate across the door. Give the kitty all needed supplies-litter box, food, water, etc. Allow the dog to view the cat briefly through the gate, then get the dog to focus on something else, lilke playing or practicing commands. Praise & reward the dog for being able to focus elsewhere. Continue to give the dog short viewings of the cat throughout the day.
The hope here is that the dog will eventually lose interest in the kitty. In some cases, the dog will lose interest in the cat within a couple of hours, but some need days, and others simply will not be able to share a space safely with a cat. If you don't feel you can trust your dog around your cat, you should keep them apart. Many dogs can injure or kill a cat very quickly, and dogs can also be injured by cats (eye injuries are not uncommon).
Kittens & dogs should not be left alone at all. Even if you dog is okay with your adult cats, she may become too rough with a kitten and hurt him. So, for safety's sake, keep small kittens and dogs apart any time you are not watching them.
Introducing puppies and adult cats can sometimes be easy, since a well-socialized adult cat will quickly stand up for himself and "tell" a puppy to respect his personal cat space. However, if your rambunctious puppy is chasing your shy cat, the cat may need your help to control the puppy. Until the puppy is old enough to have more self control and has had some training, baby gates can be used to keep the animals safely and comfortably apart.
Animals wit good past experience often adjust well and quickly. But, if introductions do not go well, seek professional help from a behaviorist. Don't ever use punishment-it will not help and it could make matters much worse.
Sherry Woodard is the dog training and care consultant at Best Friends. She develops resources and provides consulting services nationally to help achieve Best Friends' No More Homeless Pets mission.