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Showing posts with the label Introducing a new pup or dog to your resident dog and cat

Less is More

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Many people ask me what is the best way to introduce a new pup or dog, to an existing canine (& feline) family. In my usual non-methodical way, I haven't really thought about the "steps", but I guess that comes from knowing my crew well. What I would consider the first step is to look at who you have at home and what you know about them. I also foster a lot, so introducing a new dog is something my crew is used to. But for some dogs, they may have only child syndrome...take it slow. A resident dog or cat, who has not lived with another dog, may need that bit of extra time and reassurance that their world just improved, not the reverse. It is kind of common sense to go slow on introductions and use the old standby of meeting on neutral ground, before heading home. Neutral meaning, take a walk and keep moving, not standing there with nose to nose and expect them to become instant friends.  I also make sure that those at home are not going to end up with "less...