Thinking of Adding a New Pet to the Family?

As most of you probably already know, owning a pet is a giant responsibility. It's one thing to say, "Hey, we should get a dog," and another to actually have one who's demanding all of your attention at every moment. It kind of forces you to become responsible overnight. I've had my dog, Cairo, for nine years now and he's one of the best things to have ever happened to me. We've lived with other people, animals, and on our own as well. In my experiences with him, it's not always easy to add another pet to your tight knit pack. Animals can get jealous, angry, and territorial. It'd be great if we could just let them know ... "Hey buddy! I got you a friend to play with!," but it's not always that easy, and in many cases (even after being together for an extended amount of time) if done incorrectly, it may very well fail. If you truly want to add another pet to your family, or if you are going to be combining families with preexisting pets, there are definitely some things to consider.

If you're planning on introducing two dogs, remember that it should be done slowly and safely. Don't just let them off leash together from the get go. This could cause immediate problems and possible injuries. Because your first dog isn't used to this new one, having them meet on "neutral ground" is smart. Go to a friend's house or a park for their first introductions, and proceed from there. Taking them on a walk together is a great way for them to get used to each other's presence without causing any unwanted tension. If this all goes well, you can let them sniff each other and play. Do this with their leashes still on (but dragging) in case you need to control them quickly. Also, avoid enclosed and confined areas which may cause problems. This is a good time to then have them together in your house. I suggest bringing your resident dog outside at first, and your new dog inside. Then allow your resident dog to come indoors to greet the new dog (which he/she should have already become acquainted with away from home). This should help. Bringing a new dog into a house to greet the resident dog may lead to territorial issues. Keep the indoor meet and greet short and pleasant. These introductions are very important and set the tone for their future relationship. While you're away (and until you know it's safe), keep the dogs separated. No need for fighting or injuries. Proceed as you see fit at this point.

If you're planning on introducing a dog and a cat, many of the same rules apply, but there are also some other things to consider. Make sure that your cat has the ability to escape the dog whenever he/she wants. You could call this your cat's "dog-free sanctuary." This should be an entire room where the dog is not allowed. High areas for your cat to go will also keep stress levels low. To start, it's smart to keep them both separate. They will both come to the understanding that they live in the same house and will feel less territorial about one another's presence. They will also get used to one another's smell and sounds. Make sure they get fed in separate rooms to avoid unnecessary fighting. With each feeding, move their food bowls a little closer to the closed door separating them. Continue until each pet can eat calmly right next to the door. If your dog (or cat) understands basic commands, this will help with controlling them around each other. Now it's time for a face-to-face meeting. Don't use your cat's "sanctuary" room though. Make sure the meeting is short and sweet and reward good behavior. Keep your dog leashed and under control as your cat walks around. If your cat shows aggression, attempt to redirect him/her with a treat or by tossing a toy. Repeat these meetings daily until you feel comfortable to allow them to be loose together. At this point, it's up to you and how comfortable you feel they are around each other as to how to proceed next. Obviously, the goal is to live together in harmony.

In some cases, certain animals will have a hard time living together. That's just a fact. But if the right precautions and actions are taken from the beginning, there's a much better chance at success! I know from firsthand experience that it's a difficult process. My dog has a hard time with other animals. It takes him a while to warm up to them. I've successfully had him living with two other dogs and a cat for years. It can be trying and will most definitely test your patience. In most cases though, it will be successful. Just be smart, calm, and in control. Animals are very good at sensing your stress levels, which, if high, will cause them to act out more. On the other hand, some dogs and cats will instantly get along with a new pet and have no problems whatsoever. Hopefully that'll be the case for you! If not, reread this blog and take it slow. Good luck to you and your soon-to-be harmonious household!