5 Issues to Contemplate When Introducing a New Canine

As I used to be watching Mokie and Cuba wrestle like wild savages in the lounge this morning, I assumed, as I usually do, how grateful I’m that they get pleasure from one another a lot. I really like residing with two canines who’re nice pals and share in adventures, riotous video games of tug, the occasional finish of a pint of gelato. I think my family will at all times be a two-dog family. Whereas getting a second canine could be a nice resolution for a household, it isn’t a call it’s best to take evenly. Listed below are some issues relating to introducing a brand new canine:
1. Two canines are thrice as a lot work as one canine
Two canines are extra work than one canine. Images ©dageldog | Getty Photographs.
Typically, house owners are below the very mistaken impression that two canines are simpler than one canine, and that introducing a brand new canine will someway imply that they each practice and train each other, assuaging the proprietor of each of these tasks. Nothing might be farther from the reality. Every canine will want particular person coaching and train (notably if both one lacks leash manners) earlier than they are often educated collectively. For instance, when you have two canines, you should have three coaching processes — coaching every canine individually, then coaching each canines collectively. If you happen to had one canine, you solely undergo the method as soon as.
Additionally, your canines ought to get particular, particular person time with you. Mokie can be going to ClickerExpo with me in Connecticut in a few weeks, so I’ll must schedule some particular “Cuba and mother time” adventures for once I return.
2. Canine don’t at all times train one another the proper issues
I at all times inform my shoppers to be pretty sure they’re pleased with the conduct of the resident canine(s) earlier than introducing a brand new canine. In case you are working via coaching challenges along with your canine, introducing a brand new canine together with her personal wants can go away you feeling overwhelmed.
Whereas I’ve seen a second canine study recall extra simply when working with an skilled recalling canine, for essentially the most half, canines don’t train one another issues individuals like, similar to sit, down, eye contact, or drop the useless hen carcass. I’ve, nonetheless, seen canines study obnoxious behaviors (like inappropriate barking, cat chasing and counter browsing) from their canine companions.
three. Introducing a brand new canine of the other intercourse is perhaps greatest
Male/feminine is perhaps one of the best mixture relating to two-dog households. Images ©chris-mueller | Getty Photographs.
Usually, I like male/feminine pairings in a two-dog family, then male/male pairings, with feminine/feminine pairings on the backside of the checklist. That isn’t to say you possibly can’t see profitable duos with all of those combos, however I feel most conduct consultants would agree that the worst instances of interdog aggression are normally between bitches, and when these canines stay in the identical residence, managing the state of affairs could be a nightmare for the house owners — and is hard on the canines, too. Usually, a second canine of the other intercourse is a good suggestion for many households.
four. Contemplate your present canine’s likes and dislikes earlier than introducing a brand new canine
Sometimes, I see shoppers who’re hell-bent on introducing a brand new canine to the house and, sadly, the primary canine doesn’t benefit from the firm of different canines in any respect. At any time when doable, I attempt to discuss these of us out of signing themselves up for a decade (or higher) of making an attempt desperately to cram sq. pegs into spherical holes — or the opposite, extra widespread end result, the place one canine finds herself homeless. Generally I’m profitable, generally not.
However if you wish to get a second canine, take your canine’s preferences into consideration. Ask your self, “What sorts of canines does my canine like?” and, simply as vital, “What sort of canines doesn’t my canine like?” Sit down and checklist out these traits, and take notes when your canine meets new canines so you possibly can start monitoring patterns. Whilst you could also be interested in the look of a Chihuahua, your Mastiff could want the corporate of different huge canines.
In case you have a senior canine who could also be arthritic or produce other ache points, a younger pet or unruly adolescent can considerably impact your canine’s high quality of life throughout his golden years. Being jumped on or continuously solicited for play could also be painful and anxious on your older canine, who would possibly simply want to loosen up alone — or within the firm of one other low-key canine.
5. First impressions matter when introducing a brand new canine
The way you introduce a second canine to your resident canine is of the utmost significance. Images © cynoclub | Getty Photographs.
Introducing a brand new canine to your resident canine accurately is essential. Some breeders and rescue organizations have employees skilled in canine social interactions and physique language, who may help make the introduction as low-stress as doable. If this isn’t an possibility, you could need to contemplate scouting out a neighborhood coach to facilitate the introductions.
Some closing ideas on introducing a brand new canine to your loved ones
Two canines could also be thrice the work of 1, however they may also be 100 occasions the enjoyable. Few issues make me as comfortable as watching my canines actually get pleasure from enjoying. In case your canine enjoys the corporate of different canines, the thought and planning you place into introducing a brand new canine to your loved ones will repay within the pleasure!
Inform us: Have you ever ever launched a second canine into your family? Inform us the way it went within the feedback!
This piece was initially revealed in 2015.
Thumbnail: Images ©Ingenui | Getty Photographs.
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