HOW TO: Keep your new dog safe and calm when introducing it to family, friends or other animals

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You just got a new dog and are eagerly waiting to bring him home, but there are already other pets in the house.

Or maybe you and a friend have decided to go for a walk and you both have dogs.

We know that first impressions are a big deal with people.

With dogs, they are simply important.

To figure out the best way to introduce these pooches, Tracy weighs Franken with her best advice.

Franken, who lives in Barss Corner, NS, has run a business called Beyond Obedience for 25 years. Her goal is to help dog lovers form incredible relationships with their dogs. This goes beyond a well-behaved dog.

Introducing a new dog or puppy into the family

There is nothing more adorable than children and dogs, but children and dogs often have problems because of the language barrier. Children often overlook signals and signs that the dog is overwhelmed or tired. So before we talk about how to introduce dogs or puppies to children, Franken said it’s best to make sure we research the breed and make sure the animal is right for a home with children before introducing a puppy or dog bring home .

Certain breeds are more tolerant and child-friendly than others, Franken noted. She thinks that getting a puppy versus rescuing a dog is a better option for families with younger children, as there can be a lot of unknowns about a rescue dog’s background – they can be a hidden trigger around children or messy ones Having energy.

A puppy raised with your children is better suited to interacting with your children, Franken explained.

Remember, she added, just because your dog loves your kids doesn’t mean your dog loves all kids.

Even if you think you have the perfect breed, introducing them to children needs to be well thought out and planned ahead of time.

Here are some tips on how best to do this:

1. Prepare the children for the arrival of the dog/puppy. We love surprising our kids with a new puppy and videotaping them for posting on YouTube, but the reality is surprises are challenging for a puppy, Franken warned. Moving into a new home is stressful, and the added excitement, screaming, crying, and other reactions from children can add to that stress.
2. Tell your children that the puppy may be scared and don’t want to be petted or touched right away. This can prevent feelings from being hurt if the puppy is shy.
3. Remind the children to be calm and as quiet as possible when meeting the new puppy.
4. Let the puppy make the first contact. Some puppies will be excited and will greet everyone happily, while others will take some time. Always allow the puppy to come to the child and then let him know that it is okay to pet the puppy.
5. Due to the high energy and excitement, expect the pup to pummel. “For this reason, I prefer to use the puppies outside,” recommended Franken. “If you don’t have a fenced yard, put a leash on your pup or make sure your introduction is in a spot that’s easy to clean. We don’t want the puppy to get into the habit of peeing in the house.”
6. When introducing a dog into a household with older children, Franken suggests that everyone walk the new dog first before going indoors. This allows the new dog to release some of the pent-up anxiety and stress about the new pack they are joining and allows the dog to get to know each person on their terms. Dogs sniff in greeting. Let the new dog sniff around on a walk first before attempting to pet them.

Adoption of dogs to cats or other pets

Keep your puppy or dog on a leash or tow leash when introducing them to a cat or other pets. Be calm and still. And don’t let your pup tumble into the other pet’s space, Franken advised.

Cats are generally good at setting boundaries with dogs and puppies, but if you have a shy or shy cat, you don’t want the puppy to overpower them. So make sure you are in control of your pup at all times with this tracking leash.

Set your rules and boundaries immediately, she said. It might be cute now for the puppy to chase the cat, but it won’t be when you have an adult dog terrorizing your poor cat.

introduce dogs to each other

Franken said that you should always introduce dogs to each other with a walk. This is a parallel walk, not a meet and greet walk, meaning you are walking in the same direction. You need two people for this introduction.

Initially, the person starts walking with the original dog. Focus the dog on looking ahead and walking forward. The person with the new dog comes from behind and catches up with the other pack, allowing the new dog to sniff from a distance and get information about the dog ahead.

As the new dog catches up, drop by both dogs to see if they’re anxious, nervous, or overly excited. If this is the case, you can relax, distance yourself, and take a little extra time to allow some of that energy to drain during the walk. Catch up with the other pack once the new dog has settled in, Franken suggested.

Walk in this formation and let the dogs settle in a little more. Remember, if you bring the dogs closer together, they may get excited and try to meet up. Never give up. You may have to walk faster to keep the dog’s attention instead of meeting up. When the dogs calm down (head down, tails even with body), you can move closer together or move a dog over, she continued.

The final step, if the dogs seem calm and aren’t too excited, is to move the other dog.

“Always remember to use space as your friend,” Franken said.

Now that both dogs are doing well and the initial energy and excitement has worn off, you can head to a safe, fenced area for the dogs to meet. On neutral ground if possible.

Franken suggested leaving the leashes on, but dropping them to allow the dogs as natural an introduction as possible. Please note that at any point when one or both dogs is growling or interacting negatively with each other, you should consult a trainer in your area to help you with the introduction.

Meeting dogs in other households

Before introducing your dog to a dog in another household, Franken said the first question to ask is why. Why do I want my dog ​​to meet every other dog?

If this is a dog you’re unlikely to ever see again, I would avoid meeting. When you meet a lot of people and dogs on your walk, every dog ​​and person is expected to want and want to meet your dog.

Instead, your walk goal should be to create an amazing experience for you and my dog. You want to be the most important person in your dog’s world, and an awesome adventure walk is a great way to do that, Franken said.

According to Franken, there are two things to consider when socializing dogs.

1. Your dog will not like every dog ​​he meets. “I’m sure you don’t like every person you meet,” Franken said. “Why would your dog do that?”
2. There are always two that belong to it. Sometimes your dog’s reaction to another dog relates more to the other dog than to your dog. Dogs start communicating long before we even know they are talking to each other. For all you know, that other dog was talking about your dog, Franken said.

In general, dogs introduce themselves better off-leash, Franken said. This is a risky path, however, because when things start going sideways, you have no control over the dogs. Therefore, you should be very good at reading dogs’ body language before doing so. If you’re stressed or worried about the interaction, your dog is too, she advised.

Ideally, when meeting each other, Franken repeat dogs should first meet on a walk, as discussed above.