Introductions

You have been thinking about or have brought a new puppy/dog into your home and now you are wondering the best way to introduce it to your other pets, children, and members of the family. Here is the process we recommend. 

Introducing your new puppy to your current resident dog/cat

• Supervise interactions: Keep close watch for the first two weeks.
• Don't leave them alone together: Until you're sure they're comfortable with each other. 
• Choose a neutral location: Pick a place that's not familiar to either pet if possible. If not possible, understand the resident pet may show some territorial behaviors. 
• Keep them on a leash: Use a loosely-held leash in case you need to physically remove one or the other from the situation and have a different person handle each pet. 
• Introduce slowly: Give them time to sniff and get used to each other. 
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward when they're behaving confidently. 
• Be aware of body language: Look for signs of anxiety or discomfort, such growling, snapping, lip lifting, lip licking, or raised fur. 

You can also try these tips: 

• Feed your new puppy in his/her crate or in a different room.
• Make sure both pets get lots of love and attention seperate from each other.
• Watch for situations that could lead to competition and cause conflict, like fighting over toys, treats, etc.

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In most cases, introductions to resident pets will go fairly smoothly. Your resident pet may show some territorial or jealous behavior in their home but typically that is quickly overcome as they become accustom to the new puppy. Do not be surprised if you adult dog or cat are not super large fans of the new addition right away. Often times puppies do not understand boundaries and the appropriate sense of personal space. They may rush into your resident pet's personal space excitedly with no regard. It is not uncommon for your resident pet's to take offense to this and there may be a correction made in the form of a loud bark or deep growl/hissing from cat, lip lifting, or even a quick snap of the mouth/slap of the paw by a cat.  As long as your puppy is not being physically hurt, these corrections are likely okay and necessary to develop respectful behavior. Be very watchful and ready to step in if necessary. On the flip side, if your puppy shows any hesitance or uncertainty, that can be very normal, give them lots of positive encouragement and time to adjust and become comfortable with their surroundings. If you're having trouble, you can consult a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist. 

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Introducing your new puppy to children

• Supervise: ALWAYS supervise children with your dog, especially young children. 
• Prepare your child: Teach your children about dog body language and how to give the puppy space. Teach your child how to appropriately interact with the puppy; no running, yelling, squealing, hitting or rough play. 
• Introduce gradually: Allow the puppy to approach the child, rather than having the child approach the puppy. 
• Use treats: Encourage the child to toss treats on the ground for the puppy to pick up. 
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your puppy with praise and affection when they behave well with children. 
• Set boundaries: Give your puppy a designated area where they can feel comfortable and confident away from the child. 
• Avoid rough play: Discourage rough play and be ready to move your child away if the puppy jumps up. 
• Teach respect: Teach your children to respect the puppy and teach your puppy boundaries and appropriate forms of play.

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Very similar to introductions to other resident pets, in most cases, introductions to children will go fairly smoothly. Again, puppies do not understand boundaries and the appropriate sense of personal space. They may rush into your children's personal space excitedly with no regard and jump on your child. Often times puppies will see children as they would their littermates and expect to be able to play and interact similarly. Puppies interact and play with each other in the form of growling, biting, wrestling, etc. and this is not appropriate play with humans, especially children. It will be up to you to teach that to your puppy. I cannot stress the importance of never leaving your puppy alone with children, no matter how much you think you can trust them. If your puppy shows any hesitance or uncertainty, that can be very normal, give them lots of positive encouragement and time to adjust and become comfortable with their surroundings. Never allow your child to get into their space without confidence that the puppy is okay with it. Never allow your child to crawl on the dog and keep all interactions calm and gentle. I advise to use caution when your child is interacting with the puppy and a toy and never allow your child to approach the puppy when they are eating their food or chewing on a bone. If you're having trouble, you can consult a professional dog trainer or animal behaviorist.