How Do I Safely Bring Home a Second Dog?

UNDERSTANDING SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES:

• Start out slowly and always be in control. Initially, always have the dogs on leashes.
• Never leave the dogs together without one-on-one supervision.  If they start to become too focused on each other, become too rough, or become aggressive, each person can separate their dog by directing away with the leash.
• If you have more than one resident dog, introduce the resident dogs and new dog one at a time. You want to keep the initial dynamics of the initial interaction simple and direct as to minimize the possibility of overwhelming the new dog.
• Using a muzzle (we always suggest the Italian Basket Muzzle) to facilitate the process is OK.

FIRST STEPS:

• Many Shelters have enclosed, open areas where you can meet and interact with the dog in a neutral and friendly environment. Take the Shelter Dog there to meet and play with all the members of your family.  Keep the meeting calm.
• Repeat the above process later in the day or on the next day. Remove the Shelter Dog from the area and bring your dog (one of) into the area on a leash.
• Reintroduce the Shelter Dog on a leash to the area. First have the dog at the gate.  Keep things calm.  Next, walk the Shelter Dog around the area, but not up to your dog.  Keep it calm.  Next, slowly allow both dogs to mingle, all the time directing their focus back to you.
• If you see no signs of aggression, fear, or agitation, drop the leashes and allow the dogs to socialize. Always be prepared to separate them, if needed. Repeat with multiple dogs.

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:

• Now you are ready to work with your dogs at your home.  Be sure the ride from the Shelter to your home remains calm.  Do not allow the Shelter Dog to run all over the car and never let him stick his head out the window.  Keep him on a leash in the back seat with a family member.  Treats or toys as calming distractions can be used.
• Have a single dog in the front of the house with the rest of the family when you arrive. Repeat the steps you performed at the Shelter in front of the house.
• Once the dogs are calm, lying down, sniffing, or just “hanging out”, you are ready to proceed.

INSIDE YOUR HOME:

• Bring your dogs inside your home to a central location near the front door. If you have multiple dogs, remove the other dogs for the moment.  Leases on!
• Bring the Shelter Dog into the house and let him greet your dog. Bring the others in one at a time.  Keep everything calm.
• If anything begins to escalate, separate the dogs for several minutes and slowly reintroduce.
• Walk the Shelter dog and each of your dogs on leashed through the house, letting them sniff and explore.

FINAL STEPS:

• Drop the leashes. Always have someone with the dogs while they are together for the next few days.  When together, leashes are on.
• Feed separately for two weeks. Slowly sprinkle a little food on ground and watch for food aggression.  If you see food aggression, consult your Vet or a Dog Trainer for assistance.