May 18, 2011
I am about to receive my new patrol dog, (an import), can you offer advise on how to bond with this dog?
Full Question:
Dear Ed,This week I will receive my police service dog. He is a 2 year old import, he is not a fire pisser nor is he a doormat. A nice balance defines the personality of this dog. My question is, how do I best aqua in him to his new home. Which includes a 11 month old puppy and a house cat. I want the dog to have as little situational stress as possible so that we can get on the path to bonding as a team. Any insights or ideas would be helpful.
Mark
Ed's Answer:
Mark,
The first thing you need to do it determine if this dog is a dog fighter and if it has a dominant temperament.
Introducing a new dog needs to be done with a dog crate or better yet an outside dog kennel. But it doesn't sound like you have that.
Your 11 month old pup needs to be kept away from this dog for some time until you know the temperament of you new dog - your new dog can easily attack and hurt or kill these other animals. I never allow newcomers to be near the other animals until I am 100% sure they get along. This is where a crate comes in. When the time comes to allow the new dog around the younger one, I always do it with a muzzle. This is going to tell you if it will attack the pup.
If it does act aggressive towards your other pets, I suggest you read the article on my web site about Dealing with the Dominant Dog.
As far as your bond goes - that's done with food and long walks and personal time grooming and playing. Your biggest concern needs to be this new dog hurting the existing animals.
The first thing you need to do it determine if this dog is a dog fighter and if it has a dominant temperament.
Introducing a new dog needs to be done with a dog crate or better yet an outside dog kennel. But it doesn't sound like you have that.
Your 11 month old pup needs to be kept away from this dog for some time until you know the temperament of you new dog - your new dog can easily attack and hurt or kill these other animals. I never allow newcomers to be near the other animals until I am 100% sure they get along. This is where a crate comes in. When the time comes to allow the new dog around the younger one, I always do it with a muzzle. This is going to tell you if it will attack the pup.
If it does act aggressive towards your other pets, I suggest you read the article on my web site about Dealing with the Dominant Dog.
As far as your bond goes - that's done with food and long walks and personal time grooming and playing. Your biggest concern needs to be this new dog hurting the existing animals.
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