Are there any fail proof methods on the introduction of a new dog to home with an existing 8 year old female? Both are small breed dogs and the new dog will be a 1 1/2 year old male.

I'm simply wanting to avoid dog aggression and introduce them properly.

Thank you

Hi, Chuck,

I know you'll get more replies, but here's a very good start:

http://leerburg.com/introducingdogs.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaVg4cRU6vg


(The more slowly and carefully the intro is done .... there's NO RUSH! .... the better for both dogs.)

Good info on the threads Connie linked you to but "fail proof" isn't there. That's to much to do with both dog's genetics, past experiences and the owners skills and understanding dog behavior. .

Chuck--tell us more about the current dog--her general temperament, relationship with the current family, and her experience around other dogs in the past. Do you have any reason to think she might react negatively?

Also--what do you know about the new dog? Is he accustomed to living with other dogs? What do you know about his temperament and history?

As mentioned, "fool proof" suggests a one-size-fits-all technique, which doesn't exist. It could be easy. It could be disaster. But without knowing anything about these individual dogs--and your experience with leading a multi-dog household, it's hard to offer much.

At a minimum, the dogs should be introduced away from your house and yard. They should be separated for at least an initial period, and you should not force interaction between them initially.

They should not be expected to "share" anything. You should not expect an 8-year-old dog who has been an only dog to change her usual routine. This will be about adding a new dog to the existing routine---NOT changing the current dog's life to accommodate the new pack member.

I find a long walk in unfamiliar territory(assuming both are confident dogs) with dogs on separate sides does a lot to get everybody "introduced" without actually doing a face to face intro. This walk is a marching right along pace that's too fast to invite sniffing or peeing. Minimal talking("Lets go" "Hurry up") and keep everybody moving forward. If you have trouble managing two leashes I would bring a second handler.

You still follow all the other intro stuff outlined in the article but the long "intro" walk seems to take the edge off that initial curiosity in the other dog.

Thank you for the suggestions!

...to answer a few of the questions above:

My current 8 year old has lived with other another dog and they did just fine with each other.

The new dog is familiar with living with other dogs and has a great temperament, but has only lived with litter mates. The new dog is a show dog and seems to be very comfortable in a myriad of environments.

I'm mainly concerned with our current dog, she has started acting out a little aggressively by nipping at small children (family members and neighbors). This is why I want to make sure she it introduced correctly, while I try to correct the dominance/aggression problem.

I like the idea of meeting away from the house and not changing the routine of the current dog - she's "set in her ways" and this would certainly be problematic if I were to change her routine.

Long walks in unfamiliar territories is a wonderful idea too.

I might suggest a slight change of mindset about the 8-year old: instead of thinking of her acting out as "aggressive," I'd suggest "possessive." That would be my armchair analysis. She's resource guarding. The resource could be you. Or it could be personal space (a spot on the couch), or a toy, etc.

If this is an issue for her, it's something to work on separately. And it lets you know to be mindful about "sharing" resources with the new dog.

If this is a new thing for her (at 8 years old), this could also be the way she's exhibiting some kind of pain, and might warrant a vet checkup to make sure she's not nursing a painful tooth or joint.

Good luck with the introduction of the new dog. When I said that you don't want to upset the old dogs routine, I do not mean to imply that you would allow her to nip or snarl at the new dog (or anybody else), even if that has been her habit. Even small dogs are dogs and they need consistent firm leadership from their human. Rule number 1 in any pack is that there is no fighting or displays of aggression between pack members--ever. The new dog will be looking to you for leadership too. And leaders don't let another pack member dole out corrections. That's your job.

Very good Tracy, thanks for the ideas and help - you're right about the leadership roll, the pack leader is myself and must be a constant reminder to the dogs and the leader alike.

I think you're assessment of the resource guarding is accurate. The good thing is, is that we're not taking possession of our new dog (which will be 1.5 years old) until August, this gives me plenty of time to work with the 8 year old.

Thanks again!!


Chuck