Pet Tips
Introducing Your New Pet to Fuzzy Family Members
Many of us share our lives and our homes with
more than one pet. There are many factors that determine the kind
of relationship your pets will develop. Some factors we have control
over - others we don't. Hopefully you have kept personality combinations
in mind when you chose your new pet. Then if you are lucky both
pets have had positive experiences with other animals.
It is best to observe a few simple guidelines and
exercise patience. Careful observation by experienced, comfortable
pet handlers is extremely important. Watching each pet's body
language and reacting appropriately can help to avoid conflicts
BEFORE they occur. A good time for the first meeting is when both
pets are relaxed. Try to keep the initial introduction short -
allow time for investigation without aggression or anxiety. Handlers
should stay relaxed and use a friendly voice. Positive reinforcement
should be used to encourage desired behavior (verbal praise, petting).
Tell both pets "it's okay". Do not use this term if
either pet is misbehaving as this reinforces negative behavior.
If you have multiple pets at home - try introducing them to the
new kid on the block one at a time. This will help avoid a "
mob mentality". No matter what the number or combination
of species, there are likely to be growls or hisses during the
first meeting. It is a rare first meeting that results in immediate
friendship. Generally, with time most pets either develop a close
relationship or simply decide to tolerate one another. Unfortunately,
some pets never accept one another. In these cases, alternative
placement should be considered.
When introducing two dogs, they should meet on
neutral territory - avoid your home or territory your resident
dog considers as his. Both pets should be on leads and under good
control. The dogs should be allowed to sniff and explore for a
short period and then rewarded for their friendly behavior. If
you are introducing a cat and a dog, again the dog should be on
a lead and under control. The cat should have an easy escape route.
If you are introducing two cats both should have trimmed nails.
They should either be on harnesses far apart in the same room
or they can be started in different rooms to investigate one another
through a door.
Both pets should have their own secure space with
all the necessities. The resident pet should have the more desirable
space initially. By the same token, you should greet and feed
your resident pet first then your newcomer. They can work out
the social hierarchy later on if they so choose. Set aside time
everyday for individual attention. This will reassure your first
pet and establish a bond with your new friend. Remember to progress
slowly each pet meeting. At mealtime, feed pet at a distance at
which they will eat comfortably - decrease this distance slowly
each day. Be sure neither can get at the other's dishes!! Pets
should be restrained during meetings until they are showing consistently
good behavior. This may take several days to weeks and should
be with supervision. Have a noisemaker or water bottle on hand.
If a conflict arises use these to break it up - NOT your hands.
If you any concerns regarding the integration of your new pet
into the family consult your veterinarian or animal behavior specialist.
They are a great source for information. As well medication is
sometimes indicated to help pets over the initial hump. Remember
to stay relaxed, cautious and patient and have fun with your fuzzy
friends.
Articles by Dr. Emma Raghavan
Appearing in the Halifax Daily News
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