How to Introduce a Puppy to another pet
Cats: generally speaking a cat will run from a dog. And as soon as the cat runs the dog will chase. It’s going to happen. If the cat can escape up it will. If not, it will turn and defend its self and a scarier site you won’t see! Usually that’s enough to put the most curious puppy off for a while. It often will take a month or more for the feline to adapt to the new puppy. Try to discourage barking at the cat, put the cat away if necessary, and pick the puppy up saying no barking! Make sure the cats’ nails are trimmed as short as possible before bringing home a new puppy.
Birds: are fun to rip the feathers off and a great source of amusement to bark at, as well as jolly good fun to chase. What can I say… we don’t have any indoor birds … and our Poms love to bark at and chase the chickens and guinea hens if given a chance. Protect your bird.
Dogs: first things first … before you get a puppy you need to know what your existing dogs personality is like. Does he like other dogs? Has he had other dogs over? Is he aggressive over his toys? His food? Protective over you? If you haven’t checked this out by visiting with other pets and having them over to your house don’t get another puppy. Certainly don’t get one from me. Everyone knows someone who has a dog, and you must go the trouble of having them over to your home to see how your dog reacts. If you dog is aggressive about sharing you may want to put off getting a puppy. You can try obedience training and socialization training but older dogs who haven’t been socialized may not tolerate a new dog in their homes. Find out before you even think of getting a puppy.
If your dog likes other dogs, and you have had visitors in your home without problems then you are ready for your own new puppy. Make sure that you keep the food out of the equation by feeding them separately. Puppies need special food and should not be eating the older dogs food anyway. Chew bones and toys can be a problem, especially in the beginning. If your dog is possessive over his toys and chewies then pick them up. Make sure to supervise if you leave these things down. Show plenty of attention to both dogs, don’t hold the puppy in your lap and ignore #1. Sit on the floor and make room for both of them. Make sure you take #1 out by himself and play or go for a walk. #1 needs to feel that he is still exactly that … #1. I use an exercise pen for my new addition and put him in it when I cannot supervise or if I am seeing a little aggression or annoyance on the part of #1. Your new puppy will not feel ripped off in the beginning as it has no expectations so tend to #1’s expectations and as #1 relaxes you can spend more time including the new addition with everything. Usually within a couple of days all sense of aggression is gone, however my dogs are well doggie socialized and there is no question of who is boss in this home and who makes the rules.
