Getting a new pet may be very exciting for most pet owners. It is always a joy to have a new furball of happiness. However, your other pet may not share the same excitement as yours. Therefore you must know how to introduce your new pet to your resident pets. For some fur parents, the introduction is easy, but for others, it may take some time before they consider the new pet as a member of their pack. Here are some tips on how to introduce your pets to each other:
Pay attention to their body language
Animals communicate through their body language. As a pet owner, you should know what they mean through their gestures. If you see any sign of aggression, you must pull the pets apart and divert their attention to something that interests them. Knowing your pet’s body language is necessary so that your pets are not exposed to high levels of stress, which may be detrimental to their health.
The bond with a dog is as lasting as the ties of this earth will ever be.
Reinforce good behaviors
If they are relaxed while mingling with each other, give them rewards. Give them treats every time they elicit comfortable behavior around each other. This will keep them behaving in good ways. Animals respond more to positive reinforcements, and this will also allow you to communicate clearly with your pets. Giving them rewards will most likely make your pets repeat good behaviors.
Introduce your new pet in a neutral territory
Animals are territorial by nature. They are wired to protect their territory and their pack. Introducing a new pet in your home may pose a threat to your resident dog. Look for a neutral place instead. It could be a dog park, on the streets, or at the beach! A neutral territorial place of introduction does not force either of the pets to be over-protective. This may result in good behavior for both of the pets since neutral territory makes pets generally more submissive and more relaxed.
Introduce your new pet on neutral territory.
Introduce your pets slowly at their own pace
One thing you should always remember as a fur parent is never to push companionship. Even people do not want to have a forced friendship. Animals—just like humans—, take their time in making friends. Let them stare at each other or allow them to have their personal spaces at home. Just let them be. In the long run, they will get used to each other’s company and, who knows, might even become inseparable!
Monitor your pets progress closely
As their fur parent, it is your responsibility to monitor their behavior at home. Carefully observe how they behave when they are around each other. Take some notes on how they treat their toys and food. It is expected that they would be very possessive with their belongings at first. Check on how they progress when they are close together, keep rewarding them with treats for good behavior until you are entirely sure that they are 100% confident and safe together.
Animals do speak, but only to those who know how to listen.
Owning a pet is like raising a child. It takes all your effort, money, time, and dedication in making them feel loved and secure. Introducing a new pet means an additional member of the family. The introduction process varies from one pet to another. It may take hours or days and, for some, even months for your pets to fully feel secure with one another. Regardless, it takes patience and optimism in helping your newly-adopted pet to become a full-fledged member of the family!