How do I introduce my new rescue dog to my existing dog?
Welcoming your new rescue dog into your home is an exciting time, if you already have a dog you may be asking yourself how best to introduce them to each other. At Spanish Happy Tails Rescue UK we are here to support you from the beginning and each day forward. The key to a smooth introduction is to take things slowly and patiently, creating a positive experience for both dogs. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process:
Preparation and Planning: Getting ready for your new dog to arrive is exciting! Gather necessary supplies such as food, water bowl and bed. Designate separate areas for each dog to eat, sleep, and rest to avoid potential conflicts.
Research and Understanding: Take the time to learn about the new dog's background, temperament, and any special needs or behaviours they may have. Understanding their history can help you anticipate potential challenges and tailor your approach accordingly. The majority of dogs at Animals Help are found as strays and no way to know if they have ever lived in a home before. High-value food and toys are likely something the dogs have not experienced before so there is a possibility of resource guarding. Being aware of expected behaviours and how to deal with them takes any worry out of these situations if they do occur.
Initial Introduction: When introducing the dogs for the first time, choose a neutral territory such as a quiet park or street. Keep both dogs on leads and allow them to approach each other gradually. Pay close attention to their body language and intervene if you notice any signs of tension. Dogs communicate through scent, so allow them to sniff each other and explore their surroundings together. This helps them establish familiarity and build trust with one another. You can use treats and praise to reinforce positive interactions between the dogs. Reward them for calm, friendly behaviour such as sniffing and relaxed body postures. Walking both dogs together for a short time is recommended.
Gradual Integration: After the initial introduction, gradually increase the time the dogs spend together under supervision with leads on. Start with short, supervised sessions and gradually extend the duration as they become more comfortable with each other. Be prepared to intervene if play escalates into roughhousing or if one dog shows signs of discomfort.
Monitor Body Language: Dogs also communicate through body language, so it's essential to pay close attention to their cues. Signs of stress can include lip licking and yawning. You can find more information in our blog post on Understanding Your Spanish Rescue Dog. If you notice any signs that one dog is uncomfortable, calmly separate the dogs and give them space to calm down.
Patience and Persistence: Building a strong bond between your new rescue dog and your existing dog takes time and patience. Be prepared for setbacks and challenges along the way, and remain calm and consistent in your approach. With patience, persistence, and positive reinforcement, your dogs can develop a relationship built on trust, respect, and companionship.
Get in touch with us if you need us: If you encounter challenges or concerns during the introduction process please get in touch. We encourage open and honest communication with our adopters, so if you are hesitating thinking your query might be a “silly question” put those thoughts aside and contact us. We are here for the dogs and we are here for you.
Adopt a dog from Spain
At Spanish Happy Tails Rescue UK we help rescue dogs from Spain find loving homes in the UK.
Adopting a dog from Spain is more straightforward than you might think, we deal with everything for you and with full Rescue Back Up, we are there for you from adoption and every day after that.
