I received an email from a lady recently on the proper way to bring a new dog into the house.. here’s my reply:
The most important thing for all dogs is a proper introduction into a new home. Usually I suggest hiring a pro to do it, as if it is done wrong it can set the stage for a long road of troubles. What is important in the overall picture is the structure that dogs need. When I introduce dogs into a home, I always have them meet on neutral ground first. Allow them to see each other, then allow them to sniff each other, then walk them together, then bring them carefully into the home. I prefer to leave the leashes on them when they first get back into the house, makes things a lot simpler if you need to control on of the dogs. I am not a big fan of crates, so the tether allows you some control here.
You must remember that not all dogs will get along. Sometimes the behavior can be fixed, usually by a professional, if it can’t you will forever be keeping them separate. Dogs function in a pack mentality. That means they understand where they fall in the pack. If this structure is not established by the leader, they will scramble to try and establish it. That being said, I don’t like leads that tether dogs without the control of you. You need to draw these boundaries i.e. no furniture, certain rooms off limits, no playing with certain things in the house, etc.
Of primary importance is feeding, walking and affection. The leader dog, your primary dog will get fed first, affection first, walked first, etc. If another tries to get jealous or assertive, you will need to correct them. YOU determine the structure. When you have big dogs, its important that they respect you. Respect must come before love. They will walk all over someone they love, but will always love someone they respect. Simple solution.
There are a million little things you need to focus on when you have more than one dog. However, once you have it in check, you could not have a better situation. Behavior patterns in dogs are sometimes tough for people to read, as they misread play growling and barking for aggression. This is something that shelters screw up and kill dogs for all the time. Dogs will bite and play rough, they are dogs. You will determine when enough is enough. Setting boundaries and structure into the pack will help them settle in to each other and anything else you throw at them.
My method is positive reinforcement, with little or no verbal corrections. A very rogue concept in dog training, and almost impossible to explain in email. However, please read my blog at www.blackbeltdogtraining.com and I’m sure it will shed some light on my methods.
I hope this helps a little 🙂
Best,
Robert
Black Belt Dog Training