Read About Introducing New Pets

Introducing new pets to each other takes time, patience and advance planning. It could take as long as a week or two for both the new and existing pets in your home to adjust. During this time you can expect to see behaviors that may be unusual for your existing pets, as they either investigate or ignore the newcomer and vie for your attention.

Introduce Imagenew pets gradually, in a supervised environment. Never leave a new pet alone with other animals unless someone is closely supervising them. Before bringing the new pet home decide on a safe, secure and neutral place to keep him. The new pet needs to be kept somewhere that is not considered to be prized territory by the existing pets in the home. For example, if the family spends a great deal of time in the living room, and the existing pets have their favorite spots in that room, do not block this area off for the new pet. Instead, make a place for the new pet in a spare bedroom or den. Make sure the new pet has food and water, as well as a place to sleep and some toys.

If you have a dog that you still use a crate for, you can place the new dog’s crate in the same room but leave a good deal of distance between them. As the dogs become adjusted to each other’s presence, you can gradually move them closer together.

Carefully observe the behavior of your pets, old and new, as they adjust to one another. Be sure to praise and reward positive behavior. Be careful to keep both animals under control at all times and remove the new pet from the room if there is any sign of aggression from either pet. Watch for even subtle signs of aggression, such as cats raising their fur or dogs staring intently, when introducing new pets. If the animals charge at each other do not place yourself Imageor any of your body parts (especially your hands) between the animals.

If the introduction period is going smoothly, you can feed both the current and new pets within sight of each other. Keep a fair amount of distance between them, though, so neither animal feels threatened. Spend time alone with each animal every day, but also let them see you petting and interacting positively with the other animal.

Introducing new pets should never be rushed and also should be well-planned. Be sure you have a safe and neutral area to keep the new pet during the introductory period. Allow all animals time to adjust to one another. Introducing new pets requires patience – from you and your pets.

QC-PR-011607-AM