Welcoming a New Member

(An article adapted from the United Kennel Club web site)

You couldn't resist the temptation of getting a new family member, but you have old faithful still at home. Wondering how you are going to introduce them?

Here are some good tips to help you steer clear of any confrontations.

Puppies may be scared of new surroundings when first brought home. He/she also may want to explore without old-faithful guarding his territory. Puppies need to be happy when in new surroundings, so to make this transition for old faithful and the new puppy easy, here is something that can help.

Put old faithful in a crate. The idea of this is so the puppy can explore while old faithful is just watching him. Remember, we want old faithful to also be comfortable with the transition and not having the new puppy jumping on him if he doesn't like it. We don't want any confrontations that can hurt the welcoming process. While old faithful is in the crate, you can gauge how his temperament is toward the pup. See how he acts; if he tolerates the pup nose to nose through the crate. Watch for any growling from either party. Make sure the body language between the two is relaxed. You may want to keep them away from each other like this for a week or so. It depends clearly on how they both act as to when the next step will happen. If you don't use the crate for the introduction, you may have a harder time introducing them in a positive manner. The pup may get scared and run and never really feel comfortable with old faithful, or old faithful may run from the pup. The crate will help make sure they are introduced in a way that is easy for them both.

After the time allotted in the crate, you can introduce them by holding the pup's rear to old faithful to smell. This may sound strange, but this is how dogs recognize each other. In order to avoid altercation, I never introduce dogs face to face. After this, you can put both dogs on a leash and see how they are doing. Most likely, they are fine. If you see that old faithful or the pup starts to act up, you can nip it in the bud right away. Pull them apart with the leash. Praise them when they are being nice and getting along.

Make sure always to be there watching when they are out and about playing.

Welcome to the family Fido!