Bringing a new dog into the family can be a thrilling yet disruptive experience. While the transition can be challenging for both the new pet and the existing animals, experts suggest there are proactive steps that can help prevent a new dog from picking up undesirable behaviors from others.
Dr. Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and Danny Wells, authors of What Your Dog Is Thinking, emphasize that managing the environment carefully is essential to fostering a harmonious household. According to the experts, introducing a new dog to your home requires a thoughtful approach to prevent it from mirroring the bad habits of other dogs, whether they’re already part of the family or encountered in everyday activities like walks or dog-sitting.
“When you introduce a new dog, it’s important to consider the behaviors of the existing pets,” the experts explain. “Controlling the environment helps ensure your new dog isn’t exposed to negative habits that could be learned.” This advice extends beyond just home introductions—it also applies to situations where you might be walking a dog with others or caring for a pet temporarily.
The key to avoiding these issues lies in managing the dog’s surroundings. Dr. Cohen-Hatton and Wells recommend starting with a period of separation between the dogs, allowing time to observe the newcomer’s behavior. This period gives owners the opportunity to identify undesirable traits that might be transferred to the other dog. Creating a training plan based on these observations can help address these behaviors proactively.
By focusing on positive behaviors from the start, pet owners can lay the foundation for a happy, well-adjusted dog. Furthermore, experts point out that early intervention can also reduce long-term veterinary costs by addressing potential health and behavioral issues before they escalate.
Dog trainer Shelina, with The Flo, echoes this sentiment, stating, “Addressing behavioral or health issues early is not only better for your dog’s well-being, but it can also save you money on future vet visits.”
The advice emphasizes the importance of careful planning and early action to ensure that a new dog’s integration into the household is as smooth as possible.
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