About the Shelter
Introducing Your New Dog to the Family

The way you introduce your new dog to your resident pet(s) is very important. It takes time for everyone to accept one another. You will have to work very slowly and understand that this may be a long process.

To ease the process, designate an area for the new dog behind a baby gate with his crate, food and toys. A new dog can easily be overwhelmed by having too much freedom too soon in the house. This may result in the dog acting out inappropriately.

Also keeping him confined allows your resident pet(s) time to adjust to having a new friend in the house without having to meet in an aggressive situ­ation.  Keep meetings brief and pick up any toys or bones that may be lying around the house because these are common things for the two dogs to fight over.

Make sure a resident cat has a place to hide where the new dog cannot go. You can expect barking, growling, hissing, and spitting. If a meeting becomes too intense, separate everyone and try again later. With understanding and patience you will usually see a friendship -- or at least tolerance -- develop between your animals.

If you have any questions, please call the Shelter at 978-745-9888