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3 Steps to Introduce a New Pet to a Resident Dog?

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Adding another furry baby to your home can be exciting for the family but not so much for your dog. Your primary responsibility over the following months can be nurturing your new pup and ensuring your senior puppy gets along well with the latest entrant at home.

To make this transition smooth for everyone, you may need a strategy beforehand. You need to plan everything from fixing the first meeting of your pups and safely accommodating them through to being their referee over the next few months.

Worried they might get the other into trouble? With cheap pet insurance, your pups can be covered for diagnosis and treatment during accidents, third-party liability, and pet health emergencies. Inquire into pet insurance cost and buy a suitable policy to stay prepared for uncalled-for pet health scenarios.

Remember, with more fur babies around, the risks of accidents increase, which is why pet insurance can be essential for pet parents mothering many furry pets. Also, read these tips on introducing a new fur baby to your resident furry companion so a positive relationship sprouts between them.

#1 Set up safe spot intros

Good beginnings are all about making good first impressions, and when your paw friends are involved make sure this happens in a secure place like a fenced area. Choose a neutral spot so both pups aren’t familiar with the surroundings.

  • Some places you can have on your list for setting up such a safe meeting are – your friend’s or relative’s backyard (preferably with no pets around), other outdoor spaces, or parks during off-hours.
  • Make sure there is plenty of space for your pups to walk on a leash so they can easily interact.
  • Remove items that can create hostility between the pups, like food bowls with scraps, bones, dog toys, etc. Scan the zone and even do away with things that may not interest your older dog. This is a vital step, so your family pet doesn’t contend with the new pup taking an interest in objects that your first pet perceives boring.

#2 Pay attention to body language

It is best to have one or two accompanying friends/family members who understand a dog’s gestures and expressions.

  • Signs like wiggly butts and wagging tails can indicate positivity. At the same time, rigid and tense postures, stern gaze, lowered/tucked tails, and freezing are some common warning signs.
  • Observe if your puppy is playing along or wants to come back to you. If your senior pup needs a break from the interaction, you should probably give that to prevent negative consequences.
  • In contrast, if you cannot understand the chemistry shared by your pups, you can always take the help of a dog trainer. They can sort you out on new encounters.

#3 Walk them together

Ensure your pups walk parallelly with a significant distance between them.

  • Allow your pups to maintain a constant relative distance, so they don’t cross each other’s paths or get too close to hurt, just in case.
  • Permit them to sniff each other’s scents left behind on their walking tracks so they can recognize each other and socialize later.
  • This is a better way to get your pups acquainted than giving them stressful surprises.

Finally, you may permit your pups to communicate off-leash in an enclosed area if they appear pretty relaxed or playful. Getting your fur babies to bond can be your first win. However, a lifelong puppy friendship can be a combination of happy and sad moments.

It is precisely why you may need cheap pet insurance. Pet insurance cost can be much less than the hefty vet bills you may have to confront later in life. So, choose an appropriate cover so you can protect your finances along with your furry pets.

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