Integrating a new furry friend into your household can be an exciting time, but it’s not always a smooth process. If you’re facing the challenge of introducing a new dog into a home with an existing pet who’s showing resistance, it can be discouraging and overwhelming. In this blog post, we’ll provide some practical tips and insights to help you navigate this delicate time and create a happy, harmonious home for all your pets.

Existing pet doesn’t like a new dog: What to Do?

Introduction

Bringing a new dog into your home can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to remember that not all dogs get along right away. In fact, it’s not uncommon for an existing pet to be wary or even hostile towards a new addition to the household. If you’re currently experiencing this issue, don’t feel discouraged. With a few tips and tricks, you can help your existing pet adjust to the new dog and hopefully, even become friends.

Understanding the Situation

Before taking any action, it’s important to take a step back and analyze the situation. Your existing pet may be feeling territorial, anxious, or even jealous due to the new dog’s arrival. What’s important to remember is that these feelings are natural and should be addressed in the right way. Here are a few things to consider:

• Is there enough space in your home for both pets to coexist comfortably?
• Have you introduced the pets in a safe and controlled environment?
• Are you making time to spend quality time with both pets equally?

Answering these questions can help you better understand the root of the problem and how to move forward.

Tips and Tricks to Help Your Pets Get Along

1. Introduce the pets gradually and safely:
   When introducing the new dog to your existing pet, make sure you do it in a safe, controlled environment. Use leashes and barriers if necessary, and supervise their interactions at all times. Start with short periods of time and gradually increase them as your pets start to get along better.

2. Keep a structured routine:
   Establishing a routine can help minimize any anxiety your pets may be feeling. This can include feeding and walk times, playtime, and even sleeping arrangements.

3. Avoid showing favoritism:
   It’s important to spend equal time with both pets to avoid any jealousy or resentment from your existing pet. Give your existing pet attention and affection, but also make sure to include the new dog in your activities.

4. Don’t force the relationship:
   Like people, not all pets will get along. If your existing pet is still hostile towards the new dog after several attempts to introduce them, it may be best to accept that they may never be friends and instead work on keeping them coexisting peacefully.

5. Seek professional help if necessary:
   If your pets are still struggling to get along after following these tips, it may be time to seek professional help. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can provide additional guidance and support tailored to your pets’ specific needs.

Conclusion

Bringing a new dog into your home can be a great experience but it’s important to remember to take it slow and have patience. Avoid forcing the relationship between your existing pet and the new dog and instead, focus on creating an environment of co-existence and peaceful living.

FAQs

1. What can I do if my existing dog doesn’t like the new dog we just adopted?
   Answer: Introduce the pets gradually and safely, keep a structured routine, avoid showing favoritism, don’t force the relationship, seek professional help if necessary.

2. How long does it typically take for dogs to get along?
   Answer: It varies and can take days, weeks, or even months.

3. Can dogs sense jealousy?
   Answer: Yes, dogs can sense jealousy and respond negatively when they perceive that they are receiving less attention than the new dog.

4. What happens if my pets never get along?
   Answer: If pets don’t get along, it’s important to keep them apart to prevent any harm or injury. It’s possible for pets to coexist peacefully as long as you establish a structured routine and address any aggression.

5. Is it possible for dogs to become friends after initially disliking each other?
   Answer: Yes, it’s possible for dogs to become friends over time. With proper introduction and guidance, dogs that initially did not get along can learn to coexist and even become the best of friends.