So the holidays are fast approaching and gifts are on your brain. The constant question you ask yourself will be what to get the family this year. A new big screen TV or a pool? Well, there is talk of another pet but you know that the one or several already in your home might not be ok with that…
The most important part of bringing home another pet is making sure that not only is it a good match for the humans in your family, but also the other animals. Adopting a pet without performing a meet-and-greet session could be an absolute disaster so we want to make sure that the process of inviting another member into your family is as seamless as possible. Thanks to Mailey McLaughlin, our fantastic Behavior and Training Manager, we have some tips as to the necessary process to follow when considering expanding your four-legged crew.
First of all, you have to really consider if it is the right thing to do, not only for your family, but for your other pets. One positive is that dogs and cats are social animals and may be much happier with a playmate, but sometimes behavioral problems can arise or worsen if the established pet is not onboard with the situation. If you have an older pet, take extra time to consider the value versus the potential cost of adding another animal to their life.
If you have decided that getting your pet a companion would be beneficial, take care to make sure that the companion is the right one. Usually, pets of different sexes and ages most easily and quickly become friends so remember that when picking another animal. Here are a few more things to consider in your decision-making process:
– Avoid introducing pets of the same sex and equal temperament. After deciding to introduce the potential new pet and the existing pet, try a few of these to make sure that the transition is as smooth as possible.
– Try to introduce a younger animal into the home, but not too young, as the existing animal may view it as prey (four to fourteen months is the best age range)
– Make sure to bring the animal home when you have time to spend with both (or all) of them. This will be reassuring to them that the new pet is ok
– Allow them to determine who the top dog or cat will be but make sure that YOU are the top-ranking animal in your home. Physical force is NOT necessary to do this and if you have any question about this process, make sure to take a look at our website for more information: Atlantahumane.org
– Play it cool: Remember that animals can pick up on your moods so try to keep the stress down by being calm and patient
– Try to introduce the pets in a neutral zone, like a park
– Establish a “time-out” zone for each pet; a place that is calm and comfortable. Allow the new pet to explore the home alone while the existing pet is in its “time-out” zone and then reverse the process after a period of time, allowing the other pet to explore the home with the smells of the newcomer
If you decide to adopt with the Atlanta Humane Society, you are encouraged to bring your dogs from home to perform a meet-and-greet, supervised by our trained adoption counselors, before you adopt. This is the best way to see if the animals will get along and it will reduce a lot of stress and anxiety in your home.
Remember to always be safe when dealing with animals that are unfamiliar with one another. Do not EVER attempt to break up a scuffle with your hands as you will likely be injured. You can throw a blanket on them, carefully put a hard object (a chair or piece of wood) between them, or spray them with water to get them to stop. It is necessary to allow them to establish their hierarchy within the home, but make sure to supervise them and be prepared to break it up if it goes overboard.
