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Have you ever wondered how some people are able to have both a dog and a cat living under one roof, or to have three or four dogs or cats happily cohabiting together? Following are three strategies for introducing a new pet to your household.
NEUTRAL GROUND
The easiest way to make the proper introductions is on neutral ground outside of your pet's territory. For most dogs that means the house and yard are off limits to other animals. An ideal place to for pets to meet is at a neighborhood park. Have a friend or family member meet you with the new pet at the park so the two can become acquainted. Bring both pets home from the meeting together. At first your current pet may be a little confused that his new friend has followed him home, but the two should adjust to each others company within a short time. This technique works well when introducing adult dog to either puppy or another adult.
IN THEIR OWN TIME
A strategy which works well when bringing a puppy or dog into a household with an existing cat is the in their own time technique. Both pets remain in the house together but are separated. This allows each animal to become familiar with the scent and sound of the other animal. Most cats will hide from a new dog that comes into the house and stroll out into view when he or she is feeling comfortable with the presence of the new dog. It may take a few days or a couple of weeks before your cat feels at ease with their new house mate, but with time and patience it will happen.
ON THE FAST TRACK
If you do not have the luxury of time for your pets to become acquainted on their own, you may decide to speed up the process by forcing an introduction. It is important that during a fast track introduction two people are present. One person should handle the new pet and the second to maintain control over the existing pet.
In a fast track introduction the dominant pet is allowed to see, touch and smell the other. If you were to bring a cat or kitten into your home with an existing dog, you would snugly wrap the cat or kitten in a terry cloth towel exposing its head. The dog would be permitted to see, touch and sniff the cat. Face the back of the cat to the dog and allow him to sniff the cat through the towel. Then let him sniff the back of the cat's head. Once the cat appears to feel safe in your hands, turn her so they can face each other.
When you are certain your dog's initial excitement and curiosity has been satisfied and the cat is calm you may loosen the towel. Most likely an adult cat will find a hiding place after the encounter and the in their own time process will begin. A kitten who discovers the dog is not a threat is more likely to stay closer to its human companion.
TIPS
Many people believe it is wiser to introduce young animals into a household. This may or may not be true. Temperament and experience can play key roles in the success of animals cohabiting together. Not every pet is willing to share his or her domain with another animal and some animals found in shelters have the experience of living with other animals.
Puppies especially need to be trained and some people may not want to go through the hassle of living through the puppy and adolescent stages of owning a dog. Consider adopting an adult dog or cat. In many cases, animal shelters have a history on the pets in their care and can tell you if the animal you are interested in adopting gets along with other animals, whether or not it is housebroken, and if it likes children.
During the first few days or weeks after bringing a new pet into your home keep the animals separated if you are not at home. It is better to era on the side of caution and separate them to ensure neither gets hurt. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to restrict a new pet until he or she becomes familiar with their surroundings and knows the house rules such housebreaking and chewing toys instead of furniture.
It is important to know your pet. If your dog has been tortured by neighborhood cats and becomes frustrated by them, he may not be willing to share his home with a cat. If your pet is protective over his toys and food, you will want to be certain these items donÕt become the focus of a family feud. If this becomes an issue for your pets, set up a separate area for your new petÕs water and food dishes and do not leave food down when your pets are not eating. Toys which may cause problems should be picked up as well.
Pets have so much to give their human companions. Dogs and cats bring us joy in different ways. By following any of the strategies discussed above you will be able to open your home and heart to a second pet.
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