The last thing you want is your fuzzy "first-born" trying to rake her claws across your new puppy’s nose. So plan ahead, and do some homework so you have a better idea about how your current pet will react to the newcomer.
For example, "borrow" a neighbor’s or friend’s dog for a few days to test the waters. (Keep in mind that your new dog’s personality will be different and that your current pets may react differently.)
Ready to take the plunge? These tips can help you pick pets who work together:
Coexisting with cats
Forget the cartoons. Cats and dogs can live together happily under the right circumstances. But don’t expect your adult cat to warm up to the new dog overnight. Cats are creatures of routine, and bringing a new dog into your home upsets your finicky feline in a major way. One key: You’ve got to teach the dog to respect the cat’s boundaries.
Kittens can be more accepting—they may even like the dog. So the ideal situation is to get a puppy and kitten at the same time.
When you make the introductions, keep your dog leashed and make sure the cat has an escape route. Hold the leash firmly as they sniff each other. If your dog remains calm, you can drop the leash, but be ready to grab it if he makes a move on your cat. ("Don’t chase the cat" is a rule your new dog needs to learn ASAP.)
For the first few weeks, keep your dog on a leash when he’s near the cat. And encourage your doggy to mind his own business by correcting him if he goes near the cat and praising him when he ignores her. Remember, the kitty isn’t the only one at risk. A quick-draw paw slashed across the face can deliver a nasty corneal scratch or sliced nose.
Getting in good with a dog
Adult dogs usually accept puppies easily because they don’t see the little one as a threat. The situation can be different if you bring an adult dog into your fold. The outcome depends on the personalities, breeds, and sex of the dogs, so it’s hard to know ahead of time how it will work out.
Most female dogs and neutered males will accept another female, so that’s the safest route. You’re practically guaranteed territorial battles if you bring home a new, intact male dog to meet your current, unneutered male. Also avoid mixing two aggressive or dominant personalities or breeds.
Make the introductions in neutral territory—a park or playground makes a good meeting ground. Keep both dogs leashed and hold them firmly. You can help reduce your first pet’s jealousy by asking a friend to hold the new dog’s leash. If the dogs get along, go home and repeat the procedure. If both dogs remain calm, you can release the leashes and allow them to interact with supervision.
When you feed the dogs on the first day, put them in different rooms. The next day, feed them in the same room but at opposite ends. Gradually move them closer at feeding time until they’re eating together in harmony.
Even if your dogs seem fine together, separate them when you leave home during the first few weeks in case they become aggressive. And make sure you offer treats to both pets at the same time to keep them from getting jealous of each other.
Little critters
Many dogs have a natural instinct to hunt smaller creatures, so you probably shouldn’t introduce Rover to your bird, rabbit, or other small pet. Instead, keep Tweety and Bugs isolated from the new dog and make sure your pets’ cages are secure. If months go by and your dog doesn’t show any interest in roughing up the smaller pets, you can consider changing the rule.
