Many think that they can just bring a new dog home and that the dogs shall than sort out everything amongst themselves. For the lucky ones this shall indeed be the case, but not so rare owners find themselves in a situation where their pets do not get along with each other. Than the question arises – what went wrong.

Dogs are animals in which nature it is to live in packs and their social behavior is different than ours. A second or third dog in the same home often causes jealousy and conflicts.

Different possible causes lead to these problems: the dog is often territorial, the new and the old dog fight for domination, their place / status in the pack…

There are certain methods for a safe adjustment of a new dog in your home:

• It would be best if the first encounter would take place outdoors, on a neutral terrain. Should the first encounter take place at your home your old dog may act aggressively, protecting “his terrain”.

• Ensure that your pets have enough time to smell each other and to get to know each other, before you bring the new dog to your home.

• During the first couple days take away bones and toys, in order to prevent quarrels about unimportant issues.

• Bowls should be placed at an adequate distance from each other. Do not allow that they eat from each others bowls. Do not forbid that they defend their bowls.

• Caress each in the same way, but avoid that the old dog feels neglected. Dedicate him the same amount of time as before.

• The new dog has to have his own place to sleep. It should not be where the old dog prefers to be. Try to find a neutral place.

When dogs have strong owners as pack leaders, conflicts among them are lesser. At first signs of aggression you must unmistakably let the dog know that such behavior is not acceptable and shall not be tolerated.

Some things in the dogs’ world are normal and do not automatically represent aggressive behavior. The dog is entitled to snarl at the other dog if harassed, if the other dog takes his spot, and in this way violates his personal space.

They must all agree on these things and you should let them do exactly this. Of course, you have to ensure that there are no injuries; therefore, during the first couple of days do not leave them together without supervision.