Introducing a New Dog to the Resident Dog

For more than 10 years, Mike Loftus has been serving as the president of MLE Merchandising & Sign Solutions, Inc., in Elk Grove Village, Illinois. In this capacity, Mr. Loftus oversees the growth of MLE as the company provides a full range of signage design, production, and installation. A dedicated family man, Mike Loftus enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and four dogs.

The process of introducing a new dog to a resident dog should be done carefully. At first, use cages or small rooms to keep the dogs separated. This provides the dogs with a sense of security and gives them a chance to smell each other before they actually see each other.



To promote familiarity with the smell of the other dog, switch toys or blankets periodically so their smells can be transferred from one dog’s space to the other. After some time, allow the new dog to roam the house while the resident dog is still confined. Next, the resident dog should be allowed to roam freely and explore the new dog's scent.

When introducing the dogs face-to-face, take them to a neutral area so their territorial instincts do not cause aggression. The dogs should be on leashes, but the leashes should be kept loose to reduce tension and allow the dogs to approach each other. 

Alternatively, have a friend walk the new dog while the owner and resident dog walk in front. Over time, the dogs will get used to each other and can be brought together. 

If the dogs show no signs of aggression after they have been brought together, they can be moved to an enclosed area. The dogs should be allowed to establish their own pack hierarchy, but extreme aggression by one or both dogs should be discouraged.