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Preparations for Your New Dog

Introducing your new dog to other family members requires some planning, especially if the family includes children or other pets. And, if they don’t already know, all household members should be shown how to handle a dog safely.

A slow, quiet approach is best for acclimating your dog to his new home. Remember, the newcomer is in a strange place and may be nervous at first. Smaller children need to learn that their new friend is not a stuffed animal, but a living creature with feelings. As a new pet parent, you should be present when all introductions take place. Also, infants are best kept out of the picture until your dog has settled into his new environment.

If you have other pets in the household, your newcomer should encounter them only under your constant observation. If any pets seem nervous upon introduction, it’s best to keep them in separate quarters for a while, until they become accustomed to each other’s scent within your home. Check also the car parts.

Some growling (from dogs) or hissing and tail fluffing (from cats) is normal at this point in new pet relationships. These actions are signs that a pet is afraid.