Have you heard of ChatGPT? I decided to ask some dog training related questions about potty training, operant conditioning, slip leads, and how to prepare for a new puppy. I was impressed with the results!
I usually put together a script/outline for whatever behavior I am discussing with clients so I am sure to not forget anything. I have a few that are looking to add new dogs to the family and realized I didn’t have any notes prepared. So I went back to the bot to see how it could help.
The prompt was “explain how to introduce a new dog to your home”. I actually think the original prompt was “explain how to introduce a new dog to your home that already has a dog living there” and the software trimmed the title.
Introducing a new dog to your home can be a big transition for both the dog and your existing pets, so it’s important to take things slowly and be patient. Here are some steps to help make the introduction process go smoothly:
- Set up a designated space for the new dog, such as a separate room or a crate, where they can feel safe and secure.
- Gradually introduce the new dog to your existing pets by allowing them to sniff each other through a closed door or a baby gate.
- Supervise all interactions between the dogs, and intervene if necessary to prevent any aggressive behavior.
- Gradually increase the amount of time the dogs spend together while supervised, and reward positive interactions with treats and praise.
- Keep in mind that it may take several weeks or even months for the dogs to fully adjust to each other, so be patient and don’t rush the process.
- It is important to get the dog accustomed to your home and family. So, take it out for walks, take it to the garden, let it play with kids and other family members.
- Lastly, it is also important to keep your new dog healthy by taking it to the vet for a check-up and getting it up to date on vaccinations.
Not a bad first draft, right?
Here is my second draft
Prepare the Environment
Remove any toys, bones or items that could cause conflict between the dogs. This includes water and food bowls! Add another water bowl in a separate space away from the other.
Also, ensure that each dog has their own space to retreat to if they need a break. They should also have separate areas for meal times. It doesn’t matter how well they get along – let them eat separately.
Add gates to separate the living space and make sure one dog can’t bother the other in their own space.
Introductions
When introducing the dogs, it’s important to start slowly. The first step is to introduce them to each other from a distance, preferably in an outdoor neutral space, allowing them to see and sniff each other without actually making contact.
Parallel walks are a good way to gauge how the other dog might be feeling. And it can allow one dog to sniff the other from behind. I usually start across the street from each other if possible. Or, far enough apart one can’t get at the other. Reinforce the dogs with treats for walking nicely. This could be a stressful or exciting situation for one or both dogs, and they might not want to take treats. Don’t force it!
I recommend leashes at least 10 feet long and that are not retractable. Retractable leashes are not appropriate for this situation. Short tight leashes can take away a dog’s ability to flee the situation, or even put their head down to sniff the ground. A longer leash will allow them to move more naturally, move away from the other dog if they want to avoid contact, stop to sniff or pee, without any tension or pulling.
Allow one dog to briefly sniff the others behind doing your best to keep them moving. Call the dog in the back away and let those in the front get ahead a few steps.
Another option is to try meeting with a fence or gate between the dogs first allowing them to sniff each other that way, but keep an eye out for barrier frustration. Barrier frustration is just what it sounds like: the dog can’t access the thing on the other side of the fence. So they may bark, lunge, jump, or dig/scratch at the barrier, in an attempt to get “the thing”. If you use a fence keep the dogs moving and the leashes loose.
Supervised Interactions
Once the dogs are comfortable with each other from a distance, it’s time to move on to supervised interactions. During these interactions, ensure that both dogs have plenty of room to move around. If they are leashed, drop the leashes and do your best to not let them get tangled.
Or – keep one dog leashed. I recommend the dog with the most reliable recall to be off leash.
A good interaction will look almost like a yin/yang symbol. Curved bodies sniffing butts. Give it a couple of seconds then call the dogs away from each other and reinforcing with a treat. Just be sure to put some distance between the two dogs before pulling out the snacks.
Reward both dogs for calm and relaxed behavior, such as sniffing, wagging tails and even ignoring each other.
Don’t discourage play unless it looks like one of them isn’t having fun. Do encourage breaks by calling the dogs away.
Day to Day Life Going Forward
Both dogs should have the opportunity to do things like go for walks or to get a puppuccino without the other. Especially the resident dog.
Your new dog is going to need some time to adjust to their new environment. Even if it seems like they are having the time of their lives, don’t over do it! This is a good time to take the resident dog out for adventures while the new family member decompresses at home.
When leaving them alone make sure they are separated from each other, even if they are couch cuddle buddies.
Let them eat separately at meal times and have their own space to enjoy high value treats like a bone that might take them some time to finish.
I enjoy writing – but sometimes I have the worst time getting started. After the first draft was produced I was able to quickly type up the second draft presented here.
If you use Canva it also has an AI feature!