Introducing a new pet into a household of other pets can be challenging, but the end result of having a multi-pet household can be a lot of fun and very rewarding too, so don't give up! These tips may help you get off to a good start. If you are still having trouble after following this advice, consider getting professional help.

There are such a multitude of animal personalities, variations in the specific combination being introduced to one another, differences in the relationships between the owner and the established pet, past experiences of the new adoptee plus variation in age of the new pet that not everything that could possibly happen during an initial introduction can be covered in a few simple steps, but hopefully this advice will help you to avoid creating a problem between your new and existing pets.

The RH SPCA and author of this information assume no liability, if this advice does not work for you.

• Best to introduce your dogs in an open, spacious environment.
• Introduce off-leash in a fenced yard if possible.
• If off-leash introduction is not possible, introduce with a loose leash making sure that leashes do not get tangled.
• Stay calm and relaxed. If you are tense your pet may feel they have a reason to be on guard.
• Remember to give your old pet an equal amount or more attention than you are giving the new pet, so that they do not feel that they are being replaced by the new pet.
• Praise both dogs when they meet, if they think that you are happy when another dog is near them, they will be able to relax and be happy about it too. Talking using a 'happy voice' can also be helpful.
• Do not touch or cuddle one pet or the other, let them meet on their own terms.
• Do not force them to greet each other, if introduced off-leash and one or both dogs go off to sniff, that is perfectly okay.
• If some low-key growling occurs, just ignore it. Growling is how dogs talk with one another and how they tell one another that they need a little space. This is okay, as long as it doesn't escalate. Don't necessarily praise it, as you do not want your dog to growl, but respect it. If you scold a dog for growling, they may learn to attack without giving any verbal warning, and this can create a much worse situation.
• You will want to be wary if dogs start snapping at one another. Stay as calm as possible, but be ready to intercede if the argument escalates.
• Do not have toys or bones or other objects that one dog might try to guard from the other dog in the area.
• Remember that in most cases aggression is caused by fear and a dog's perceived desire to protect him/herself, not because the dog is mean or trying to be bad.
• Use common sense when introducing an unknown large dog to a dog that is significantly smaller, you may want to handle this indoors as in a dog to cat introduction.

Because this method did not work the first time, does not necessarily mean that you should give up. Some pets need several days to relax and adjust.

You should provide areas where your pets can remain separate until you know for certain that they are getting along well. You, of course, have to make the decision about how much effort you are willing to put into creating a multi-pet household, but the rewards can be quite great, if you are able to work through it.

See the Additional tips below.

Dog and Cat:

• Unlike the dog-to-dog introduction, it is best to introduce dogs and cats indoors in close confinement.
• Allow your cat a place to get away from the dog, such as a high shelf or table, or an escape route into another room under a baby gate, if it needs some space.
• Use praise when you see your dog and cat play appropriately together.
• Do not force them to be best buddies. Let them meet on their own terms.
• You will find some cats will be very dog savvy, and even enjoy playing with dogs, and other cats do all the 'wrong things' that encourage the dog to chase it or play rough. Your cat just may not be cut out to be good friends with your dog. There is nothing wrong with this.
• Use common sense.

Note from the author: I have enjoyed a great variety of dog-cat, and cat-dog relationships over the years. It is great fun to see a cat sitting and waiting on a chair then carefully reaching out and batting playfully at the dog with her paw as he races by, or to see a dog gently nuzzle the belly of a cat lying seductively on her back.

Additional Notes:


• Never leave multiple dogs playing together unattended with collars on. The possibility that a dog could get its mouth caught in the collar of another dog exists, and strangulation could occur.
• Do not leave multiple dogs unattended after initial introduction until you see that they are very comfortable with one another. If you feel your dogs may be at risk when not supervised, find a way to isolate the dogs from one another when you are not home.
• If you already have two or more dogs at home and are introducing a new dog, it is usually best to make the introduction to the new dog with each of the old dogs individually before putting all the dogs together. The dogs that are already established in your home are less likely to form a pack against the newbie if the introductions are done in this manner.
• If you continue to have problems, but feel committed to providing a home for both pets, please don't be afraid to seek out professional help.