Integrating a new dog

[PINNACLE 2,297]

I was just wondering if there is a tried and tested way of integrating a new dog.

 

We are getting another lurcher on Tuesday and he is a beauty, he is only six months old and seems to have good recall and manners. We already have a 13 month old bitch so I have been taking her over to see him every day for the last week to get them used to each other. We have been out for a few walks and they seem to get on well apart from our bitch jumping him and cutting him off on a chase until he gets fed up and snarls or comes back to heel for help. I am sure they will be ok and she will start to behave and stop the bullying. She has been getting better on every visit and will stop if told to.

 

They will both be living in the house and we will obviously be getting him his own bed, bowls and some toys. We have one very large crate for her which is big enough for two dogs but we realise we might need to get another.

 

I plan to pick him up and take them both for a walk on the way home and also have the kids out of the way when he gets here so he can have a good look round without all the chaos but we are still nervous about it and want to do the right thing so he settles in, hence asking for any tips.

[FightTheBan 1,147]

I would try and let him into the house on his own for a couple of hours first so he can acclimatise without the bitch there. For the first few hours they are together, just supervise them to make sure everything is sound. I am sure they will get on fine, and in time hopefully they can use the same crate.

 

If I am borrowing/running on a dog I usually just stick them in the kennel, but I realise its a bit different if they have to be in the house.

 

All the best.

FTB