Bringing a new pet into your home can be an exciting time, full of joy and hope. If you already have another animal in the same place, bringing them will take time and careful planning. A veterinarian in Guelph can help you with pet introductions and other issues that involve animals.
Prepare for the new arrival.
There are things you can do before your new pet even comes home to help your current pet fit in better.
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Make a safe place.
Set aside a certain area for the new pet. Having their own bed, food, water bowls, and toys in a different room or area could be this. This gives them a safe place to go when they need some alone time.
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Introducing the scent.
Wipe your new pet down with a clean cloth and then put it near the places your old pet likes to hang out. In this way, they can slowly get used to the new pet’s smell. You can also bring home a blanket or toy that the new pet has been playing with and let your old pet check it out.
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Strengthen your training.
Update the behavior training you already have for your pet. This not only helps them feel safer and more confident in their surroundings, but it also rewards good behavior.
Create a controlled environment for the first meeting.
When the big day finally comes, the first meeting should be short and watched.
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Neutral ground.
Set up the first meeting in a neutral space, like a hallway or the backyard. If you already have a pet, do not bring them into its area. This could make your current pet feel threatened.
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Leash or carrier.
Keep your current pet on a leash or somewhere safe. Put the new pet in a cage and carry it, or have someone else hold it.
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Swap scents.
Put something between the pets, like a baby gate or the closed cage door, so they can sniff each other. In this way, they can get used to each other’s smells without getting too close.
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Look at their body language.
Pay close attention to how your pets move. Ears that are flattened, tails that are tucked, and growling or hissing are all signs of stress or nervousness. If you see any of these signs, take the pets away right away and try again later.
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Positive reinforcement.
As long as the first meeting goes well, give both pets treats and praise. This makes us think of good things about each other.
Be patient with the gradual integration.
The process of introducing should happen slowly. Your pets should get used to each other at their own pace, not because you make them.
- Supervised interactions: Slowly make supervised interactions last longer. Always be there to stop any signs of violence before they happen.
- Feeding your pets separately: For now, keep feeding your pets in different places. This keeps them from competing for resources.
- Provide hiding spots: Make sure that both pets have a lot of places to hide. This makes them feel safe and gives them a way to get away if they feel too much.
- Be patient and understanding: It might take some time for your pets to get used to each other, so be patient and understanding. It is important not to give up when things go wrong.
The signs of a successful introduction.
As pets get used to each other, they will show calmer body language, like wagging their tails or showing interest. They might also get used to sharing places, like the same room or areas with toys or beds. Playful contact, like playing together, shows that the bond between pets is getting stronger.
Talk to a vet or animal behaviorist for specific advice on how to introduce pets and handle their behavior. By following the tips and being patient, you can make the space more peaceful.