How to Introduce Dogs When You Get Married

In today's society, bringing existing pets and children into a new marriage is not uncommon and, like children, the acclimation into the dynamic of the family may be traumatic for your dog. Preparation and the way you handle the situation will help your dog adjust to his new family and surroundings. The adjustment is easier if you begin the transition well before nuptials with a basic dog training class. Having your pet understand you are the boss and respond to your commands will go a long way toward an uneventful first meeting.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Collar
  • Crate
  • Treats
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Instructions

    • 1

      Choose a neutral location for the first meeting. This is especially important if your dog has shown signs of aggression in the past or there are other dogs involved. Dogs are territorial by nature, so the neutral ground will lessen a dog's desire to protect what is his.

    • 2

      Keep the dog leashed. Do not force a meeting if your dog appears reluctant; give it some space. If you are introducing more than one dog, have a separate person hold each leash. That way if one dog shows aggression, the two dogs can be quickly separated.

    • 3

      Keep your tone light and conversational as you introduce the dog. Handle one introduction at a time. People should hold their hand out and allow the dog to sniff it before trying to pet the dog. Dogs should be able to sniff each other while the handlers stay alert for aggressive behavior, such as growling or ears lying back. Provide your pet with praise during the introductions and keep the introductions short. Just like dating, your dog will benefit from repeat opportunities to interact with new family members prior to moving in together.

    • 4

      Introduce the dog to a new home while on a leash. If the home already has a pet in it, crate the existing pet while you show the new dog around. Show the new dog where the food and water is and place the resident dog's crate in an out-of-the-way place. Walk the new dog by the resident dog's crate a few times. Let them sniff at each other through the bars. If neither pet shows signs of aggression, have someone take the other dog out of the crate on a leash. Spend time walking around the house together. If the dogs appear comfortable with each other, you can take them off the leashes during supervised time.