Integrating Your Hound

Provide a quiet place where they can’t get out and other pets can’t get in until the feel comfortable with their new surroundings and people. Give them plenty of love and attention in this safe haven.

Allow your new dog to sniff, explore, and approach each person at his or her own pace. When you feel the new dog needs it, give them a place to escape, snooze, and relax, such as a crate or small room.

Using crates should always be a positive experience – never punish a dog by putting them in a crate – this is their safe haven and they should not be disturbed while in their crate by anyone in the family, especially children.

Make introductions slowly. Avoid overwhelming your dog with people and other dogs. Watch closely and move her away from uneasy or scary situations. You may wish to start gradually, on a leash and keep interactions gentle and positive with lots of treats and praise.

Slowly expand the area that they can roam in. Use baby gates and closed doors to block off a small part of your home as needed.

Always supervise interactions and redirect potential problems. Keep the closest eye on children and other animals, and be prepared to jump in if the situation turns serious. Some growling may occur – but remember, growling is a warning sign. Dogs don’t have hands to keep people or other dogs away – they communicate with body language and vocal sounds. Try to understand the behavior and work within the animal’s comfort zone and of course your family’s too.

Keep the new dog confined when you have to leave until you’re confident that they can stay home alone without breaking any rules or destroying things.

Dogs pick up on stress and fear so stay upbeat, relaxed, and confident. Ask your guests to relax as well.

Your new dogs adjustment period may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks or longer. Until then, use patience and consistency to guide your new friend.

If you have children or other animals in the home, it is ideal to feed them separately. This can look like using baby gates, play pens, or separate rooms or spaces. This helps prevent resource guarding from developing or increasing as we limit stress and pressure around the dog as they eat.

It is best to not bother a dog as they are eating. It is a myth that messing with your dog as they eat will get them used to it. This can actually cause them to increasingly get frustrated which can lead to resource guarding behaviors developing or getting worse.

A new environment can be confusing and stressful for dogs. This may lead to bathroom accidents as they are unsure where to go. Even if they are potty trained, it is best to assume they may be confused. Make sure to prepare for this by having a bathroom location in mind, taking your new dog(s) there regularly, and rewarding them when they go in the correct area. Limit unsupervised access to carpeted areas or other areas that may be more difficult to clean. This is to help clear up confusion and start them off on the right note.

And remember – if you already have another dog – don’t forget to give them lots of love and attention during this transition period. They need to know that they aren’t being replaced – much like children and new babies