{"id":10714,"date":"2023-03-30T12:36:22","date_gmt":"2023-03-30T19:36:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/?p=10714"},"modified":"2026-08-08T11:37:33","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T18:37:33","slug":"introducing-a-new-dog-to-your-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/introducing-a-new-dog-to-your-home","title":{"rendered":"Introducing a New Dog to Your Home"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opening your home and heart to a new dog can be exciting, but there are many things to consider before adding a new family member to your pack. Especially when you already have a resident dog at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before taking the plunge, it\u2019s essential to examine the pros and cons. This is a decision that will affect your family significantly, so being prepared and educated is the key to keeping the household in balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-things-to-consider-amp-do-before-getting-a-second-dog\">Things to Consider &amp; Do Before Getting a Second Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First of all, <strong>do not get a second dog &#8230; for your dog<\/strong>. Well-intentioned pet parents think getting a second dog is the answer to the original dog\u2019s separation anxiety or socialization issues. Do not do this. It could have the opposite effect, making things worse \u2014 for both dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Always tackle your current dog\u2019s behavioral issues first. This takes time and commitment. There is no such thing as a \u2018quick fix\u2019 for separation <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/understanding-anxiety-in-dogs.html\">anxiety<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/how-to-stop-food-aggression-towards-other-dogs.html\">aggressive behavior<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s also essential that you consider finances and time management before bringing home the new dog. Can you afford to give two pups the same creature comforts you provide for one? In addition to doubling the love, you will also be doubling everything else that comes with having a dog. This includes <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/what-questions-should-you-ask-your-vet.html\">vet visits<\/a>, food, grooming, potty cleanup, training, and more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You also want to take note of how compatible the two dogs will be. You may notice some sibling rivalry, jealousy, and bad habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another dog is a lot of work, but if you and your family are ready and fully committed before bringing a new puppy home, it can be very rewarding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-1-get-familiar-with-dog-body-language\">Step 1: Get Familiar with Dog Body Language<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hopefully, you did this before getting your first dog. Before introducing another dog to anyone or anything \u2014 be that a new human or new pet \u2014 get familiar with <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-body-language.html\">dog body language<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding the different postures and subtle movements of dogs is essential to setting them up for success long-term. If more humans took the time to recognize what their dog is non-verbally telling them, countless confrontations and fight-or-flight instances could be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tufts University\u2019s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine has a great comprehensive <a href=\"https:\/\/centerforshelterdogs.tufts.edu\/dog-behavior\/dog-communication-and-body-language\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">guide to dog communication<\/a> all current and prospective pet parents should read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-step-2-do-a-practice-run\">Step 2: Do a Practice Run<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the biggest factors when deciding if to become a two-dog household is determining whether or not Dog #1 is ready for the addition. Just because you are ready for another companion, doesn\u2019t mean that your dog is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If your pup at home is not the most dog-friendly, it\u2019s best to test the waters before committing to a second dog. You could ask other dog parents you know to meet you in an outside area with their pups on leash to see how your dog does. If your attempts don\u2019t go as planned, invest some time in behavioral training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You know your dog best. Not all dogs do well with other animals, and that\u2019s OK. If this is the case, be content with a single-dog household. Never compromise your current <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy.html\">dog\u2019s well-being<\/a> just because you want a second one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-choosing-the-right-dog\">Choosing The Right Dog<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/osfbl01.justfoodfordogs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/JFFD-The-Salty-Dog-Studio-33-2100x1400-76033205-9aa4-4fe7-bd98-72b0e58acebe-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"dogs on a lap\" class=\"wp-image-11220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/JFFD-The-Salty-Dog-Studio-33-2100x1400-76033205-9aa4-4fe7-bd98-72b0e58acebe-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/JFFD-The-Salty-Dog-Studio-33-2100x1400-76033205-9aa4-4fe7-bd98-72b0e58acebe-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/JFFD-The-Salty-Dog-Studio-33-2100x1400-76033205-9aa4-4fe7-bd98-72b0e58acebe-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/JFFD-The-Salty-Dog-Studio-33-2100x1400-76033205-9aa4-4fe7-bd98-72b0e58acebe.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bringing a new dog home is not as easy as it seems when another dog or older dog is involved. Don\u2019t forget to be considerate of your dog at home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-things-to-consider\">Things to Consider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Activity Level, Age, and Size:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Is your dog at home a <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/16-lazy-dog-breeds-for-the-indoorsy-pet-parent.html\">couch potato<\/a> or a <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/dog-food-for-herding-breeds.html\">high-energy breed<\/a>? You may want to find a new pup with a similar activity level to avoid conflict within the home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can find similar issues with dogs in different age ranges and sizes. A senior dog may bode well with an adult dog rather than a puppy, or a 100-pound dog might not be a good match for a 5-pound dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You may find this is not the case. Use your knowledge of your current dog to find the best match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>Gender and Breed:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Does your pooch prefer dogs of the opposite sex or get along with particular breeds? Generally, males and females do better together as there is less competition for them in the home. There are always exceptions, and with proper introductions, dogs of any kind can learn to live together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No matter what the breed, age, or sex of your new addition is, it\u2019s important to remember that <strong>every dog is an individual<\/strong>. While there are characteristics that can help you find your pup\u2019s perfect match, every dog\u2019s personality is unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-introduction\">The Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s important to set both dogs up for success before getting to first impressions. Your current dog and the adopted dog or new puppy may not be the best of friends right away. Don\u2019t be discouraged if they aren\u2019t hitting it off in the beginning. Similar to humans, they need time to adjust, and if that means coexisting, that is a win! Don\u2019t force it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the first meeting, you\u2019ll want to get the dogs together in a neutral location outside of your home, like a nearby park. This encounter will ease the transition and allow them to meet each other in neutral territory without it being an overwhelming experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Try taking <a href=\"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/take-your-dog-for-a-fart-walk.html\">them on a walk<\/a> to learn to walk alongside one other in a neutral space. If things are going well after the walk and there wasn\u2019t any lunging or signs of stress, take them somewhere for an off-leash intro. Watch their body language carefully during this playtime to ensure things go smoothly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bringing-your-new-dog-home\">Bringing Your New Dog Home<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once home, keep the two dogs separate with baby gates in different rooms that first day, and gradually let them intermingle for short periods. Never leave them unsupervised. Put their water bowls and food bowls in separate areas, as they may experience resource guarding. This can extend to other things like dog toys, chews, or spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s of utmost importance that each dog has its own safe space. There\u2019s a lot to take in for both dogs on day one. Give them both their own crates and beds in quiet areas so they have a space to decompress when they need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you don\u2019t feel fully confident or fully comfortable introducing your dogs for the first time, ask a dog trainer to come along for guidance. An expert on dog behavior by your side during this time can help ease the transition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Being consistent at home will set your dogs up for success when it comes to coexisting in their new environment. If you are ever frustrated, don\u2019t hesitate to reach out to your vet, trainer, online forums or communities, or friends and family for advice!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Opening your home and heart to a new dog can be exciting, but there are many things to consider before adding a new family member to your pack. Especially when you already have a resident dog at home. Before taking the plunge, it\u2019s essential to examine the pros and cons. This is a decision that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":36,"featured_media":15227,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"wprm-recipe-roundup-name":"","wprm-recipe-roundup-description":"","_jffd_show_updated":"1","footnotes":"","_ppma_block_editor_authors":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[294],"class_list":["post-10714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-lifestyle"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.8 (Yoast SEO v28.8) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Introducing a New Dog to Your Home | JustFoodforDogs Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the essentials of introducing a new dog to your home and ensure a smooth transition for your current pet.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" 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A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. 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Dr. Chavez is a veterinarian and business executive with a progressive career founded upon a solid commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles. Dr. Chavez graduated in 2006 from the Royal Veterinary College, University of London, and started his career with Banfield, the world\u2019s largest veterinary practice, where he became Chief of Staff. In 2009, he joined the faculty of the Animal and Veterinary Science department at\u00a0California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. There, he was Director of the Animal Health Science veterinary technician program from 2010 \u2013 2013, and remains an adjunct faculty and researcher, and professor of veterinary clinical nutrition. Additionally, he served as a member of the Multidisciplinary Committee and the Registered Veterinary Technician Committee for the California State Veterinary Medical Board. In 2012, Dr. Chavez completed a Master\u2019s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California at Irvine. As Director of Canine Clinical Nutrition, he brings not only a deep technical expertise in researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole food diets at Cal Poly Pomona, but a true love for dogs that all of us here share. His own Golden Retriever, Rey, was a successful case study for our food. Rey\u2019s kidney disease was successfully managed with our Renal Moderate Protein vet-directed diet, which made Dr. Chavez\u2019s involvement even that much more personal to him. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College in London, UK, Dr. Chavez is a licensed practicing veterinarian who has focused on clinical nutrition since graduating vet school. Dr. Chavez notes, \u201cIt all starts with nutrition. You are what you eat, and practically any health issue can be addressed through a higher-quality diet. We are in a unique time for veterinary medicine where people are seeking whole food diets using real USDA ingredients over commercial kibble or cans that use feed grade ingredients. I\u2019m excited of the possibilities we have in further increasing the health of our dogs with this trend. Our goal is to raise awareness of these diets and help bring a simple, fast and affordable solution to as many pet parents and their dogs as possible.","user_url":"","linkedin":"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/dr-oscar-chavez-realtor","instagram":"","x":"","facebook":"","description":"Dr. Oscar Chavez, BVetMed MRCVS MBA, is a veterinarian and business executive who previously served as Chief Medical Officer at JustFoodForDogs, leading its Canine Nutrition Team. A graduate of the Royal Veterinary College at the University of London, he has focused on clinical nutrition since vet school \u2014 researching and working exclusively with freshly prepared whole-food diets during his years at Cal Poly Pomona. His commitment to nutrition is personal as well as professional: his own Golden Retriever, Rey, had kidney disease successfully managed on a vet-directed renal diet. Dr. Chavez's career is founded on a deep commitment to pet advocacy, integrity, education, and sound veterinary principles."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10714","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/36"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10714"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10714\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/15227"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10714"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10714"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10714"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/justfoodfordogs.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=10714"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}