If you’re looking to grow your family and introduce a new Greyhound to the pack, there are several tips to help make the transition easier on both the existing family members and the new dog.
Introducing a puppy
Introducing a puppy to other dogs is often far easier than introducing an older dog to the pack, as puppies come with what is commonly termed “puppy licence”. Puppy licence is the built-in behaviours that any young dog has that tell other dogs they are still a baby.
The way they interact and even their urine is different, and these are all key indicators that they are still young and learning the correct etiquette, or, how to be a dog!
This so-called licence gives the puppy a bit of leeway and the other dogs in the pack are less likely to act aggressively as they understand the puppy is still in need of care and guidance. Puppy license does not however work with cats, so if you are introducing a puppy to a cat, the same rules don’t apply!
In all cases, a slow introduction on a more neutral territory is good, and swapping blankets with scents is always a good idea. Its also a great idea to let the puppy eat on the other side of the door to other dogs so they get used to each others smells in this way too. Introducing a puppy takes patience and if you consistently reward good behaviour, it should go smoothly, and will feel just like winning big at the best online pokies Australia has to offer.
Introducing an older dog
Even if your existing pack is wholly social and the new dog is too, it is best to be cautious and take all intros slowly. Simply bringing in a new dog to the home can cause tension and you want the introduction to go smoothly for all involved and no bad experiences whatsoever to occur. If an introduction goes badly it can trigger later issues, and a negative association for both the newcomer and the current pack.
When introducing a new Greyhound to the family take your other dogs on leash to a park or safe roadside spot where you can walk in peace. Then, get a family member or friend to walk the new dog on the other side of the park or the road, slowly bringing them close together. When all the dogs are calm let them smell each other and get to know each other. If there are any signs of tension, back off and try again slowly.
Once they are all calm and sniffed each other you can let them run free if in an enclosed space, or walk them together on leash. On arriving home stick to the usual routine with your dogs and bring them all inside together. However, ensure that they are not in a closely confined space as this can lead to tension.
Once at home you’ll find that the new addition should settle in easily and again, always reward positive behaviour to make the integration smoother.