When you have a busy household that already includes others, such as dogs, cats, or even small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs, it can be a challenge to bring in a new puppy. In this article, we take a look at how to introduce a new dog. With careful preparation, a calm approach, and correct techniques, you can build positive relationships between your new puppy and your other household pets.
Here are some tips for getting your pets used to the new puppy!
A good, responsible breeder will be able to offer advice and help you with setting your puppy into their new home. When you go and meet the puppies, and if you choose a puppy, you can ask the breeder for some bedding or a toy with the puppy’s scent. You can also bring something else to give the puppy that has the smell of the animal on it. They can then become accustomed to each other's scent positively.
When you bring your puppy home, it is a good idea for your puppy to meet other household pets in a neutral setting. You might use a friend or family member's garden or meet in a park. This strategy would work well if your dog is meeting another dog, and they can go for a walk together on the leash. Calmly sniffing and enjoying the outdoor space together is a great way for your puppy to get to know an established puppy.
Start by keeping them apart, and as they become comfortable, you can allow them to walk closer together. Eventually, when they are comfortable with each other, they can walk on a longer leash suitable for your locality.
If this is not suitable for the pet in question, such as a small pet or a bird. In this case, you can use an area like a bathroom, which can be cleaned to make it comparatively scent-free.
When your puppy meets other animals in your household, stay calm and relaxed. If you are anxious, either pet may pick up on this, and they may become nervous themselves. Allow the animals to go at their own pace, which makes them feel comfortable and ensures the safety of both pets.
Allow a cat to roam while keeping the dog on the leash. Reward your puppy with a treat and positive encouragement for good behaviour. Use positive reinforcement training for both pets.
When your puppy is getting used to living with the pets in your household, determine boundaries, particularly for food times and bedtime. The pets should have designated feeding areas, which could be their own mat with their own food and water bowls. Reward the pets when they use their own space.
At bedtime, ensure they have their own bed, crate, or safe space to retreat to. You might also want to provide the pets with their own toys.
Some pets are unable to meet your dog freely, such as small animals and birds. If you have another dog, then you might need to increase the time they spend together indoors as they get used to each other. You can use long leads in the house if you need to. For other pets, such as cats, you might want to supervise the puppy and the cat’s time together to ensure that they are both safe and comfortable.
You will need to watch the animals meeting carefully and ensure that you are not seeing signs of stress. When dogs lick their lips, turn away, or freeze, these are signs that your dog is nervous. If they start to growl, raise their fur, or freeze, then this is serious, and you need to separate the animals for their safety. You can give them some time apart and try them again at a later date.
All the animals need to take their time getting to know other animals. You can start with short, positive interactions. Try to end the meeting while it’s still going well, rather than when they have had enough. Keep to short and frequent interactions. Cats and small pets might need more time.
Ensure there is space for each animal to retreat to a space that they feel comfortable in. Be careful about the positioning of each pet. Make sure that neither of the pets feels backed into a corner, for example. They will need to be able to move around and feel safe. If you are introducing a puppy to your cat, then you might want to have a cat climbing toy in the space so your cat can climb upwards to feel safe.
If you are really struggling, you might want to consider seeking professional help to learn how to help your new puppy get along with your pets. A professional will likely have a lot of experience in helping people settle their new puppy into a home, and for the pets and the new puppy to get on with each other. They will likely have a lot of tips to help things go more smoothly and will help you with positive reinforcement techniques.
You might want to consider hiring a qualified animal behavioural specialist, a dog trainer, or speak to your veterinarian for advice. This is especially important if one of the animals is aggressive. They will be able to advise you on tips that are suitable for your pet's situation.
When you welcome a new puppy into your home, you will want to make sure introductions with your established pets go smoothly. You will want to get them used to each other's scent, meet in a neutral space, and take it at their pace. Be calm and relaxed, but keep an eye out for stress and signs of aggression. If you’re really struggling, seek professional help such as a certified dog trainer or a veterinarian. Hopefully, your pets can soon be trusting companions!
01 October, 2025