A guide to growing your canine crew and welcoming new pets home

1. Preparing your pooch: How to introduce new pets home

• How to introduce a new puppy to an older dog
• How to introduce a new adult dog to your home
• Introducing a cat to a dog family

1. Taking your new dog home

Get off on the right paw

Thinking about a new pet for your pack? Whether you’re introducing a new puppy to an older dog, bringing a new dog into your home, or introducing a cat to your dog family, we’ve got the low-down on preparing your dog for a new pup, pooch or puss.

Dogs can sniff out when something’s afoot. They. Just. Know. So what do you do when you bring a new dog or cat home? We’ve got plenty of tips and tricks to help things run as smoothly as possible. Here’s our guide to getting everyone off on the right paw…

1. Preparing your pooch

i. How to introduce a new puppy to an older dog

• Put away prized pooch possessions
• Check your dog’s vaccination record
• Swap smells
• Paws-to-paws meeting: introduce your dog to a puppy

Out of sight, not out of mind

Our four-legged friends are fab and faithful companions, so it’s no wonder you’re thinking of getting another. But your dog might not feel the same about sharing their favourite things, like their space, toys, food – and most importantly – YOU. But making way for a new pup needn’t put their little wet nose out of joint.

Put your pooch’s most prized possessions out of sight or in a separate room, like their blankie, bed, bowl and squeaky balls. Create a separate, safe space for them too, so they don’t step on each other’s paws. Getting the new puppy their own gear, whether you decide to buy second hand or brand new, is also a good way to minimise the mayhem.

Swot up on vaccinations

Young pups can be prone to pesky bugs. As well as making sure your puppy has all the right jabs before even putting a paw inside your front door, double-check that your dog is also up to date with their inoculations. It’s worth having a chat with your vet for any other tips on keeping both dogs safe and sound in the early days.

Sniff it up!

Dogs are superhero sniffers and are known for their fantastic power of smell. Depending on the breed they have a super-powered sense of smell, around 10,000–100,000 times better than ours. Not sure if that’s a blessing or a curse… So to prepare your dog for a new puppy, give your pooch a tea towel or blankie a week before the new puppy’s arrival with the pup’s scent on it so they can have a good, long sniff and get used to the new, alien smell.

Meeting of (mutt) minds

When you decide to welcome a new puppy home and let pup meet pooch, choose a neutral place for the big intro. Territory can be a touchy subject for dogs, so this takes the issue out of the equation. Think open and airy. Like the garden or a short walk near your home, away from busy roads and lots of people. Less is more. You can let them sniff and suss each other out but keep them both on a lead. Last thing you want is one of them bolting or getting a little over-friendly too soon.

Doggy treats are a genius tactic here to reward good behaviour or distract them if things don’t go to plan – think healthy treats or simply an extra throw of the ball and plenty of praise. But don’t stress if they don’t automatically connect – keep calm, carry on, and try again later. Even if the first contact seems stress-free, it’s a good idea to take the ‘little and often approach’ to gradual bonding. Just keep them on their leads to begin with. At home a stairgate (those of you with little humans will know that these are golden) is useful to keep them apart by separating rooms, giving each pooch their own space. And some much-needed breathing space for you.

Without the benefit of a crystal ball, there’s no way of knowing how well it will go, or how long it will take to bond pets. It could be instant love, or at least learned tolerance over time. If you don’t see improvement despite taking things steadily, or if they simply cannot get on or show aggression, consult your vet or a behaviour therapist for extra advice.

ii. How to introduce a new adult dog to your home

Things to consider before bringing a new dog home:

• Keep dog paraphernalia separate
• Put away dog toys
• Prepare the new pooch’s pad
• One-to-one time
• Plan your first nose to nose

Dogs can be happy-go-lucky, social butterflies. They love a belly rub bonding sesh, get a buzz out of barking at their fave doggy programmes, and wag their tails to show how chuffed they are. But you also know when they’re not feeling it. Introducing a new dog home can put your dog in a bit of a territorial tizz. It’s a good idea to try to avoid any stress or anxiety, especially yours, by prep, prep, prepping.

If you’re wondering how long it takes for a dog to adjust to a new home, it will depend on their life history, their socialisation with other animals and the amount of prep you do. Remember, there are pack hierarchies to negotiate! So read on and we’ll do our best to help make it a matter of weeks, rather than months.

Divide and conquer

We all know how much they love their grub – so another snout in their food bowl is a big no-no. To begin with, feed them in separate rooms if you can, this even applies to much sought-after doggy snacks and chews. Pups have different nutritional needs for the various stages of their growth, so if they have access to someone else’s nosh it might not be right for them. Similarly, you don’t want your resident greedy guts scoffing some of the pup’s essential nutrition either. And dot a few water bowls around the house too, to avoid any water fights. Literally.

Prep the pooch pad

Who doesn’t love a good snooze? Find out what type of bed, bedding or environment your newbie has been used to: is it a decked-out luxury dog bed, a soft sleep area, a crate or just a traditional basket? It’s worth giving them something similar to settle them in faster, help them to chill – and not pester your other pooch. Let sleeping dogs lie, after all.

‘You’ time

This bit is all about YOU. Well, not really… Some time alone with you – and you alone – will help to welcome a dog home. This special bonding time will make them feel safe and secure, despite the change of the guard. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or organised. A bit of fetch in the garden, those renowned belly rubs from yours truly, or cuddles during snack time (win-win where food’s involved).

Paws-to-paws meetings

Dog meets dog. So much nicer than dog eat dog… It’s a good idea to let your mutts meet from a distance before bringing a new puppy home, or introducing a new dog to an older dog – at least once before the big arrival day. The more times they can meet (under your supervision), the merrier, to build their bond and prepare you for multi-mutt parenthood.

Walkies is the word here. Take both dogs out for a walk together on their leads in an area that you’re familiar with. Somewhere with lots of open space, but without the hustle and bustle of busy traffic or too many people. Ask a pal or partner to come along if they can for back-up.

Let the dogs suss each other out. Try not to stress, or pressure them to get on. Dogs take their own sweet time in making their minds up, like us humans, so big-up any good doggy behaviour, have some rewards to hand, go slow and steady and (hopefully) watch the muttley magic happen…

What’s mine is mine!

Our hounds also love their toys. Big, small, squeaky, silly… the list is endless. While some dogs aren’t that fussed, others can’t wait to get their paws on them. So it might be an idea to keep your dog’s fave snuggly pal or best bouncy ball out of sight of the new pup on the block, to avoid any canine carnage.

Respecting personal space, territory and gradual introduction in most cases should ensure they at least tolerate each other in the beginning. Be sure not to leave them alone together unsupervised for a few weeks, until you’re sure they are OK in each other’s company. But if you think something’s not right, listen to your gut. You know your dog. If their behaviour has changed for the negative since the new arrival landed, be sure to seek some expert advice.

iii. Introducing a cat to a dog family

• Swap smelly scents
• Set up a cat space
• Clip claws
• Use a dog lead

Cats and dogs. Sworn enemies or perfect pet pals? Contrary to what cartoons, comics and movies may have us believe, dogs and cats aren’t automatic furry foes. They can get along paw-fectly, if you take it slow.

Here are some of the friendliest felines to consider if you’re in the research phase:

• Abyssinian
• Bengal
• Birman
• Cornish Rex
• Devon Rex
• European Burmese
• Japanese Bobtail
• Maine Coon
• Ragamuffin
• Scottish Fold
• Don’t forget the mixed-breed moggies!

Wondering how long does it take for a cat to get used to a dog? Or vice versa? Give it a few weeks and follow our tips below to help them get acquainted gradually. Their body language may be hard to read (unless the fur is actually flying!). They may end up bosom buddies, or simply tolerant companions.

What’s that whiff?

Introduce a cat to your dog – without them even realising. It’s not just dogs that have a fantastic sense of smell. Felines have an amazing 200 million odour senses, while us humans have only five million. So for a sneaky trick, before they meet and also when they are in their own dedicated spaces, swap scents by placing something from each pet near to things that the other one uses every day, like beside their bed, amongst toys or around their snooze spot. And as well as getting a sniff of the new moggy (without realising) you can lavish your dog with cuddles, strokes and belly rubs to give them a positive vibe at the same time.

Feline-friendly space

Cats are independent creatures. Like most of us humans, they need a space to call their own. Head space, mind space, whatever you want to call it – personal space is one thing to get sorted for the new puss. Set up a feline-friendly space in your house to give the cat privacy and help them settle in. If possible it should be big enough to provide a separate space to eat, rest, play and go to the toilet. Dogs love digging about, but felines sure won’t appreciate a pooch sticking their nose in their food bowl, bed or litter tray. No one likes being disturbed when they’re on the loo… But you can help ‘lock the door’ for the cat by setting up a stairgate, putting their food bowl out of the dog’s reach and having a litter tray closed off in a box – and training your dog not to be a nosy parker. Doggy treats can work small miracles here.

Trim those talons

Both cats and dogs have a hidden weapon under that cute furry coat – their claws. One swipe from either party could prove very problematic. In particular keep the cat’s claws trimmed so they can still give a quick warning swipe, without causing any major damage to a well-meaning mutt – or their blossoming friendship.

If you’re unsure as to how to approach the moggy manicure, it’s a good idea to remember that every cat is different. Some will be happy to sit in your arms whilst you gently trim one paw at a time. Others may need to be set on a table. Have a family member help by cuddling them or distracting them with strokes at the same time. Gently press the paw from above and below to make the claw pop out and be sure to only trim the very point. Avoid the pink area, or your cat will have something to say… If in doubt, your vet can show you how.

Cat meets dog

Dogs are instinctive defenders – of their territory, their stuff, and most importantly, of their pack. So when cat meets dog, it’s your turn to be the guard dog. Keep an eye on your dog and use a lightweight ‘houseline’ lead to give them freedom to move around, but not chase, if things look like they’ll turn into a hot mess. But don’t worry if their first meeting isn’t love at first sight. Try again later in the day, a day later or a few days after that – a snail’s-pace approach with their tête-a-têtes lasting a little longer each time.

Most of all, it’s worth remembering that each pet might be as stressed as you are. So don’t force it. Take a deep breath, keep tabs on both puss and pooch, with help if you have it, and show them both love and patience. Practice really can make purr-fect, or at the very least they will hopefully tolerate each other’s existence! However, if things seem to be getting a bit hairy, seek expert advice, don’t wait and worry.

2. Taking your new dog home

Here’s to happy travels on Gotcha Day!

We’ve talked a lot about preparing for your new pet’s arrival and bonding the pack. But there’s also a bit of practical logistics to deal with too. Transporting your new dog safely and happily on ‘Gotcha Day’ is important, to avoid adding to any stress they may be experiencing on a busy day of change, strange faces and smells.

Here are some tips for planning your journey home with a new dog.

Tips for travelling with a dog safely:

• Install an appropriately sized car crate, or other secure method for keeping them safe in transit
• Blanket and favourite toys
• Chews
• Water bowl and water
• Window shades
• Poo bags
• Plenty of breaks

If you’ll have your four-legged bestie with you as well when picking up your newbie, ask for some back-up. Flying solo with two for the first time is no one’s idea of furry fun. Think traffic, think howling, think doggy doo… you get the idea.

Safe, secure and separate

Make sure if you’re driving to remember the three Ss… both dogs should be kept safe, secure and separate. You might already have a dog crate, but if you’re buying one for the first time make sure it is the right size. The basic rule is, if they can’t stand, move or lie down comfortably, go up a size. Dog crates are brilliant to keep them in their own safe space, protected and locked in. For more tips on travelling with dogs, read our article on Moving house with a dog.

While adding new pets to your family may leave with you with a bit more canine chaos in the early days, hang in there and ask for help if you need it. It’s all part of the fun of being a pet parent. Adding another pooch (or puss) to the pack might feel like double trouble for a little while, but hopefully it won’t be long before all you remember is double cuddles.