Introducing a Dog
To a Crate and a Second Dog
By Stan Rawlinson
Sometimes we need to introduce a dog to various other animals and objects these can range from cats to muzzles, crates to a new dog in the household. Following these introduction articles should help you over most situations.
Introducing a Crate to a Dog
Dogs have a natural liking for enclosed sleeping places - think of how often your dog chooses to sleep under the table, against a wall or behind the settee! In the wild your dog would seek out a cosy safe den to sleep and rest up, that is all a crate is. Although their resemblance to cages or prison puts many people off. If they are properly used and introduced, they can be a helpful aid to training and toileting and a comfort and a bolthole when the dog is feeling stressed.
Once your dog is happy in the crate he can be left there to prevent soiling and chewing when you are out for a short time, he can be restrained when the kids play noisy, energetic games which are not improved by his joining in, and he has a secure familiar bed which can be taken in the car and on holiday if needed.
A dog which is thrust unprepared into a crate and left is going to associate the crate with a most unpleasant experience and be very unhappy. A dog which is carefully introduced to a crate usually finds it a pleasant and secure place to be, so it is worth spending some time over the introduction process.
HOW TO CRATE TRAIN YOUR DOG
•The crate should be big enough for your dog to stand up, turn round and stretch out when lying down. If he is a puppy, allow for growth. Cover the crate with a blanket or sheet so it is dark, den like and cosy.
•To begin with you will need to leave the crate set up all the time. Later you may prefer not to, and some crates fold flat for easy storage when not in use.
•When left in the crate your dog should have a toy or chew bone to keep him occupied when awake, soft bedding to sleep on, I prefer Vet Bed or the equivalent and a drink of water. Get a coop cup it clips or screws on the inside of the crate then you don’t get spills. Initially feed the dog in the crate every day, with the door open. This is an easy way to get him to like it!
•Set the crate up in a quiet corner, and put the dog's bed into it. At this stage, leave the door pinned open so that the dog is never fastened in by mistake and never gets stressed.
•Soon the dog should happily use the crate voluntarily. When you reach this stage, (NOT BEFORE) wait until he goes in for a sleep, then close the door. Stay in the room, and let him out as he starts to wake up.
•When your dog is used to this routine, leave him for a minute after he wakes up, with you still in the room. Gradually (over about a week) increase the time you can do this. If your dog gets distressed, reassure him briefly but firmly and shorten the time on the next attempt. Don't make a big fuss - sweet nothings and lots of attention can make him think you're praising him for being distressed, and he'll do it all the more. Aim for the "nursing sister" approach when she comes to give you a big injection, sympathetic but business like!
•When you can leave the dog like this, leave the room for a few minutes but stay in the house. Again, gradually increase the time you are out of sight till you can put the dog into his crate when you go shopping.
•Your dog should never be left in a crate for more than 3 or 4 of hours. Except overnight. And never regularly crated during the day
Introducing A Second Dog
If the new dog is adult, try to select a dog that is to the best of your knowledge, accustomed to other dogs (i.e., one that is socialised). If possible, pick the opposite sex than the one you currently have. You should know your current dog well enough to know how well it gets along with other dogs. If it is a naturally submissive dog it probably does not matter too much whether the new dog tends toward submission or dominance.
However, if your current dog is dominant dog, your best bet is to acquire a dog that tends towards the submissive and is smaller than your current dog, Size can be important, as your established dog may feel threatened by a newcomer that is a larger breed.
Introduce your established dog and the new addition in a neutral place, like a park or a garden that is new to both animals. It is better they meet outside then neither should feel cornered or enclosed. Both dogs should be on a leash. If your current dog is obedience trained, put him/her in a down/stay. Allow them to sniff one another and encourage play, discourage all aggression.
Should your new dog show anxiety or aggression, take the introduction slow and easy let the dog realise your existing dog is no threat, do not force the situation allow your established dog to come and sniff the new dog. The new dog should learn to trust the established dog by realising that the he is not going to attack him, and your established dog learns that the new dog is acting either submissive or friendly to him. This fosters trust amongst the two animals. If the dogs want to play, let them. In fact, encourage them, and do not interfere unless you feel you must. If you are in a secure area, you can let both dogs off the lead at this time.
Bringing Them Home
When you get them home the first thing you must do is establish a spot for each dog that is initially physically separated from each other. In other words kennels, crates, or even different rooms. Never feed the dogs together always feed the dogs if possible simultaneously in those separated areas (if in different rooms, close the doors while the dogs eat). If you must free-feed, the dogs should be placed in their respective areas for the entire time each one's food is down; you can also use these areas for "time-outs" when the dogs are misbehaving.
Quality Time
The second thing that is required is that you must be sure to spend quality time with your established dog. You may even need to increase the frequency of normal activities you would have with your established dog. This should keep him from feeling misplaced by the newcomer.
Finally, be sure and do activities with both dogs. This encourages the dogs to do fun things together, as well as fostering pack cohesion and communication. Make sure that both dogs realise you control the household. They will need to work out their own hierarchy amongst themselves, but they must understand that you are a benevolent controller and that you are ultimately in charge. Of all that is good.