Many families choose to welcome a new dog into their household under the assumption that dogs are sociable animals and will naturally get along. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Even the friendliest dogs can get into fights with one another. For those who don’t know how to approach and tackle this issue, it can be a real headache. We’ll break down a few things you should do to make sure your dogs get along at home.
Introducing Dogs to Each Other
Getting a second dog can be a wonderful decision when your first dog spends a lot of time alone, but even if you think they will get along, it is important to introduce them correctly to prevent any compatibility issues.
It is no secret that dogs are very territorial animals. If a dog feels as though another animal is invading their space, they may become aggressive leading to barking, growling or an attack. Many owners won’t know how to deal with two dogs that fight at home.
If you are planning on introducing a new dog into the family, it is in your best interest to introduce both dogs to each other in a neutral territory instead of having them meet for the first time in your home. Take them both to the park and let them get to know each other in that environment first. Also, take them for walks together before they start actively living together.
What You Should Do at Home
One of the best things you can do to get your dogs to get along is to train them properly to respond to your orders and obey the rules of the house. If you don’t feel equipped to do this on your own, hiring a professional trainer is your best bet. It is important your dogs see you as the leader of the pack.
It is also crucial that violent behavior is not dealt with via more violent behavior. You should never reprimand your dog by hitting them or shouting aggressively. This is not only animal abuse, but will also lead to more fights and more aggressive behavior. Instead, reward good behavior as opposed to punishing bad behavior. Positive reinforcement is the best training method for getting your dog to listen to you, and will lead to a long-lasting, healthy relationship built on communication and respect.
Dogs sometimes fight for affection, so it is important that you do not show more affection to one over the other. Make sure to show your first dog that nothing has changed in your relationship even though you have introduced a new friend into your home.
Contact Michael’s Pack for Help
If you are having issues with your dogs not getting along with each other, it may be time to have a professional trainer come to your home. Contact Michael’s Pack today to get the process started.