Originally Posted by
Freedom
I do much as has been discussed.
When I got Lacey from the shelter, they insisted I bring Sugar down to meet her, first. They brought Lacey out into the walk area and had me bring Sugar over.
Since then, I put the pups on leash, Dad will hold them one at a time, while I have the newbie on leash and they meet in the driveway. Once I'd shuttled everyone through Dad's hands, they would all go in the back yard and I'd take the newbie back there too. Off leash, letting everyone roam, sniff butt, smell the ground etc.
After about 10 minutes, I'd take the newbie in the house on leash, to walk around, see the layout, find the water bowl. The others remained outside.
Back outside, all off leash, and eventually we'd go indoors. Mine would sort of do a double take as the newbie followed, lol. Now that we have regular play dates, my dogs are used to other dogs being in here, so that helps.
As for the cats, any dog I accept must already be known to be OK with cats. I already have 3 baby gates in place, so the cats have safe places and know where those are, so they can get away from a dog anytime they want. I never really did anything otherwise as to the cats. I know I'd see them up high (counter, tables, fridge) studying this newbie, or peering through a baby gate. And mostly, we wouldn't have any cats coming around sitting in our laps for a few weeks, until they adjusted to the newbie.
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