How To Add a Dog to an Existing Pack

Adding a new dog to your pack can be very rewarding. However, it must be done carefully so that all of the dogs get along. In a pack, hierarchy is established. Initially, you must control how the dogs interact so that your new dog can settle in to the existing pack. Here's how to add a dog to the pack:

1. Introduce the dogs carefully. Introduce your dogs on neutral territory, such as on a walk. Let them meet each other in a positive way. The initial encounter should be relaxed and free from any activities that would encourage a rivalry to develop. Do not let your dogs interact fully until you've seen that the new dog is compatible with your existing pack.
2. Separate the dogs at night and during feedings. During the first few days, any interactions should be watched closely. At night or any other times when you can't watch your pack of dogs, separate them in crates or any other system, especially if they show aggression towards each other. If possible, allow the dogs to see or smell each other while creating barriers to physical interaction. It's also important to separate dogs when it's feeding time or when they are playing with certain toys that are likely to cause fights. Reduced competition during the first days can help ease this transition.
3. Remain in control of the pack. Over the next few days, let the dogs interact more and more. During these interactions, remain in control of your dogs' behavior. Give praise for positive behavior, and stop negative behavior such as growling. Do not step between two fighting dogs, because you'll run the risk of getting hurt. Instead, try to distract them or throw a blanket over them.
4. Let the dogs play together. Once the dogs have been introduced on walks or in other relaxed situations, and are acting friendly or at least tolerant of each other, let them play together. You may want to leave their leashes on, which allows you to separate them much easier if a problem develops.
5. Increase their time together. If your dogs are friendly, increase their time together as a pack. If they show aggression, slow things down, making the process of introduction more gradual. Depending on the relationship that develops, your new dog could be integrated into the pack in as short as a week or as long as a few months.
6. Don't forget about individual attention. Give each dog individual attention each day. This can keep them from feeling left out. Dogs can develop security or self confidence issues, especially when there is a new dog in the pack.

When you add a new dog to the pack, it's important to control these interactions carefully. At first, limit their interaction time to neutral encounters, separating the dogs for playtime, feedings, and at night. Over time, you can increase their interaction time until the new dog is fully integrated into the existing pack.