Choose a neutral location

Introduce the dogs in a neutral location so that your resident dog is less likely to view the newcomer as a territorial intruder. Each dog should be handled by a separate person. With both dogs on leashes, begin the introductions in an area unfamiliar to each, such as a park or a neighbor’s yard. I

Use positive reinforcement

From the first meeting, help both dogs experience “good things” when they’re in each other’s presence. Let them sniff each other briefly, which is normal canine greeting behavior. As they do, talk to them in a happy, friendly tone of voice; never use a threatening tone. (Don’t allow them to investigate and sniff each other for too long, however, as this may escalate to an aggressive response.)

After a short time, get the attention of both dogs and give each a treat in return for obeying a simple command, such as “sit” or “stay.” Take the dogs for a walk and let them sniff and investigate each other at intervals. Continue with the “happy talk,” food rewards, and simple commands.

Be aware of body postures

One body posture that indicates things are going well is a “play-bow.” One dog will crouch with her front legs on the ground and her hind end in the air. This is an invitation to play, and a posture that usually elicits friendly behavior from the other dog. Watch carefully for body postures that indicate an aggressive response, including hair standing up on one dog’s back, teeth-baring, deep growls, a stiff-legged gait, or a prolonged stare. If you see such postures, interrupt the interaction immediately by calmly getting each dog interested in something else.

Taking the dogs home

When the dogs seem to be tolerating each other’s presence without fearful or aggressive responses, and the investigative greeting behaviors have tapered off, you can take them home. Whether you choose to take them in the same vehicle will depend on their size, how well they ride in the car, how trouble-free the initial introduction has been, and how many dogs are involved.

Introducing puppies to adult dogs

Puppies usually pester adult dogs unmercifully. Before the age of four months, puppies may not recognize subtle body postures from adult dogs signaling that they’ve had enough. Well-socialized adult dogs with good temperaments may set limits with puppies with a warning growl or snarl. These behaviors are normal and should be allowed.

Adult dogs who aren’t well-socialized, or who have a history of fighting with other dogs, may attempt to set limits with more aggressive behaviors, such as biting, which could harm the puppy. For this reason, a puppy shouldn’t be left alone with an adult dog until you’re confident the puppy isn’t in any danger. Be sure to give the adult dog some quiet time away from the puppy, and some extra individual attention as well.

When to get help

If the introductions don’t go smoothly, contact a professional animal behaviorist immediately. Dogs can be severely injured in fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve. Punishment won’t work, and could make things worse. Fortunately, most conflicts between dogs in the same family can be resolved with professional guidance.”

For the full article, click here 

Source: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/dogs/tips/introducing_new_dog.html

1. Play Naked! Remove your dog’s collar or harness. A harness may not present the same choking hazard as a collar if another dog got tangled in it, but on the other hand, a harness has many more straps to get caught in.

2. Use a Collar With a Quick-Release Buckle. If you’re nervous about having your dog naked (and without ID), use a collar with a buckle that can be released even under tension. Another option is a safety breakaway collar, such as Premier Pet Product’s KeepSafe Break-Away Collar (see premierpet.com or call 800-933-5595).

3. Don’t Allow Your Dog to Play With Dogs Who Are Wearing Gear. At times, this may mean your dog won’t be able to play at a dog park, because it’s nearly impossible to get everyone to comply with sensible rules at a dog park. If I had a young dog who really liked wrestling and mouthing other dogs, I just wouldn’t take him to a dog park that was crowded with collar- and harness-wearing dogs. Not after what I saw.

4. Spread The Word. I’m now telling every dog owner I know about the way, the truth, and the light. Many people have never considered this potential hazard and may be open to hearing about how they can prevent a tragedy happening to their dogs.

5. Keep Something Sharp Handy. This is quite a long shot – and yet, I now know a young woman who saved two dogs’ lives with sharp scissors. I now have a box cutter in my car, and another one on a shelf near my office door. I hope to never witness this again, but I feel a little better knowing that there would be more I could do to help.

Source: http://www.whole-dog-journal.com/issues/16_5/features/take-it-all-off_20740-1.html

Charlie is absolutely adorable! Thank you so much for the picture, Christy! Give him a big hug for us and of course, we would always love update pictures of him!

In order to make the transition a bit easier for your doggie, consider the following:
– Don’t change your doggie’s routine. Try to avoid the sense of a change the best you can. In other words, keep on doing what you have been doing – walks, feeding, grooming, etc. and keep on performing them at the same time.
– A health exam needs to be performed
– Buy a dog tag with your new home address
– Don’t wash your canine friend’s toys and other possessions. Leave them bearing the old familiar scent
– Same goes for the doghouse, bed and blanket – do not renew them
As an addition to the aforementioned, you can take your dog for a couple of visits to the new place, in case it is not too far away from your current home. Let him get used to your future dwelling and surrounding.

A couple of tips for the moving day
Try to keep the doggie away from the chaos. On moving day, there will be a lot happening in the house – people coming in and out, furniture being moved and so on. And if you are using the services of a removal company, that also means plenty of strangers invading the dog’s territory. And dogs don’t like that. Plus, there might also occur an accident or the dog could get scared and run away. In order to prevent such incidents, consider keeping your dog in a separate room, away from all the commotion.
While you are on the road to your new home, be sure to bring some toys and food to take the dog’s mind away from what is going on.

Helping the dog adjust to the new surrounding
The move might be over, but the difficulties are yet to come. Your doggie might find it quite hard to get used to your new home. That’s why you need to provide as much help as possible. Make sure you:
– Go together and explore your own new home (positioning of the furniture, rooms, stairs, bedroom, garden).
– Assign certain areas where the dog is allowed and such, where he should stay away from.
– Prepare the sleeping area. It has to be comfortable, but also safe and warm. Pick a spot that gets little human traffic, but is also not too far away from the place where the family usually is.
– Go exploring your new neighborhood. Traverse all nearby blocks while you try to keep the same route during the first couple of times.
– See if there are any neighboring dogs. If so, make sure you ‘introduce’ your canine friend to them.
– Locate all the parks, which will be your most often to-go place.

Basically, you will need to make your dog feel at home. Restore his routine and continue doing whatever you have been doing together. This way you will both retain a good mood.

The article has been written on behalf of Eccleston Removals 

Finn is such a handsome boy! Thank you so much for the picture and we’re glad he is fitting in with your family and adjusting well. Give him a big hug for us!

Hope you all are having a great Friday!

Carolina Comfort (C.C.) is loving her new home and seems very comfortable with her new family. Thank you for the update, Peggy!

More than a year and a half ago, we made one of the best decisions in our life; our furry Walle changed our life tremendously.

We have heard a lot of different traumatic stories form other dog owners about their pupils, and we have found that we are super lucky because we never had any problems with Walle.

Walle is a smart dog with a super easy going temperament and such a loving personality. He is very passionate about spending time outside, running and chasing his tennis ball on top of playing with all size dogs and humans in every age for hours. Although, he is the biggest funny socks thief ever and a big fan of mud-baths, he is an extremely intelligent dog as well a loyal companion. He is definitely energetic, happy boy but at the same time he is very calm, gentle and good behaved snuggable at home.

Every day with Walle is a new journey and it is a reason to enjoy our life to the fullest. We couldn’t be more pleased to have such funny & furry guy by our side.

Thank you Manor Lake for such a loving dog.

Karolina and Victor.

Walle is absolutely adorable and we love the action shots you sent us too! Thank you so much and give Walle a huge hug for us!

Have a great day! This photo was taken in he Colorado Rockies 2 weeks ago.

Michelle

This is such a beautiful picture of Milo. He looks so regal! Thank you so much for the update!

1. Spend time together

2. Communicate clearly

3. Put a little love in their food

4. Train your dog 

5. Be playful

6. Remain calm

7.  Learn more about canine behavior, especially body language and facial expressions that indicate stress

8.  Pay attention to your dog’s likes and dislikes

9.  Touch your dog 

For an expansion on these tips and why they are important, check out the article here! 

Source: http://thebark.com/content/9-ways-improve-your-relationship-your-dog

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you all had a great weekend!