I will be picking up or new addition on Saturday, and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to introduce her to our home. She is an 8 month old German Shepard mix. Baroo is 2 1/2, and loves to play with other dogs. He is pretty mellow so I am not too worried about them not getting along, but what is the best way to get him used to her? They will be meeting on neutral ground before we bring her home, but how should I go about bringing her in the house? I have heard you should walk them first to establish "pack leader" status, and then keep them on a leash inside to show them around. I know most of you have at least 1 dog, so how did you handle this, and how did it work out? Also I am sure she will have her own toys and food dish, but should I keep her things in a seperate area until they are comfortable with each other? How long should it take her to adjust to the new family? Should I start training her right away, or let her get settled in first? What should I do if they don't get along? Any suggestions here would be great. I am just not exactly sure what to expect, but I am hoping for the best!
I will be picking up or new addition on Saturday, and was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to introduce her to our home. She is an 8 month old German Shepard mix. Baroo is 2 1/2, and loves to play with other dogs. He is pretty mellow so I am not too worried about them not getting along, but what is the best way to get him used to her? They will be meeting on neutral ground before we bring her home, but how should I go about bringing her in the house? I have heard you should walk them first to establish "pack leader" status, and then keep them on a leash inside to show them around. I know most of you have at least 1 dog, so how did you handle this, and how did it work out? Also I am sure she will have her own toys and food dish, but should I keep her things in a seperate area until they are comfortable with each other? How long should it take her to adjust to the new family? Should I start training her right away, or let her get settled in first? What should I do if they don't get along? Any suggestions here would be great. I am just not exactly sure what to expect, but I am hoping for the best!
Baroo's mood may not be quite up to normal as he will have been so recently neutered so it is hard to say just how he'll react.
I think – it's hard to remember -- when we brought Keoki home, the two dogs had met at a dog show, then rode home together in side by side crates. Once home we walked them both around the front yard and then walked them into the house on leashes together; I believe Keoki came in first.
I would keep them both leashed at first. If that's not possible then I think I would keep Oba/Bailey/Sheba on leash until I had a feel for how Baroo feels about her and vice versa. I don't think I'd let her run the house yet or he may take that as an invasion.
Watch for bickering -- don't let it become physical or Baroo could lose stitches.
Do you have two crates and/or pens for them so they can be separate from one another for part of the time should they feel the need to escape?
I'm sure you'll get great advice {probably opposite mine, but I try! :rolleyes: } from the real experts here.
Jazzysmom, you are right on….. and I would never bring in a new dog with one just having surgery two days before... yikes
It's true- it is really not ideal timing. And I think it will end up making it rougher for Baroo as the resident dog-who just had surgery.
But…since it sounds like you're already in this... I rescued a dog last February- you can read our thread and find out the problems we had and how we overcame those on Miles: A Rescue
Good Luck and keep us posted!
I would have to agree with the others. Surgery is pretty tricky especially if the dog is on meds. Some medication is mood altering. If you could possibly wait at least a week to bring in the new dog that would be ideal. Males usually recover pretty quickly and are back to normal within a week. This will give your pooch some much needed rest & healing time.
To introduce the dog I would have them meet in neutral territory some sniffing & such & afterwards I would take a nice long long long walk around your neighborhood…like 2hours at least. Let them get used to being together with you on your walks. I would even make it a routine for a while until they get used to the pack order.
I would also suggest RULES from Day #1. Establish the rules of the house so both dogs understand that you're the boss & these are the rules...My rules I don't allow the dogs to hoover while I make their meals. They have to be sitting calmly until I'm done. They eat in separate crates & before I put their dish down they must sit & give me eye contact. I do the same for treats and toys...everything is given only if they sit calmly & give eye contact. There's no jumping on me EVER...if they do this they get my back which they hate because they love mom's attention 
Good luck to you
