No two dogs are alike. Some live peacefully with cats, birds, rodents, and other small animals. Some don’t do as well in a household with other animals. Some dogs will learn to accept one particular animal, but not others of the same breed.
In general, a dog will do better in a home with other animals if he has lived with other animals in the past. Think twice about a dog who has ever killed another animal or is very possessive over food, toys, or even the water bowl. Be very careful with a dog who chases squirrels, rabbits, birds, or other animals in the yard or while on walks. Also watch out for a dog that stares at or stalks other animals. These are warning signs that the dog you’ve chosen may not get along well with other animals.
Your best bet for introducing a new dog to other pets is to GO SLOWLY! Get friends and family members to help you — there should be one person handling each animal in the room. Keep the dog on a short leash (no more than six feet long). Be sure to have treats handy to reward good behavior! You may want to exercise your dog first, so he is mellowed out for meeting time.
Keep initial meetings short — try to bring the animals together for at least ten minutes at a time. The small pet should be at the far end of the room, away from the door. Bring the dog in on his leash and stay by the door. Sit on the floor with him and try to get him to interact with YOU, not with the small pet. Do what you can to keep his interest, and reward him for paying attention to you.
If your dog will stay focused on you for at least five minutes of the introduction time, you’re doing well. Keep practicing until you can get his attention and keep him calm for five minutes or more during each visit.
The next step is to have the other person get the small pet to move around a little. Walk the small pet on a leash if you can, or have the other person hold the small pet and walk around. Let the dog look, but try to keep his attention on you. Use treats or petting to keep the dog calm and relaxed. If your dog will stay calm and attentive to you for five minutes or more during this step, you’re ready for step three!
Step three involves bringing the animals a bit closer together. Not too close — just a few feet closer than they were previously. Use praise, treats, and petting to keep your dog calm and relaxed. The next step is to allow the small animal to move freely around the room. If your dog stays calm and relaxed, you’re in good shape. Keep the small pet out of range of your dog at this time — if your dog has food aggression, another animal coming near you while you have treats is a bad idea.
If your dog can handle the small pet moving around, it’s time for the next step. Let the dog go to the end of his leash. The small pet may approach the dog at this time to sniff. If you think your dog may try to attack the small pet, you may want to have the dog wear a muzzle. This will protect small or fragile small pets from the powerful jaws of your dog. While they are sniffing, call your dog. You want him to pay attention to you over the small pet — this step may take a while.
The final step is to let the animals interact more freely. Exercise your dog first, then give them short periods of time together with human supervision. Make sure your small pet has escape routes and safe places if they want to avoid the dog. Don’t leave your dog and your small pet alone in the same room together, especially when you will not be around to supervise.