Introducing our new dog to old one...?

[Jade]

Have you had any problems when you get a new dog? I'm worried that ours will go through a period of stress or aggression. The new dog is the same age. What are some things we can do to eliminate jealousy on his part, and some things we can do on our part to make sure they're comfortable?
btw: they're both male, part labs.

 

[chi]

You should try to introduce them in a neutral territory (a park for example). If that's really not possible, at least do it outside.
If you could get the help from a second person to do this it would be better. Both dogs should be on leash so you can have some control at all time. Bring some treats with you. When your dog sees the new one, before he reacts, give him a treat and reward him. Each time his looks at the other dog and remains calm, reward him. This way he will think of the dog as being a positive thing. The other person could do the same with the new dog too. Then you can gradually have them get closer and meet when both are behaving well. Remember to reward them to reinforce their good behaviour.
Your dog just needs to adjust to having a new member in his "pack". Dogs don't feel jealousy, as it is only a human emotion. They just protect their resources. You are one of his resources too, so if you introduce them correctly and you make sure he understands that he doesn't have any competition and the new dog won't come stealing any resource from him, it should be fine.
Good luck!

 

[McKenzieTerrill]

Make the meeting away from your house, so you older dog won't feel the need to protect.
Get someone to hold the new dogs leash, and yourself hold the old dogs leash.
Walk past each other, at a far enough range so, that your dogs can't meet each other yet. If the dogs tense up, keep walking by at that same range.
Each time they look at the dog, relaxed, or just ignore each other, walk closer together.
Soon, they will be close enough to sniff each other... If the dogs tense, take it a step back, if not keep things going.
The dogs should sniff each other, then if they start playing around, you know its almost time. If they ignore each other, thats fine to.
Bring the old dog and new dog home, but keep them in different rooms, by putting up a doggy gate. They can see, and smell each other, but not start fighting, or playing.
Soon but the old and new dog on a leash and bring them into the same room. If they seem okay with each other, I'd say your good. But keep them away from each other at least another day.

 

[JohnMorlock]

i think play with them both the same amount dont make 1 feel left out because they might get jealous and hate the other dog but i wouldnt no that much because i have a pitbull and cant have 2 or more dogs with him ore he goes ballistic