How to Help Pets Get Along

Introducing a new pet to your household can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your existing pets. Older, more established cats or dogs may look at any newcomers with suspicion and jealousy. To keep the uproar to a minimum, here are some tips to help pets get along.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Introduce them slowly. Keep your new pet in a separate room until your other pets get a chance to get used to the new smells. Spend time with each pet to soothe and reassure them.

2. Monitor their interaction. After several days of getting used to each other's smell and presence, allow your pets short interaction times to get acquainted. Keep dogs on a leash and cats in a crate. Let them get used to each other's movement, sounds and smells. If there is any lunging, growling or hissing, simply stop and take the pet elsewhere and try again later.

3. Distract them. Distract your older pets' attention from the new arrival and then reward them for being distracted. This will teach them to accept the other's presence and, over time, they will fall into this habit automatically.

4. Use a reward system. Help pets get along by using a reward system, or positive association. Each time the older pet is in a room with the new pet, reward it with treats and attention. Soon, your old pet will associate the new arrival with positive events.

Tips & Warnings

• Helping pets get along takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if it isn't love at first sight. With lots of love, patience and understanding, most pets will learn to adapt to each other over time.
• Remember that some animals may just not be able to coexist peacefully together. In most cases, the level of intensity presented by the threatened pet indicates the degree of danger. For example, a dog that is intensely aware of a new cat or kitten and cannot be easily distracted may present a risk to the new pet that would require you to consider other options. Consult a pet trainer or animal behavior specialist for advice.
• Never leave your pets alone together until you are sure they are safe.