1300 489 873Being an animal lover usually means having more than one kind of animal in your family. Be it a dog, cat, bird, rabbit or anything else that you fancy. Adding a dog to an already established pet family could easily turn into mayhem if not properly handled.
Here are a few things to remember when bringing a new dog into the mix:
1. It is best to introduce the dog when he is young as he’ll then come to think of the other pets as part of the pack.
2. Most other animals that are kept as pets are prey to dogs in their natural setting. Remember this and gradually introduce them to each other slowly over the next few weeks.
3. Small caged mammals like guinea pigs, mice, hamsters, and rabbits should be kept in their cages when initially allowing your dog to sniff or see them.
4. Always keep a close eye on things during the initial stages of letting them get to know each other. A cage won’t protect your small pet from fright if the dog keeps barking at it or clawing at their cage.
5. Some breeds are instinctively inclined to be protective while others were bred to be hunters. Keep that in mind when choosing your new dog and how he will fit in with your other pets.
Don’t let initial difficulties deter you from trying to make your new dog get along with your other pets. Family members should get along after all and often it’s just a matter of patience. Maybe your dog minder has experience with that and can give you some useful tips.
