I’m Blaze, the one on the left. I used to be an only-dog until my parents brought home Jet (they found him through http://www.petfinder.com/). At first we didn’t get along so great – I was a bit jealous of the time he was spending with my parents. As you can see, we’re now the best of friends and love to snuggle together every night and nap. My mom later found some good articles on how she should’ve introduced us that she thought would be good to share with others who might be in the same situation. It would’ve made it a little more comfortable at the time had she done these steps:
1. Make the introduction gradually so that neither of the animals feels too threatened by the encounter.
2. Try feeding the older pet and bringing the new pet into the room slowly while watching the reaction of your older pet (me.)
3. You should allow a first face-to-face encounter but be careful not to get bitten in the middle. (I may have nipped a little, but out of love. Do you believe me? :))
4. Pet, play with and feed both animals just as much the same and try not to show any favoritism so jealousy does not arise.
5. If the older animal does not accept the new pet to the point of playing with it and forming a friendship of their own, at least they will grow to tolerate living with it if you are stern with your rules and behavior control. (I tolerated Jet for a while until I gave in and he became my buddy)
One more I think I would add to this list. I go to Camp Bow Wow regularly for doggy daycare (and boarding if my parents are out of town). That is my favorite place in the whole world and it definitely wears me out by the end of the day! I would suggest that a day at Camp would do wonders if meeting a new sibling that evening. Get the extra energy out so the meeting is of two calm doggies instead of two crazy hyper ones!
I’m glad they brought home Jet – not sure what I would do without that crazy mutt now! He makes a great pillow and keeps me warm (I’m always cold without him – and my sweater!).
