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A Guide to Smooth Introductions: Introducing Your Dog to Other Pets and Family Members

Bringing home a new dog is exciting. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for both of you. But between the excitement and the adjustment period, it can also feel like a lot, especially if there are other pets or young kids in the house.


Every rescue dog has a story, and for many, entering a new home is just the latest big change. That’s why the first few days (and sometimes weeks) are known as the decompression period. It’s a time for your pup to adjust, get comfortable, and learn that they’re safe. (Tip: Check out the 3:3:3 rule at the bottom of this post for some more guidance).


With a little planning and a calm, patient approach, you can help your SDR alum feel secure and start building positive relationships right from the start.


1. Start Slow and Keep Things Calm

Your dog has just left a familiar foster home and entered a brand-new environment. Give them time to explore your space at their own pace. Avoid big welcomes, loud noises, or too many people right away. A calm, quiet space helps your dog build confidence as they settle in.


2. Introducing Family Members

When it’s time to meet the humans in the home, go one at a time. Let your dog come to each person when they feel ready. Encourage everyone to use calm voices and gentle movements. Treats and praise help reinforce positive interactions.


If you have children, remind them not to crowd the dog, grab at them, or interrupt eating or resting. Setting ground rules early creates a safe, respectful environment for everyone.


3. Meeting Other Dogs

If you have another dog, introductions are best done on neutral ground like a quiet sidewalk or park. Start with both dogs on leashes, walking side by side at a distance. Look for signs of relaxed body language like gentle sniffing, loose tails, and soft eye contact.


If both dogs seem calm, allow a short face-to-face greeting with loose leashes. Keep it brief and positive, and end the interaction before tension builds. It’s normal if they need a few sessions to get comfortable.


Tip: If the first meeting doesn’t go smoothly, take a break and try again another day. Slow progress is still progress.


Some pups click instantly, while others need days or even weeks to build trust. If either dog has a history of fear or reactivity, go slowly and don’t rush things. For slower introductions,, check out the below steps.


Step-by-step approach for slow introductions:

  • Initial separation (Days 1–3, or longer if needed): Keep the dogs in completely separate areas of the house. Use baby gates, crates, or closed doors so they can hear and smell each other without direct contact. Feed them on opposite sides of a door to build a positive association with the other dog’s presence.

  • Scent swapping: Exchange blankets, toys, or bedding so each dog can get used to the other’s scent in a non-confrontational way.

  • Parallel walks:When both dogs are calm, try walking them outside together—but at a distance. Keep leashes loose and walk in the same direction without allowing them to interact just yet. Over time, you can close the distance if both dogs are showing relaxed, curious body language.

  • Barrier greetings: Once they’ve adjusted to each other’s presence, try a visual introduction through a baby gate or x-pen. Keep these short and positive. Watch for friendly signs like wagging tails, play bows, or soft eye contact. Avoid any staring, stiff posture, growling, or barking.

  • Short, leashed interactions: If all is going well, you can move to short face-to-face greetings on loose leashes. Keep it calm and brief. Redirect and separate at the first sign of tension. Don’t wait for a conflict.

  • Supervised time together: When you’re confident that both dogs are relaxed, you can try off-leash time in a neutral area like a backyard. Keep the sessions short and closely supervised.


Other helpful tips:

  • Don’t force it. If either dog seems stressed or overwhelmed, go back a step and try again later.

  • Reward the good. Use treats and calm praise to reinforce relaxed, friendly behaviour.

  • Avoid high-value triggers. No toys, food, or bones should be present during early play sessions to prevent resource guarding.

  • Allow alone time. Each dog should still have their own space and downtime apart from one another.


Some dogs may never become best friends, and that’s okay. Peaceful coexistence is still a win.


4. Introducing Cats or Small Pets

Start with separation and supervision. Keep your dog leashed and allow your cat to approach on their own terms. Make sure your cat has access to high places or safe spaces to retreat to. Never force the interaction.


For small pets like rabbits or guinea pigs, keep them safely enclosed and monitor your dog closely. If your dog becomes overly fixated or excited, you may need additional time and training before allowing closer interactions.


5. Supervise and Set Boundaries

Even if everyone seems to get along, it’s important to supervise all interactions during the first few weeks. Create separate areas for feeding, give each pet their own space to rest, and watch closely for signs of stress or overstimulation.


If tension builds, give everyone a break and try again later. You’re setting the foundation for a long-term relationship, so it’s okay to take it slow.


6. Stay Consistent and Patient

Some dogs adjust in a few days. Others may take weeks to fully decompress. Stick to consistent routines, use positive reinforcement, and give your dog the time they need. You’re helping them build trust, and that takes time.


💛 Stay Connected

You’re now part of the SDR alumni family. We’d love to see how your pup is doing! Join our SDR Alumni Facebook Group to share updates, post photos, ask questions, and connect with fellow adopters. You may even find a littermate or two!



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