adopting a 17mth old doberman

Question
My family and I are pet lovers from 7 dogs, 3 cats, to 1 house trained bunny.  My friend has a 18mnt male dobbie, that has mild, but very workable behaviors(puppie stuff), that we would like to adopt. Because the person he is holding it for cant have it any more, and neither can my friend, and we do, so how do I interduce Harley(dobbie) into my home, with 7 chihuahuas, 3 cats, 1 bunny that is in his cage most of the time, but has some out time? andrea ladd

Answer

Hi Andrea,

Congratulations on your impending adoption!

It's usually best to introduce dogs on neutral territory, with each on a leash held by a separate person. That's because a place where none of the dogs have a territorial claim is less likely to cause any issue of protection, than an area that has already been "claimed" by a dog. Because you have 7 other dogs, that might not be possible.

Introducing the Dobie to your other dogs outside in your yard might be your only option. Since it's your friend's dog, can he or she bring the dog by more than once so the dogs will be familiar with your dogs, before you actually adopt him? Maybe you and your friend can walk the Dobie with one or two of your Chihuahuas in a neutral  area.

Keep the Dobie on his leash, until you see that nobody is acting aggressive. If any of your Chihuahuas are known to be aggressive towards other dogs, they should be on a leash as well. Keep it light and happy, if your dogs know any obedience commands, give some pop quizzes, it helps remind them that you're the one in charge. Let the leashed dogs smell one another, separate them if necessary. Give out plenty of treats.

For a good month after adopting the Dobie,  separate him from your animals when you leave the house.

Cats are very territorial, and usually have a harder time when a new dog invades "their" home. For the cats safety, make sure the cats have escape routes to get away from the Dobie. For example, a cat door leading to another room in the house and ledges on which he can easily jump. Always provide places where each animal can retreat for safety and privacy, a spot that is his or hers alone. Using a baby gate is good, they can get to know each other without coming into full contact.

If the Dobie likes to chase the cats, have him wear his leash in the house. The moment he looks like he's going to take off after a cat, give the leash a tug, and make him sit. It's best to stop a chase before it even happens! When you can't be supervising the Dobie, either crate him or contain him to part of a room with the help of a child gate or two. Do this at night too, so the cats can get out from where they might well be hiding for much of the time! Praise the Dobie when he doesn't bark or want to chase the cats, and praise and reward the dog for any calm behavior around the cat. Do this consistently, not just once in awhile.

Praise a cats when they're gentle around the dog. Keep the cats claws clipped short so if they do connect with the dog, the damage will be minimized.

For the rabbit, it's the same thing. Keep your Dobie on a leash. Rabbits smell like prey, and with a large dog, an accident can happen in a heartbeat. You shouldn't leave the rabbit and the Dobie alone... ever. When the rabbit is out of his hutch, the Dobie should be on his leash and supervised.

Make sure to give the Dobie  plenty of exercise so that he has less energy to channel into chasing and otherwise bothering the other dogs, cats or rabbit. Prevent the Dobie from having access to the kitty litter box(s). Keep the box in a room that's physically off-limits to the dog. At least initially, feed in your dogs in separate areas and give the animals their own food bowls.

Do not expect the pets to become buddies right away. Let the animals establish the relationship at their own pace. Realize that some dogs and cats simply will never become buddies, and tolerance is the best you can hope for.  It will probably take about a month for the dust to settle, and all your pets come to an "understanding". Be patient, and be in control!

Best of luck,

Patti