When you adopt a new pet, it’s important to you that everyone in the home will love it as much as you do--especially the dog. Adding another furry friend to your family usually means some extra planning for introducing it to any current pets, and making arrangements so that they get along.

Oftentimes, people worry when bringing a new pet into their households when they already have pets, and for good reason. There may be issues with territory when you bring another animal into the space where one feels he reigns. The first pet may feel a need to fight over resources, like as food or attention from humans, too. Finally, there’s a chance that the dogs will attack each other and just plain not get along.

When bringing a new pet home, how you handle the introduction is crucial. There is a difference between introducing dogs to cats as well as other dogs.

In the case of introducing your dog to a new cat, keep the cat in a closed room away from the dog for a few days. This is for the benefit of both animals, since your dog will be able to smell the new arrival, but not have to come face to face with it yet, and vice versa. When you do bring your dog to meet the cat, be sure to stay present. Allow your dog to sniff and observe, his version of getting acquainted. Some dogs like cats and are curious while others are fearful.

When you bring a new dog or puppy home, you need to be careful to keep the situation neutral. Don’t introduce them right away, and perhaps have them both meet outside for the first time. Allow them to greet each other -- or not. If they seem to ignore each other, then you must allow that as well.

Be sure that your new dog has all its vaccines before bringing it home whether you already have dogs or cats. Some diseases, like rabies, can pass between species. Furthermore, make sure your dog is health--many different and possibly unexpected medical problems can cause a dog to feel unhappy. With an affected mood, a dog can be far less likely to adapt willingly to a new pet in its home.

Once your dog has become apprised of the newest addition to the family, he will likely present some indication of his emotions. Your dog may respond in a variety of ways to the new creature:

Love

Your dog may love the new pet right away and prance around or try to nuzzle or paw your new pet. He may get so excited he’ll even bark or howl! Depending on whether or not the new pet is an infant, such as a puppy or kitten, you may want to curb your dog’s enthusiasm. If your new pet is ready to play, then you’ve lucked out!

Fear

Your dog may decide he is fearful of your new pet, and respond by flattening his ears and tucking his tail between his legs. In this instance, let your dog leave the room. It will take time for him to warm up to your new pet.

Apprehension

If your dog doesn’t like the new pet, he will likely growl. Take your dog away from your new pet as soon as possible. He may need more time to adjust.

If your animals don’t get along, it may be necessary to separate the two or police their activity together. Cats usually keep to themselves when they prefer to avoid dogs - be sure the cat has a safe place to retreat to, and feed it at different times than the dog. Dogs should be fed at the same time to discourage fighting. Walk them separately at first, and gradually try to walk them together with a family member or a friend. Play with them at the same time, and use happy tones so that they are encouraged to get along.