How do I prepare my other pets for a new dog?

For dogs meeting a new dog, start with a walk together on neutral territory before bringing them into the home, since this often reduces early tension compared with a direct introduction inside one dog's established space. For cats, a scent based introduction through a closed door, before any visual contact, tends to work better than a rushed face to face meeting.

Keep food, water, beds, and toys separate for each animal during the transition period, even if you eventually plan to share some resources, since competition over these items is a common source of tension early on. Give existing pets a secure retreat space the new dog cannot access, so they always have somewhere to fully relax.

Try to maintain your existing pet's regular feeding times, walk schedule, and general attention as consistently as possible during the transition, since a sudden overall disruption on top of a new housemate can add unnecessary stress. Extra one on one time with your existing pet also helps reassure them their place in the household has not changed.

If either animal shows persistent signs of stress, such as hiding, growling, or refusing to eat, slow the introduction process down and extend the separated phase rather than pushing forward, since rushing a stressed animal often sets the relationship back further.

Celebrate small signs of progress along the way, since a successful introduction is often built gradually rather than all at once.