A dog expert has revealed a simple trick to prevent a new pet from picking up bad habits from another dog. When a new pooch joins the family, it can be a disruptive experience for both the existing pets and their human companions.
The way the following months are managed is crucial to ensuring a harmonious environment for everyone involved. According to Dr Sabrina Cohen-Hatton and Danny Wells, authors of the book ‘What Your Dog is Thinking’, there are several steps owners can take to ensure their new animals doesn’t adopt undesirable behaviours from other dogs in the home or those they encounter.
They write: “Dogs can learn behaviours from other dogs. This is especially important to bear in mind if you already have a dog and a plan to bring another into your household.”
This advice also applies if you’re dog-sitting or regularly walking your dog with someone else’s. The experts say the key is to control the environment so your dog isn’t exposed to behaviours you don’t want it to pick up.
The authors further explain what controlling the environment entails. They said: “To make this easier, you can do some pre-planning,” reports SurreyLive.
“If you are bringing a new dog into the home, keep the dogs separate at first so you can observe the new dog for a while and list any behaviours that you don’t want your other dog to pick up.
“You can also use that list to devise a training programme to work through those issues later.”
Inspiring a pet dog with positive behavioural traits from the outset is crucial for a joyful, well-balanced life with your beloved hound.
However, one expert claims it could also prevent pricey trips to the vet, according to a report by the Express.
With The Flo’s Shelina said: “I’ve decided to share three top training tips that could save you a small fortune in vet visits, while also making your dog’s life happier and healthier.
“The earlier we spot and address behavioural or health problems, the easier-and cheaper-it is to treat them.”
Her invaluable advice includes teaching your pooch patience through waiting for permissions rather than insisting they never touch something.
Another piece of advice she offers is swapping items from a dog’s mouth instead of instructing them to drop them, which encourages them to give up unwanted objects willingly.
Lastly, she emphasises the significance of ensuring your dog gets plenty of rest, a factor that can greatly influence their daytime training receptiveness and overall well-being.