ASK THE EXPERTS WITH CODY
Pet Pony,
meet Pet Puppy
Written by TractorSupply Company
"Chances are your dog will be suspicious of something new in its backyard domain. "
2. Let the new pet get comfortable. Your dog isn't the only animal dealing with a change. Remember your new flock, pet goat or rabbit may need a few days to get used to their surroundings. Giving animals some time to learn their environment can alleviate some initial skittish behavior.
3. Set up a controlled introduction. Whether introducing a small rabbit or big horse, start with a meeting where you have the control. Prior to orchestrating the first sniff, place your new animal inside a fenced enclosure that allows your dog and the new friend space to observe each other. Once your dog has taken in the initial sights and smells, it still may take several weeks for comfort to set in. Take it slow, be persistent, and remember that peaceful coexistence starts with familiarity.
(BPT) - You're an animal lover, and you've dreamed about your dog running through a field alongside a horse or watching your pup play with a pet goat. But how will your companions respond when they meet their new unique sibling? To make sure your pets start their relationship out right, the experts at Tractor Supply Company have five tips to make the introduction as seamless as possible. Taking the appropriate steps to properly introduce your dog to another animal - such as a horse, pig, goat or rabbit - will drastically improve the chances of the two becoming friends.
1. Consider your pet's personality. Dogs are instinctively pack animals and tend to get along well with others, especially others that roam in a pack or herd such as horses, goats and sheep. But teaching your dog to live with respect for members of another species will depend on several factors, including its age, breed and temperament.
While breed doesn't always predict an animal's personality, it can be insightful in determining likely traits. For instance, labs, retrievers and terriers are natural hunters and might be better friends with a goat or pig rather than a rabbit. Also consider interactions your pet has had with other dogs to indicate how a future meeting with an unfamiliar animal might go.