ANSWERS: 2
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My suggestion would be, to let the dogs get to "know" each other before bringing the dog home. The animal shelter in my area have a meeting place where you can bring your existing animal{s} into the reception area and the "foster" is brought out. All the dogs wear a muzzle, this allows the dogs to "break the ice". After an amount of time the muzzles are removed if the behavior is friendly for all concerned.This is a good way for the transition to be easier and safe before taking them all home.
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I agree, if your dogs are normally very social with other dogs, away from your home is perfect...and you can probably forgo the muzzles, especially if normally you don't use them. Adding them to the mix is a "tip" to the dogs that something rather strange, possibly fearful is about to happen. You can also get an old towel for the "new" kid to sleep with a night or two before bringing him/her home. Like wise rub your dogs down with another old towel and then send that one to the new dog to sniff. After they've all introduced themselves (away from the home) ask for a group sit...and reward them for doing it! If your dogs have toys that they are especially ga ga over at the house, put them away for a few days, until all three establish their comfort zones with each other. BRAVO TO YOU (and the fur kids too) for opening your heart and home to a Pilgrim on a journey to a forever home.
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