By Charlene Marchand
For Capital Region Independent Media
There are some messages that bear repeating, repeating, repeating, and here comes one of them.
Those who know me well are acutely aware of my penchant and talent for repetition – especially where animal management is the discussion of the day, and a timely reminder may be equivalent to a successful outcome.
Mother Nature did not intend her canine creatures to change or move in and out of different packs readily. As a pack animal, typically dogs have a very black-an- white look at their companion animal world. They know who they like, and they like who they like, and they dislike who they dislike.
Certainly, there are individuals who seem to be saturated in very tolerant and openly inviting dog skills. These individuals love the dog park scene, don’t seem to care about newcomers young and old, small and large, short-coated and plush. These dogs are always vying for Mr. or Ms. Congeniality awards. They are an owner’s delight, and easy to group manage.
More realistically, or packish, is the dog who only loves his or her close doggie friends and relatives. These cautious canines need time and positive experiences to allow the new kid on the block into the inner pack-sanctum.
Years ago, a knowledgeable Norfolk terrier breeder stated that a new pup or adult “should be gently introduced to other animals in the household.” Absolutely! Neutral territory introductions are mandatory. Tight in-home management is imperative and primary.
Throughout my history with German shepherd dogs, newcomers were brought into my home under lock and key. They were over-managed, if you will, behind closed doors, behind dog gates, in large crates or X-pens, separated when outside, fed separately of course – you get the structured picture.
Together time meant a leash walk, with the dogs still separate but equal, giving the players a chance to stabilize, while building security with myself and my existing and extremely confident and secure dog pack members. This oh-so-gradual introduction always served me, and my training clients who took heed, well.
Shortly after the new arrival was handled in this way, my resident pack members would be clamoring to let the new property-protector join the gang. Less is more, for sure! Many new dog families experience placement failures because the dogs had far too insufficient time to acclimate. Dogs are returned to shelters, rescues, etc., when I feel that the vast majority of these not only could have been salvaged, but that the dogs also had the potential to do well.
I do not discount the occasional incompatible pairing to be a misstep – there certainly are some dogs who will always want to be alone, or have a certain “someone” in mind for cohabitation. Nevertheless, I implore all new dog-adoptive families to be painstakingly slow, gentle, and overly cautious when that new pack member and forever friend walks through your door. We want it to stick!
So, let’s repeat. Sequester the new canine arrival. Impact as minimally as possible the freedom and management habits of the resident dog(s). Together time is on a leash, not necessarily physically engaging, with plenty of “paychecks” and Leave-its involved.
Do not worry about the newcomer being tightly structured – this is to their benefit. Make sure that the canine “property owner” has sufficient alone time with you. Many dogs fear a loss of their pack status with a new arrival in town.
As the dogs desire to seek closeness and contact, reward those overtures. Even with fenced-in yards, walk the dogs under control – while allowing them free yard time on a solo basis. Most dogs take about a month to acclimate – some longer. Channel your eagerness and impatience. Remember, less is always more.
Charlene Marchand is the chairperson of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society/SPCA Board of Directors. She may be contacted at cghsaaron@gmail.com.
