Anyone have tips on introducing a third dog to the family?

[Jess]

I have a male red heeler that is about two and is the alpha male (neutered). I have a five month old Shih Tzu/Terrier mix that will be spayed next week. These two are besties and play constantly; they love each other. I am adopting a King Charles Cavalier puppy from a friend tomorrow. What is the best way to introduce this 11 week old puppy to the family? Will it hurt the loving dynamics of my other two? Will they gang up on him? The Shih Tzu mix minds both of us and the Red Heeler minds my husband really well and usually minds me....but not quite as well. Any tips would be appreciated. I would feel really bad if Kip and Zoe changed their loving behavior.

 

[Julia]

You don't have to worry too much. Dogs are pack animals and it's in their nature to try and get along with everyone. They'll develop their own hierarchy amongst themselves (even playing helps them do this). If any ganging up occurs, it's important not to step in unless it gets out of control- let them work it out. Since two of the dogs are so young, you probably won't have any issues. Just enjoy your new puppy!

 

[relswete]

For a while weeks or so do not trust your dogs with the new puppy. Introduce them and see reactions but watch the new guy carefully so he does not get ganged up on. If you can introduce them in neutral territory like the other peoples house or yard to see the dynamics. it will take generally two weeks for you to see what will happen as they set in. But since we have neutered or spayed animals we are introducing and the pup cannot do anything it should be ok if the initial meeting is fairly good. I would also do one at a time.

 

[Celina]

go to neutral territory, and make shure that all 3 dogs are on a leash, give all 3 dogs a treat so that they get the new dog with treats. Make shure that all dogs like eachother before bring your new dog home.
Hoped i helped )

 

[Taylor S]

theyll be fine put one in a seprete room ( perferablly the older one or meaner one) for a while then bring it in holding the new puppy go to another room and let kip and zoe bond then come out theyll all sniff each other then play trust me i did this before SOON ALL 3 WILL BE BESTIES GOOD LUCK LET ME KNOW IF THIS WORKS

 

[Rainbow Child]

You have a lot of activity going on.. which is going to make all your dogs a little bit uneasy / unsure.

First one is getting spayed.. so for about 2 weeks you will be stopping the other dog and new puppy from rough play around the spayed dog.. hard work I can tell you.

Then your dog is going to bring in some strange vet smells into your house.. naturally both dogs will want to sniff him out when he gets home.. but they can't because he needs quiet.

Meantime your spayed dog has to deal with being spayed, pain and a new dog in her territory. Not to mention that puppies can be annoying, with all their tugging and climbing over the older dogs.

For sure the balance in the house hold will be turned upside down for a some weeks. But stick with it..
I don't know if your 2 dogs and the new puppy will accept each other.. it's really trial and error. If it does not work out.. make sure you can take the puppy back.