Help Your Pets Go From Foe to Fam(ily) As Easy As Saying, “1, 2, 3!
“…In the arms of the angel, fly away from here…” no wait, “…and the endlessness that you fear. You are pulled from the wreckage…” who has the remote?? Find the remote!! “You’re in the arms of the angel. May you find some comfort here…” it’s too late. My eyes have welled up with tears and I’m earnestly searching for my cuddle buddies. I cry out, “Snookums? Where are you Snookums? Mommy loves you, come here please!!”
You’ve all been there before. When Sarah McLachlan gives you yet another reason to go out and bring another pet into your loving home. After all, you believe it is your moral obligation to protect your innocent little babies from this cruel world we call Earth.
Fast forward three weeks and you’ve got yourself a new pet that you just can’t wait keep your eyes off of. But wait. You didn’t think the next part through: introducing your new baby to your existing babies. Now you start thinking about the guilt you’ll feel when your pets see you with this new little one that’s an alien to them. PAUSE.
Stop thinking before you begin the spiral down the think-tank towards the worst-case scenarios. If you want to know how you can introduce your new and existing pets to each other and then live in harmony, READ ON!!
Step 1: Walk a Mile in Their Paws
DO: Understand how your pets are going to feel before you make your introductions.
DON’T: Abruptly place your new pet in a room with your existing pets.
To illustrate how your new and existing pets will feel during their first encounter, think back to a time when you and a loved one were hangry (so hungry you became angry). Now of course, being the loving person that you are, you offer to order a pizza for both of you to eat. While you are in the midst of imagining the satiation you will feel once you’ve scarfed down those slices of…. ding! The doorbell rings. You rush the transfer process, open the box and to you and your stomach’s dismay… see that they’ve only delivered one…. slice… of pizza!
Now, I know if I was in this situation, the wheels in my brain would start heading towards eliminating the weakest link: my dear loved one. And you can try and lie to yourself for a moment and say, “Let’s just split this miniscule piece and wait another thirty minutes for another pizza to arrive!” But let’s face it; it’s a dog-eat-dog world out there… so now do you feel that panic and uncertainty?
This is exactly how your pets will feel if you drop them all inside a play pen and tell them to, “Have at it!” They’ll be out for blood because after all, they’re relying on their instincts! They’re all confused, on high-alert and very peeved.
To avoid this dire situation, remember these feelings that could potentially make either party feel threatened by other and read on to see how you can make everyone feel comfortable prior to the unveiling.
Step 2: Keep Everyone Cozy and Enjoy the Inauguration
DO: Establish a relaxing, friendly environment and stay neutral during introductions.
DON’T: Coddle your pets or show favoritism to either party.
Introducing your new pets into your household doesn’t need to be a task that needs to be checked off your to-do list. This moment should be one of the memories you’ll look back on and cherish. All you have to do is make sure the pets you’re bringing into the house, and the pets who are already at your house, are in the same frame of mind. Make sure all of your pets are well taken care of beforehand. When your pets are content, they will be more welcoming and open to the new opportunity that awaits them: to make a new friend.
Once you’re ready to initiate the beginning stages of their friendship, give an equal amount of affection and time to each pet. By not showing favoritism towards any one pet, you are setting the tone for how they will act towards one another. After greeting all your pets, sit back, relax and let your body language do the talking. Make sure all your pets are comfortable without becoming a helicopter parent!
Now that everyone is feeling safe, loved and content. Give your pets a little more space to play with each other. It may be unnerving at first but you need to fake it till you make it.
Act like nothing has changed in their world and master the art of creating a competition-free zone in your household.
Step 3:Keep Your Eye on the Utopian Prize
DO: Always remember to act as one unit to personify that cooperation is key!
DON’T: Act like you need to triage by thinking it’s easier to divide and conquer.
The dynamics in the household are still the same, you’ve just added another fluffy friend to the mix. Incorporate your new pet into the daily routine without changing a single action they’ve already anticipated you’re going to do. This way, your existing pets will just think they’re on a playdate and the new pet is just along for the ride.
Give an adequate amount of time, affection, and attention to new and existing pets alike and make sure all of your pets feel safe, loved, cared for and most importantly: close to your heart!
