I could barely contain my laughter as my girlfriend told me how her feline attacked and chased her boyfriend's cat out of her house.
They introduced the cats because they were planning on moving in together.
"What should I do?" she asked me.
"I have no idea," I replied. "I know dogs; I don't know a thing about cats!"
It may seem trivial to consider the feelings of our animal companions when we introduce a new human into the pack. But given that many of us consider our canine companions fur-covered children it is really not that silly to include our dogs in the decision process.
I have always said that if push comes to shove I will choose my dogs over a potential spouse, so when I introduced my significant other to my canine family a while back I was grateful it all went well.
At first Piper was a bit standoffish, which I expected, as he was the only male in my pack and not impressed at sharing that role. Zumi just wanted to know if he had a good throwing arm and could kick a soccer ball across the yard. Fortunately, our new pack member is an animal lover.
But there may be people who don't experience an easy introduction between their dog and a potential partner. If that's the case should you simply throw in the towel and show that person curls a lip? the door if Fido
Not at all. Fortunately dogs are pretty pliable creatures and with a few tips and treats the new human pack member will be accepted by canine members of the family.
- Going for a walk with the pack is a great way to have everyone get to know one another. The dog owner, the dog and the new significant other should go out as a group, rather than the new boyfriend or girlfriend taking the dog out on their own. If the dog is already indifferent towards the new person, having them lead a walk on their own is not going to improve the situation. A group walk where the dog can comfortably interact with its owner and the newcomer will quickly diffuse any tension.
- Treats. Food is a great icebreaker. Consider keeping a jar of treats outside your front door so whenever that special someone comes over their hands are full of goodies before they walk in the front door. Fido will certainly warm up to this welcome.
- Allow the spouse to feed Fido on occasion. To a dog, whomever is in control of the food source is someone worth respecting.
Try not to break any house rules that are in place for Fido in an attempt to get the dogs to like the special someone. Dogs understand and need consistent rules and boundaries and they respect that. They do not understand inconsistencies and if rules are broken in the presence of the loved one, then dogs begin to associate the loved one as someone not worth respecting. The dog may also begin to show inappropriate behavior whenever the loved one is around as the boundaries become fuzzy and unclear.
Often the owner misinterprets this behaviour as the dog "acting out" in displeasure in the presence of the new special person and assumes the dog does not like the new loved one, when what is really happening is a dog taking full advantage of a situation that lacks proper boundaries.
Remember that you still have a responsibility to care for your dog even when someone new comes into your life.
Try not to put Fido's needs further down on the list of priorities as the new special person becomes more involved in your life.
Humans' names: Morgan Spencer and Gary Choi
Pets: Foog, 8, and Biscuit, 3.
Favourite activity: The dogs love to get in some sunshine and exercise playing with other canines at Ambleside dog park.
