How To: Prepare a dog for a new pet

Is your old pet suffering from new pet envy? A new pet can make your best friend pretty doggone upset, but there are ways to help them get over their jealousy. In this tutorial learn how to prepare a dog for sharing his home with a new pet.

You Will Need:
• Dog treats
• Lots of love
• Plenty of patience

Step 1: Keeping them apart
When you bring a new pet into the house for the first time, hold them in your arms so your current dog can see and smell them, but not harm them in any way. Keep the new pet in a separate room for a few days so both animals can get used to the new environment.

Step 2: Maintain the old routines
Dogs don't like change very much, so make sure to keep feeding, walking, and playing with your current dog at the same time each day.

Step 3: Let the pets meet
While sitting in the living room, let the two pets meet face-to-face. Stay close enough to separate them if necessary, but far enough away so that the two pets can get to know each other's scent.

Step 4: Feed the current pet first
Show a little favoritism by feeding your dog before the new pet, but don't let them steal food from the new pet's bowl.

Step 5: Let the top dog stay at the top
Go out of your way to show as much affection to your dog as you always did, perhaps even a little more. When they're good or while you're playing together, slip them an extra treat or two.

Trivia: In the 1984 movie "Ghostbusters," Bill Murray's character indicated the end of civilization by saying "Dogs and cats living together – mass hysteria!"