Dogs are territorial animals, and adopting a new one could be a slight issue for your existing pet. To avoid problems, Washington, DC-based dog trainer Julianna DeWilliems advises designated spaces for each dog in the beginning. 

As she told Forbes in an interview, it is essential to note where each dog spends the most time.

Introducing two pets for the first time can be chaotic. Their energies could be out of control during that initial meeting, so pet lifestyle expert Darris Cooper advises doing it in a neutral location like a park. 

Cooper also recommends rewarding calm behavior with treats, which could help make the warming-up process much more manageable.

Cats are likewise particular about the spaces they occupy. If you’re bringing two felines together, Cooper suggests having them settled in their areas before introducing each other’s scents. 

“As the cats continue to build a communal scent, they can get used to the idea that another cat lives with them,” he explained.

Because cats are more territorial than dogs, they may show more aggression towards a newcomer. For this, Cooper advises setting up barriers to prevent a potential scratching match between your two pets. 

Feeding each cat on different sides of a screen door can be a start. Once they’ve grown more acquainted, you can start removing these barriers. 

We’d also love to hear from you, readers, and pet lovers. What are your tips on adopting a new pet and introducing them to your current ones? Share them in the comments!