Training Tips - Introducing a New Pet

PREPARATION:
Know where your new dog will spend their days and nights before you bring them home.
 
Work on solidifying your obedience with your dogs at home so you can control them when introducing them to a new dog.
 
Have a safe place for your cats to go if they chose to run from the dog.
 
Take your dog to adoptions and let them help you pick the right dog.  
 
Ask the volunteers to point out dogs that are known to be good with other dogs and cats (if applicable).
 
INTRODUCING DOGS:
Place all dogs on a leash and go for a walk immediately.  Do not let them stop to sniff each other.  If all goes well, then they can greet.  If not, keep walking...YOU take control.
 
Introduce them again in the front yard and the back yard (make sure there are no toys or treats in yard).  If you have a fence, and things are going well, drop the leash of one of the dogs, then both.
 
Bring them inside the home STILL ON LEASH.
Make sure the toys and treats are picked up.
 
Let them run around with leashes still on. The leash allows you to handle them if aggression arises.
 
Use leashes at meal time and when offering toys and treats.
 
Unless it's a dangerous situation, let them work things out on their own.  It's okay if they have a few spats.
 
Do not leave them together alone until you are convinced they will be okay with each other.
 
INTRODUCING DOGS TO CATS:
 
Keep a leash on the dog and hold on firmly.
 
Introduce them between a baby gate or a kennel.
 
Be prepared with a water bottle and squirt the dog in the eyeballs if he/she is overly interested, aggressive or barks at the cat.
 
Remove the dog from the room (with the leash) and then bring the dog back into the room.  Repeat this "approach" until the behavior improves.
 
If it's not a dangerous situation the cat will probably handle the dog without needing help from you.  Allow that to happen.
 
Never leave them alone together until you are 100% sure that things will be okay.