Introducing a new rescue dog - tips?

[SlinkyMalinki23]

We are adopting a dog from abroad and will be bringing it into a household with an existing dog (F12) and 2 cats. I know that after the journey it will need to decompress, so we plan to have it in one room for a couple of days to just settle. Any tips for introductions to the existing animals? Want to get any ideas on helping it go smoothly

Ooh exciting. I have four rescues from Spain myself. I generally separate them at night at first, with short careful spells of introductions during the first few days. Take it slow and be guided by the dogs, both will be stressed in different ways. Re the cats, make sure they have somewhere to escape to, probably high up. I find you need to play it by ear to some extent when you meet the dog - some are very anxious for longer. Dont expect miracles quickly - some people seem to expect them to be best buds from early on - it takes time and patience.

Do you know anything about the dogs' background? Has it ever lived in a home before? Do you know if it's been around dogs or cats outside of a rescue environment? Is it a street dog or a pet?

I'm only asking as a lot of the street dogs who get imported need very, very different treatment to your average pet who was given up and is now being re-homed.

Thanks both. We have seen videos of him interacting with cats and other dogs in the rescue, he seems very calm. Also walking on a lead, which looks as though he is used to that. He was found on the street but they think he was abandoned. My cats are very savvy but will ensure they have escape routes.

Am happy to take it super slow - know the 3/3/3 theory

Just bumping this in case of any more advice 😊

Scent swap on blanket. Introduce dogs on a walk, not in your house. Allow new dog to explore the house, area by area, alone. Remove toys and covetable objects. Be cautious about lavishing attention upon one dog in view of another until relationships are well established.

Oh that's helpful, hadn't thought about intros on a walk. That's a very sensible idea thanks