There is no doubt that most animals can become friends if you introduce them to each other the correct way and if you are the obvious leader who makes the decisions. Animals (particularly dogs) understand when there is a leader, what they say goes. They may challenge the leader in their own natural environment, but when a human is the leader, the human has the brain capacity to remain the leader.
But often the human does not have the emotional capacity to be a leader. A leader needs to make the decisions, lay down the rules and ensure that everyone follow them (the same goes when bringing up children, though they have the brainpower to rebel more frequently and often more successfully).
If you have an adult dog and it has been the object of your affection for some time it is natural that it can become jealous and even aggressive when another youngster comes into their domain. It is important that you introduce the new youngster to them in such a way that they understand that their role may have changed, but that your affection remains.
When introducing a new baby human, first of all make sure that the dog gives you space. It is not to jump up, it is not to sniff up close, in fact, when you have the baby in your arms the dog is to stay its distance, because that is what you, as the leader, insist on.
When the baby is a little bigger, then make the dog lie down and remain calm and still and put the baby down to just above his level. Make sure he remains at all times out of the babies room. He can sit at the door and watch, but is not to enter. Consider bathing the baby on the floor so that the dog can see and smell and hear the new person, but he must remain calm. When you walk the baby, take the dog, but make sure he walks slightly behind you and the baby. He is now following two leaders, he has been relegated to a follower. This is something they understand.
If it is a new baby animal you are introducing into the family, the older animal will be the leader of the animals, but you will still be the ultimate leader. Young dogs understand this and will be submissive by lying down or rolling over. A kitten on the other hand, is likely to hiss and arch its back, this is also natural. But because you are with them at this time and you are the ultimate leader, let them sort it out, but if the bigger dog gets too rough, step in. Eventually the kitten will understand that the older dog is not going to harm him and often you will see close friendships develop between supposed enemies in the animal kingdom.
If the older dog is a small breed and the young one will grow much larger, you must always insist that the older, smaller dog, is the leader and boss of the younger, bigger dog. When the young dog tries to play and is too rough, be quick to stop him. Often the smaller dog will stand still and growl, as this is his only defence if the younger dog is four times his size. You then stand with the smaller dog and growl too. It is absolutely imperative that you side with the smaller dog every time. The young, big dog must always realise that he/she is lower in the pack.
How is it best to show you are the leader? It really is quite easy. Much of it is your attitude. Stand straight with a stance that suggests you will move forward quickly. If the animal is showing aggression then move forward towards it and get in his space. Don’t touch him but make sure your stance says, I am the leader! If your dog is not aggressive but is just being disobedient, do not keep shouting instructions to him, growl at him, show your teeth and move towards him with that purposeful stride. This is not a good move if the dog is aggressive, as he may decide to attack.
If the dog is slow in obeying you, then simply touch it firmly and quickly on the neck with your hand in a claw like position, while remaining in that position of assertiveness. This simulates the teeth and is what an animal in the wild would do. The goal is to make the dog submissive to you. The main position of submissiveness is to have them role on their back. But to lie at your feet and look away is another sign of submission. When this occurs, do not pat them and tell them they are good. Leaders do not do this in the animal kingdom.
Have a time for pats and cuddles, but not during the training time.
barbara gabogrecan was brought up with animals in the australian bush and is a breed judge for dogs and trains them using the clicker method. you can see some results on http://www.cooperthesuperdog.com
