Welcoming A New Dog Into Your Home? How To Have A Successful Integration ft. Linda Hughes

When that adorable new puppy or rescue dog joins your household, the dream is harmony, but the reality often involves chaos, stress, and sometimes even conflict between your existing dogs and the newcomer. What if there was a better way?

Crufts Champion, Expert Naughty but Nice Dog Trainer, Lauren Langman sits down with Linda, a competitive obedience trainer who recently introduced a tiny one-kilogram poodle puppy to her household of three Border Collies - including one particularly reactive dog who typically doesn't tolerate newcomers. The surprise? Linda reports the integration has been "simple and straightforward," though certainly requiring work and knowledge.

This candid conversation reveals the stark contrast between traditional approaches to dog introductions and modern, science-based methods. Linda shares how her journey through positive training transformed her understanding of canine body language, management techniques, and the importance of advocating for resident dogs. You'll discover practical strategies like using neutral territory for first meetings, creating safe spaces with gates and crates, and managing resources to prevent tension.

Perhaps most valuable is Linda's insight into reading subtle canine signals - from a Border Collie's widening eyes indicating rising arousal to a puppy's resource guarding behaviours that need gentle intervention. Her month-long integration process demonstrates that patience yields results; her once-reactive Border Collie now plays chase games with the puppy she initially feared. What's a month compared to a lifetime of positive and fun interaction?

Whether you're considering adding a new dog to your family or struggling with integration challenges right now, this episode offers actionable advice that respects both the newcomer and your resident dogs. Most importantly, you'll gain the confidence to set your timeline rather than rushing based on others' expectations.

Ready to transform your multi-dog household management? Listen now and discover how to make your dog's world harmonious, even when it's expanding to include new dogs in your home.