How resident pets respond to a new arrival is crucial to having harmony in your home, so make sure introductions are carried out properly.

If you already have a dog (or dogs), you'll obviously be wondering whether your new dog will get along with them. Happily, in the majority of cases, the answer is yes.

Most of the time, the dogs will sniff each other, one may overstep the mark and get put in its place, then both should learn their place and get on like the best of friends!

It helps if your pets are desexed as those that haven't been are more prone to fighting. And always, always remember to keep giving resident dogs an equal amount of attention, so they won't see the new dog as a threat.

• Before a new puppy comes home, make sure your resident dog's vaccinations are up to date to ensure the puppy is protected. Introduce them to each other slowly.
• Take your puppy outside to the garden and let him have a good wander round. Then bring out the adult dog, preferably on a long, loose lead (unless your first dog enjoys chasing small animals, as dogs sometimes feel they have something to prove when restricted). When the puppy approaches keep the lead loose and calmly tell them they are good dogs, ignoring any growling or barking.
• If your adult dog is really concerned by the puppy, separate the two and introduce them again later. After several short introductions, they will be quite familiar and relaxed with each other.
• It is important to control both dogs' movements so they cannot frighten or attack one another. A bit of extra effort at this stage prevents many months, or even years, of behavioural therapy later on.

If you're introducing an older dog to a resident dog, don't assume they'll make friends straight away. Let them get to know each other gradually, keeping a close eye on things as they inspect each other. And do keep in mind the following...

• It is preferable to introduce two adult dogs on neutral ground, where the resident dog is less likely to feel territorial. Keep them both on leads, allowing them to check each other out.
• If they start to fight, separate them immediately and wait until they have calmed down before attempting another introduction. It may help to walk them in parallel together, with some distance between them as an 'eyeball to eyeball' meeting can be a threat to many dogs.
• If, despite your best efforts, you just cannot trust your canines to be civilised, or they just don't seem to settle, keep them separated and contact a professional trainer. Your vet should be able to recommend someone.