Remember the 3-3-3 Rule
Use the 3-3-3 Rule when introducing a new pet to your household, as a general guideline.
Some pets may take more or less time to adjust.
Some pets may take more or less time to adjust.
- 3 Days for a new pet to start to be less stressed / overwhelmed
- 3 Weeks for a new pet to start to get used to the household routine and rules
- 3 Months for a new pet to settle completely into your household.
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Your New Pet's First 24 Hours
How you introduce your new pet to your household can set the tone of your future relationship. The following tips are designed to facilitate a smooth beginning for you and your pet!
Moving Day
The stress of arriving in a new home can make some pets behave as if they have never lived in a home before (and remember some pets have not). Even if your new pet seems to not be housebroken and is unruly and untrained, do not mistake these behaviors as normal for your pet. It will take at least two weeks (but maybe even a few months) for your pet to adjust to his new home, new family, and new life.
Remember it is important to establish rules before bringing your new pet home. Make sure that your family is willing to adhere to them because being consistent is crucial. (For instance, will your pet have furniture rights? It is important to make that decision prior to the move in day!) Once you and your household members have decided on a set of rules, stick with them and enforce them.
When you get home
Before bringing your new dog into the house, walk him to the area where you would like for him to relieve himself. Encourage him to sniff the ground. If he does eliminate, praise him gently and offer him a small food treat. Be sure to allow for enough time for him to eliminate at least once, but hopefully two or more times.
Now you can take your dog into the house, knowing that if he needs to go to the bathroom again, he may try to reach the area outside where he has already eliminated. Watch for tell tale signs such as pacing. circling, whining or standing by the door which signal that he is ready to go back outside.
If your new pet is a cat then you should show them where their litter box and food/water bowls are located.
Meeting the family
Allow your new pet to approach people at his own pace, rather than allowing new people to approach him. This will give him the opportunity to build up his confidence and trust in the people that surround you.
Give each new person a toy or treat and ask them to encourage your pet to approach them, one at a time. Do this until your pet has met everyone in the family. The more pleasant encounters your pet has, the better he will settle into your household and life style.
If you allow people (children included) to force attention on your new pet, he may feel intimidated and fearful with no way of escaping the interaction. If your pet ever appears hesitant or frightened of approaching a person or animal, do not force him. Further, do not coddle him while he is afraid, especially if he growls or freezes. Simply give him a way out of the situation and ask the person to ignore him. He will eventually make friends when he is more confident.
The first week with your new pet is not a good time to have lots of company over. Go slow!
Moving Day
The stress of arriving in a new home can make some pets behave as if they have never lived in a home before (and remember some pets have not). Even if your new pet seems to not be housebroken and is unruly and untrained, do not mistake these behaviors as normal for your pet. It will take at least two weeks (but maybe even a few months) for your pet to adjust to his new home, new family, and new life.
Remember it is important to establish rules before bringing your new pet home. Make sure that your family is willing to adhere to them because being consistent is crucial. (For instance, will your pet have furniture rights? It is important to make that decision prior to the move in day!) Once you and your household members have decided on a set of rules, stick with them and enforce them.
When you get home
Before bringing your new dog into the house, walk him to the area where you would like for him to relieve himself. Encourage him to sniff the ground. If he does eliminate, praise him gently and offer him a small food treat. Be sure to allow for enough time for him to eliminate at least once, but hopefully two or more times.
Now you can take your dog into the house, knowing that if he needs to go to the bathroom again, he may try to reach the area outside where he has already eliminated. Watch for tell tale signs such as pacing. circling, whining or standing by the door which signal that he is ready to go back outside.
If your new pet is a cat then you should show them where their litter box and food/water bowls are located.
Meeting the family
Allow your new pet to approach people at his own pace, rather than allowing new people to approach him. This will give him the opportunity to build up his confidence and trust in the people that surround you.
Give each new person a toy or treat and ask them to encourage your pet to approach them, one at a time. Do this until your pet has met everyone in the family. The more pleasant encounters your pet has, the better he will settle into your household and life style.
If you allow people (children included) to force attention on your new pet, he may feel intimidated and fearful with no way of escaping the interaction. If your pet ever appears hesitant or frightened of approaching a person or animal, do not force him. Further, do not coddle him while he is afraid, especially if he growls or freezes. Simply give him a way out of the situation and ask the person to ignore him. He will eventually make friends when he is more confident.
The first week with your new pet is not a good time to have lots of company over. Go slow!
Pets and Children
While living with a pet can be beneficial to children, a new pet and children are not always going to automatically start off with a wonderful relationship. Parents must be willing to teach the pet and their children acceptable limits of behavior. Following are some guidelines to help your pet and your children start off on the right foot.
Remember: Small children should NEVER be left alone with a pet without adult supervision.
Pets and New Babies
Helping your dog adjust to the arrival of a new baby is much like preparing a young child for the same event. Handling your pet's curiosity, anxiety and increased insistence for attention may seem like an overwhelming task. However, you can help your pet adjust to the changes ahead with minimal time and effort by making gradual adjustments to your lifestyle before the baby arrives.
Sights and Sounds: Pets are very sensitive to sounds and smells. For your pet, you and your home have specific identifying smells that are uniquely yours. It's important that you introduce some of these new sights and smells prior to the baby's arrival. Each time you introduce something new to your pet, make the experience positive. Stroke him and give him a treat.
Remember: Small children should NEVER be left alone with a pet without adult supervision.
- If you have a new pet, have your child sit down whenever holding the puppy, Be sure your child does not hold the pet too tightly, as the pet may become frightened. For larger pet, have your child sit in your lap and let the dog approach the both of you. This way you can control your child and not allow him to get “carried away” with pats that are too rough.
- Have your child offer the new pet a toy while he pets the pet.
- Teach your child to pet your pet from underneath the pet's chin, rather than hugging him or reaching over this head. If your child hugs the pet's neck, the pet may view this as a threatening gesture, rather than one of affection. You also should teach your child to avoid staring at or looking directly into your new pet's eyes.
- When giving treats, have your child place the treat in an open palm, rather than holding it in his fingers. (You also may want to place a hand underneath your child's hand to help guide him.) If your child tries to place the treat in the pet's mouth, your child may be fearful, causing him to jerk his hand. If this occurs, a dog may jump or lunge to get the treat, which may result in the child being knocked down.
- Supervise your child playing with your new pet. Children move quickly, with jerky movements. This behavior resembles the behavior of prey animals - consequently, your dog may respond to your child's behavior by chasing him, nipping at his heel, jumping up at him or even trying to knock him down. At first, your child may need to play quietly near the pet until he becomes more comfortable. Your pet also must learn that certain behaviors on his part are unacceptable. Taking an obedience class together is a good way to teach your dog to respond to your child's commands.
- Dogs can't tell the difference between his toys and your child's toys until you teach him. To help the process, make sure your child takes responsibility for keeping his toys out of the dog's reach. If, and only if, you catch your dog chewing on something he shouldn't, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise, then give him an acceptable toy and praise him when he takes the toy in his mouth.
Pets and New Babies
Helping your dog adjust to the arrival of a new baby is much like preparing a young child for the same event. Handling your pet's curiosity, anxiety and increased insistence for attention may seem like an overwhelming task. However, you can help your pet adjust to the changes ahead with minimal time and effort by making gradual adjustments to your lifestyle before the baby arrives.
Sights and Sounds: Pets are very sensitive to sounds and smells. For your pet, you and your home have specific identifying smells that are uniquely yours. It's important that you introduce some of these new sights and smells prior to the baby's arrival. Each time you introduce something new to your pet, make the experience positive. Stroke him and give him a treat.
Dog Meets Dog
Animals often live in groups, or packs and dogs are no exception. Dogs establish a social structure within the group, referred to as a dominance hierarchy. This hierarchy serves to maintain order, reduce conflict and promote cooperation among pack members. This social and territorial nature affects dog& behavior when a new dog is introduced into their household.
The following are tips on how to introduce your new dog to your current dog:
If you have more than one current dog in your household, it may be best to introduce the current dogs to the new dog one at a time. Two or more current dogs may have a tendency to "gang up" on the new dog.
If the introduction does not go smoothly, contact a professional animal behaviorist immediately as dogs and people can be severely injured in fights. The longer the problem continues, the more difficult it can be to resolve. Conflicts between dogs in the same family often can be resolved with professional help. Punishment will not work and could make the situation worse.
The following are tips on how to introduce your new dog to your current dog:
- Choose a neutral location when introducing the dogs. A separate person should handle each dog, With both dogs on a leash, take them to an area in which neither are familiar, such as a park or neighbor's yard. We also recommend bringing your current dog with you to the shelter and introducing the dogs prior to the adoption of the new dog. Use positive reinforcement during the first meeting. This allows both dogs to expect "good things" to happen when they are with each other. For example: As they sniff each other, which is normal canine behavior, talk to them in a happy, friendly tone-of-voice. Never use a threatening tone of voice. (Do not allow them to investigate and sniff each other for a prolonged time as this may escalate to an aggressive response.) After a short time, give each dog a treat in return for obeying a simple command such as “sit” or “stay.”
- Be aware of body postures. One body posture that indicates things are going well is a "play- bow." One dog will crouch with his front legs on the ground and his hind end in the air. This is an invitation to play — and it usually elicits friendly behavior from the other dog. Also watch carefully for body postures that indicate an aggressive response, including hair standing up on the dog's back, teeth-baring, deep growls, a stiff legged gait or a prolonged stare. If you see such postures, interrupt immediately then calmly and positively getting each dog interested in something else. Try letting the dogs interact again, but this time for a shorter period of time.
- Take the dogs home when the dogs seem to be tolerating each other's presence without fearful or aggressive responses. Whether you choose to take them in the same vehicles will depend on their size, how well they ride in the car, how trouble-free the initial introduction has been and how many dogs are involved.
If you have more than one current dog in your household, it may be best to introduce the current dogs to the new dog one at a time. Two or more current dogs may have a tendency to "gang up" on the new dog.
If the introduction does not go smoothly, contact a professional animal behaviorist immediately as dogs and people can be severely injured in fights. The longer the problem continues, the more difficult it can be to resolve. Conflicts between dogs in the same family often can be resolved with professional help. Punishment will not work and could make the situation worse.
Cat Meets Pet(s)
You’ve adopted a new cat or kitten, and want to know how to best introduce him or her to other pets in your home? Depending on their age and personalities, you may take days or months to fully integrate your new cat or kitten to your family pets. Below are some guidelines and helpful tips to get your new animal friendship off to a good start, and hopefully on their way to becoming best buddies for the rest of their lives! (We use the word “cat” below, but you can substitute “kitten” if that applies.)
Generally it’s believed the easiest introduction is when the new cat is younger, smaller, and of the opposite sex, but it really depends on the personalities and experiences of the pets involved. Neutering/spaying of all pets to be introduced is essential, ideally 2-4 weeks before the introduction, so the hormones levels have time to subside.
STEP ONE: ISOLATION
Confine the new cat to one room with its litter box, food, water, and a bed. Feed your current pet(s) and the newcomer on either side of the door to this room. Don’t put the food so close to the door that the pets are too upset by each other to eat. This will help to start things out on the right foot by associating something enjoyable (eating!) with each others’ presence. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the pets can eat calmly directly on either side.
If you have adopted the new cat from an environment (like a shelter) where it was exposed to sicknesses it could be incubating, follow the recommendations of your vet for the duration of this isolation. Typically, for the most common sickness (Upper Respiratory Infection), it will need to be 7 to 10 days. That may seem like a long time, but in addition to keeping your resident pet healthy, the new cat will have a chance to get adjusted to his/her environment’s sounds and smells. The chances that the first face to face introduction with your resident pet(s) will go well are improved – which is very important!
STEP TWO: SCENT/SIGHT INTRO
After the 7-10 day isolation period is done, and your new cat is healthy, you can progress to these steps. Progress only when all pets are OK with each other during each step.
1. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident pets so they have a chance to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Also put the scented blankets underneath the food dishes.
2. Use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the pets to see each other (an inch opening) but not get out, and repeat the feeding nearby process.
3. Put the new cat in a secure cat carrier, and open the door so the resident pet can come in and sniff all around the new cat’s room and new cat in carrier.
4. Confine resident pets in another room, and let the new cat explore the rest of the house. This switch provides another way for the cats to have experience with each other’s scent without a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with its new surroundings without being frightened by other animals.
STEP THREE: MEETING!
The final moment – the first full meeting! Open the isolation room door and calmly observe. You may want to have a water squirt bottle in one hand, and a blanket in the other, just in case you need to intervene in a sudden attack. Playing calming music or talking in a calm friendly voice to the pets will help YOU to feel less stressed, which will help the pets too! Hissing, puffy tail posturing, growling are normal, but should be minimal if you have taken the time to follow the steps above as suggested. It may be that the first meeting is only a few minutes if the hissing/growling starts to escalate.
You want to TRY to avoid any interactions between the pets which result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become a habit, they can be difficult to change. It’s better to introduce the animals to each other gradually (five minutes more each day) so that neither pet becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviors, but don’t give them the opportunity to intensify. If either pet becomes fearful or aggressive, separate them, and you may have to take a step or two back (back to feeding on either side of propped open door for example) and slowly move forward when they’ve calmed back down.
If you current pet is a dog, please make sure to have them on leash so if anything goes wrong you can grab the leash and allow the cat the chance to run away.
Cats can make lots of noise and roll around quite dramatically without either pet being injured. If small spats do occur between the pets, you should not attempt to intervene directly to separate the pets. Instead, use a spray bottle to squirt water on the pets in order to separate them (or if that doesn’t do it, trying to cover and wrap one up in a blanket to get them separated). Give them both a chance to calm down before re-introducing them to each other – like a day or more. Hopefully, none of this will be necessary, but if so, be confident that while pets can take weeks to months to get adjusted, most pets can learn to get along, if not become the best of friends.
Generally it’s believed the easiest introduction is when the new cat is younger, smaller, and of the opposite sex, but it really depends on the personalities and experiences of the pets involved. Neutering/spaying of all pets to be introduced is essential, ideally 2-4 weeks before the introduction, so the hormones levels have time to subside.
STEP ONE: ISOLATION
Confine the new cat to one room with its litter box, food, water, and a bed. Feed your current pet(s) and the newcomer on either side of the door to this room. Don’t put the food so close to the door that the pets are too upset by each other to eat. This will help to start things out on the right foot by associating something enjoyable (eating!) with each others’ presence. Gradually move the dishes closer to the door until the pets can eat calmly directly on either side.
If you have adopted the new cat from an environment (like a shelter) where it was exposed to sicknesses it could be incubating, follow the recommendations of your vet for the duration of this isolation. Typically, for the most common sickness (Upper Respiratory Infection), it will need to be 7 to 10 days. That may seem like a long time, but in addition to keeping your resident pet healthy, the new cat will have a chance to get adjusted to his/her environment’s sounds and smells. The chances that the first face to face introduction with your resident pet(s) will go well are improved – which is very important!
STEP TWO: SCENT/SIGHT INTRO
After the 7-10 day isolation period is done, and your new cat is healthy, you can progress to these steps. Progress only when all pets are OK with each other during each step.
1. Switch sleeping blankets between the new cat and resident pets so they have a chance to become accustomed to each other’s scent. Also put the scented blankets underneath the food dishes.
2. Use two doorstops to prop open the door just enough to allow the pets to see each other (an inch opening) but not get out, and repeat the feeding nearby process.
3. Put the new cat in a secure cat carrier, and open the door so the resident pet can come in and sniff all around the new cat’s room and new cat in carrier.
4. Confine resident pets in another room, and let the new cat explore the rest of the house. This switch provides another way for the cats to have experience with each other’s scent without a face to face meeting. It also allows the newcomer to become familiar with its new surroundings without being frightened by other animals.
STEP THREE: MEETING!
The final moment – the first full meeting! Open the isolation room door and calmly observe. You may want to have a water squirt bottle in one hand, and a blanket in the other, just in case you need to intervene in a sudden attack. Playing calming music or talking in a calm friendly voice to the pets will help YOU to feel less stressed, which will help the pets too! Hissing, puffy tail posturing, growling are normal, but should be minimal if you have taken the time to follow the steps above as suggested. It may be that the first meeting is only a few minutes if the hissing/growling starts to escalate.
You want to TRY to avoid any interactions between the pets which result in either fearful or aggressive behavior. If these responses are allowed to become a habit, they can be difficult to change. It’s better to introduce the animals to each other gradually (five minutes more each day) so that neither pet becomes afraid or aggressive. You can expect mild forms of these behaviors, but don’t give them the opportunity to intensify. If either pet becomes fearful or aggressive, separate them, and you may have to take a step or two back (back to feeding on either side of propped open door for example) and slowly move forward when they’ve calmed back down.
If you current pet is a dog, please make sure to have them on leash so if anything goes wrong you can grab the leash and allow the cat the chance to run away.
Cats can make lots of noise and roll around quite dramatically without either pet being injured. If small spats do occur between the pets, you should not attempt to intervene directly to separate the pets. Instead, use a spray bottle to squirt water on the pets in order to separate them (or if that doesn’t do it, trying to cover and wrap one up in a blanket to get them separated). Give them both a chance to calm down before re-introducing them to each other – like a day or more. Hopefully, none of this will be necessary, but if so, be confident that while pets can take weeks to months to get adjusted, most pets can learn to get along, if not become the best of friends.
Tips for after the first cat introduction
- Keep the second litter box in the isolation room even after the pets are out together – if you want to move it, do so gradually a few feet at a time to the new location
- Clean all the boxes more frequently
- Make sure that none of the pets are being “ambushed” by another while trying to use the box
- Keep the resident pet’s schedule as close as possible to what it was before the newcomers appearance.
- Use calming products like Rescue Remedy and Feliway spray (available at pet supply stores) to help de-stress pets.
Cat and Dog introductions
Dogs can kill a cat very easily, even if they're only playing. All it takes is one shake and the cat's neck can break. Some dogs have such a high prey drive they should never be left alone with a cat. Dogs usually want to chase and play with cats, and cats usually become afraid and defensive. Use the techniques described below to begin introducing your new cat to your resident dog.
Practice Obedience
If your dog doesn't already know the commands "sit," "down," "come" and "stay," you should begin working on them. Small pieces of food will increase your dog's motivation to perform, which will be necessary in the presence of such a strong distraction as a new cat. Even If your dog already knows these commands, work with obeying commands in return for a tidbit.
Controlled Meeting
After your new cat and resident dog have become comfortable eating on opposite sides of the door, and have been exposed to each other's scents as described above, you can attempt a face-to-face introduction in a controlled manner. Put your dog's leash on, and using treats, have him either sit or lie down and stay. Have another family member or friend enter the room and quietly sit down next to your new cat, but don't have them physically restrain her. Have this person offer your cat some special pieces of food or catnip. At first, the cat and the dog should be on opposite sides of the room. Lots of short visits are better than a few long visits. Don't drag out the visit so long that the dog becomes uncontrollable. Repeat this step several times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each other's presence without fear, aggression or other undesirable behavior.
Let Your Cat Go while Dog is On-Leash
Next, allow your cat freedom to explore your dog at her own pace, with the dog still on-leash and in a "down-stay." Meanwhile, keep giving your dog treats and praise for his calm behavior. If your dog gets up from his "stay" position, he should be repositioned with a treat lure, and praised and rewarded for obeying the "stay" command. If your cat runs away or becomes aggressive, you're progressing too fast. Go back to the previous introduction steps.
Positive Reinforcement
Although your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with your cat is unacceptable behavior, he must also be taught how to behave appropriately, and be rewarded for doing so, such as sitting, coming when called, or lying down in return for a treat. If your dog is always punished when your cat is around, and never has "good things" happen in the cat's presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat,
Directly Supervise All Interactions Between Your Dog And Cat
You may want to keep your dog on-leash and with you whenever your cat is free in the house during the introduction process. Be sure that your cat has an escape route and a place to hide. Keep your dog and cat separated when you aren't home until you're certain your cat will be safe.
Precautions
Dogs like to eat cat food. You should keep the cat food out of your dog's reach (in a closet or on a high shelf). Eating cat feces is also a relatively common behavior in dogs, Although there are no health hazards to your dog, it's probably distasteful to you. It's also upsetting to your cat to have such an important object "invaded." Unfortunately, attempts to keep your dog out of the litter box by "booby trapping” it will also keep your cat away as well. Punishment after the fact will not change your dog's behavior. The best solution is to place the litter box where your dog can’t access it, for example: behind a baby gate; in a closet with the door anchored open from both sides and just wide enough for your cat; or inside a tall, topless cardboard box with easy access for your cat.
A Word About Kittens And Puppies
Because they're so much smaller, kittens are in more danger of being injured, of being killed by a young energetic dog, or by a predatory dog. A kitten will need to be kept separate from an especially energetic dog until she is fully-grown, and even then she should never be left alone with the dog. Usually, a well socialized cat will be able to keep a puppy in its place, but some cats don't have enough confidence to do this. If you have an especially shy cat, you might need to keep her separated from your puppy until he matures enough to have more self-control.
When To Get Help
If the introductions do not go smoothly, seek professional help immediately. Animals can be severely injured in fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve. Conflicts between pets in the same family can often be resolved with professional help. Punishment won't work though, and could make things worse.
Practice Obedience
If your dog doesn't already know the commands "sit," "down," "come" and "stay," you should begin working on them. Small pieces of food will increase your dog's motivation to perform, which will be necessary in the presence of such a strong distraction as a new cat. Even If your dog already knows these commands, work with obeying commands in return for a tidbit.
Controlled Meeting
After your new cat and resident dog have become comfortable eating on opposite sides of the door, and have been exposed to each other's scents as described above, you can attempt a face-to-face introduction in a controlled manner. Put your dog's leash on, and using treats, have him either sit or lie down and stay. Have another family member or friend enter the room and quietly sit down next to your new cat, but don't have them physically restrain her. Have this person offer your cat some special pieces of food or catnip. At first, the cat and the dog should be on opposite sides of the room. Lots of short visits are better than a few long visits. Don't drag out the visit so long that the dog becomes uncontrollable. Repeat this step several times until both the cat and dog are tolerating each other's presence without fear, aggression or other undesirable behavior.
Let Your Cat Go while Dog is On-Leash
Next, allow your cat freedom to explore your dog at her own pace, with the dog still on-leash and in a "down-stay." Meanwhile, keep giving your dog treats and praise for his calm behavior. If your dog gets up from his "stay" position, he should be repositioned with a treat lure, and praised and rewarded for obeying the "stay" command. If your cat runs away or becomes aggressive, you're progressing too fast. Go back to the previous introduction steps.
Positive Reinforcement
Although your dog must be taught that chasing or being rough with your cat is unacceptable behavior, he must also be taught how to behave appropriately, and be rewarded for doing so, such as sitting, coming when called, or lying down in return for a treat. If your dog is always punished when your cat is around, and never has "good things" happen in the cat's presence, your dog may redirect aggression toward the cat,
Directly Supervise All Interactions Between Your Dog And Cat
You may want to keep your dog on-leash and with you whenever your cat is free in the house during the introduction process. Be sure that your cat has an escape route and a place to hide. Keep your dog and cat separated when you aren't home until you're certain your cat will be safe.
Precautions
Dogs like to eat cat food. You should keep the cat food out of your dog's reach (in a closet or on a high shelf). Eating cat feces is also a relatively common behavior in dogs, Although there are no health hazards to your dog, it's probably distasteful to you. It's also upsetting to your cat to have such an important object "invaded." Unfortunately, attempts to keep your dog out of the litter box by "booby trapping” it will also keep your cat away as well. Punishment after the fact will not change your dog's behavior. The best solution is to place the litter box where your dog can’t access it, for example: behind a baby gate; in a closet with the door anchored open from both sides and just wide enough for your cat; or inside a tall, topless cardboard box with easy access for your cat.
A Word About Kittens And Puppies
Because they're so much smaller, kittens are in more danger of being injured, of being killed by a young energetic dog, or by a predatory dog. A kitten will need to be kept separate from an especially energetic dog until she is fully-grown, and even then she should never be left alone with the dog. Usually, a well socialized cat will be able to keep a puppy in its place, but some cats don't have enough confidence to do this. If you have an especially shy cat, you might need to keep her separated from your puppy until he matures enough to have more self-control.
When To Get Help
If the introductions do not go smoothly, seek professional help immediately. Animals can be severely injured in fights, and the longer the problem continues, the harder it can be to resolve. Conflicts between pets in the same family can often be resolved with professional help. Punishment won't work though, and could make things worse.
