When it comes time for your puppy to meet other dogs – or your new rescue to make a new friend – you have to prepare properly. After all, not unlike us, dogs all have their own personalities, fears and hang-ups. While one canine may enthusiastically greet every dog he comes in contact with, another may be far more tentative. And when you place those two personalities together, you may find the more timid dog cowering in fear. Being cognizant of this is even more important if you are bringing a new dog into the family, as you will have to manage the relationship long term. Getting off on the wrong foot may set the stage for continued problems.
When you want to introduce two dogs, there are several factors which come into play. Following these steps will help you to make any first meeting more likely to result in a friendship.
- Determine their Personalities: As noted, some dogs are just more rambunctious than others. You should never force your territorial dog to interact with a playful dog without supervision, for instance. It may only take a few moments for the former to get aggressive and the interaction to turn adversarial. While their personalities should not discourage you from socializing them, they do have to be taken into account.
- Introduce them to Each Others Scent: If you are bringing a new dog home, keep them separated for a night, but swap their blankets. In this way they will recognize the scent of the other dog when they meet, and should calm them.
- Choose a Neutral Location to Meet: Whether you are introducing two dogs to be playmates, or adopting a new puppy into the family – choose a meeting place which neither dog considers “home turf”. Even a dog who has never acted out before might get territorial if they think the new dog is moving in on their territory.
- Walk it Out:Take the two dogs for a walk, but keep them apart and outside of leash range”. If they show no signs of aggression, move them closer. If you notice growling, teeth-baring or raised hair, move them away again, or redirect the agitated dog’s attention elsewhere.
- Sniffing is their Handshake: Allow the dogs to sniff each other if there is no sign of aggression. This is their way of communicating and it will make them feel more comfortable with each other.
- Keep Walking: Continue your walk, but now walk the dogs side by side. Give them praise and encouragement as long as they are behaving, and extra praise for any signs of friendliness. If they seem to want to interact, stop for a few moments and let them, but then continue your walk.
Once the two dogs are comfortable with each other, you can introduce them to living in the same space. Remember to not expect the resident dog to eagerly share “his” dog bed, toys and food bowl. Watch carefully and provide the newcomer with his own things if there is any sign of aggression. At some point, the dogs will peacefully coexist – but they nee time to adapt.
If you have a dog who acts scared, aggressive or submissive whenever he meets another dog, such as on at walk or at a dog park, you may wish to properly socialize the animal before considering another dog in your home. The experts at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Trainers can help you to train your dog to feel comfortable around people and animals, as well as to walk and obey your commands without being distracted. If you need help with any canine obedience or socialization issues, give us a call today.
