This is the latest post in a series looking back at the basics of obedience training. Although we have spoken about these topics before, it is always a good idea to review the basics! So let’s get started and review introducing two dogs who are unfamiliar with one another.
When introducing dogs who have never met, first impressions are a big deal. You want the dogs to get off on the right foot, since this will set them on the path to safe, playful interactions and friendship. A negative first interaction can not only set a tense mood for their future meetings, but can also impact the way the dogs act when meeting other new individuals. By properly introducing two unfamiliar dogs, you can encourage vital socialization skills that will allow your dog to make many more friends over their lifetime.
It’s not a good idea to simply bring two unfamiliar dogs together and let them off-leash. Despite how well your dog or the other dog have handled meeting new friends in the past, it’s impossible to know for certain that every new encounter will go smoothly. For your safety, the safety of your dog, and the safety of others, it’s important to properly introduce two unfamiliar dogs. This way you have total control over the situation until you’re sure the dogs are comfortable and able to interact nicely. Luckily, in most cases the process is relatively easy and can be completed in just a couple sessions.
First, have the dogs meet in a neutral space. If you meet in either one of the dog’s territories, they may get defensive and a negative reaction is likely to occur. Instead, meet at a local park or another quiet area.
Keep the dogs leashed and walk them one in front of the other, spaced about 15’ apart. Walk back and forth along a straight path so that each dog gets a chance to smell the other’s scent and get used to each other’s presence slowly. Essentially, you’ll play follow the leader for a few minutes before switching and walking the other way.
After repeating this process for a few minutes and the dogs seem interested but calm each of you should turn 90 degrees so that you are facing the same direction. Figure out the closest distance at which the dogs can walk parallel to each other without being hyper-fixated on the other (this distance will differ depending on the individual dog). If you’re unsure, begin at a distance of about 50 ft. Walk back and forth along this parallel, slowly decreasing the distance between the dogs with each pass. Again, this will help the dogs become accustomed to the other’s presence slowly and relieve some of the tension of meeting a new pup.
Once the dogs are able to walk by each other without fixation, you can allow them to meet. Keep them on leash, but keep the leashes loose–many dogs are leash-aggressive, because they assume that tension on the leash means that you are anxious and so they should be anxious as well. Let your dogs sniff each other, then call them back to you. Walk around a bit before circling back and allowing the dogs to sniff again. If they seem calm, allow them to remain.
This method of slow, controlled introduction has great success with decreasing tension among new dogs–soon, you’ll find that the two unfamiliar dogs are now fast friends and able to play comfortably!
If your dog requires more in-depth training or obedience classes, call the experts at Gulf Coast K9 Training. We take great pride in training well-behaved Sarasota and Bradenton dogs.
