Learning how to introduce your dog to others is an essential skill for pet owners, even if you plan on keeping your fur baby an only child. Proper introductions minimize altercations and reduce stress for you and your canine companion.
In this guide, we explain what steps you should take when introducing two dogs, what to look out for, and how to keep their friendship thriving.
Introducing Dogs Outside
Even if you don’t plan on adding another pup to your pack, understanding proper introduction is key to socialization.
It’s best to introduce your dogs outside in an area where neither one has had a chance to stake a claim. To do this you need:
- Two people (one capable of handling each dog)
- Two 4 or 6 ft nylon or leather leashed (do not use long lines or retractable leads)
- High value treats (to reinforce positive behaviors)
If you’re unable to find a safe space outside, you may need to replicate these actions inside using the tips in the next section.
Introduce Dogs in a Neutral Area
A neutral area is anywhere that neither of the dogs have been able to claim. Unfortunately, this usually disqualifies your normal walking path.
Some places to consider include:
- A friend or neighbor’s yard
- A park
- An open field
- A quiet, neighboring street
If you can’t find a convenient neutral space, opt for one with plenty of room. Choose a time when the area won’t be as busy, and avoid hot spots like dog parks that are more likely to excite your companions.
The introduction is really just walking the dogs within each other’s general vicinity–they don’t even need to see each other, and you don’t need to interact with the other handler.
Put plenty of space between the two until you have a chance to see their reaction. They can still spot each other and let you know how they feel when they’re across the street or on different sides of the park.
Switching sides also lets your dog gather information about their future friend. Dogs can learn a lot just from sniffing the areas where the other has marked, and this may alleviate some of their stress about the situation.
Watch For Positive Body Language
Image Credit: Thomas Zimmermann
Understanding body language is key here. Once the dogs spot each other, they’re likely to have a physical reaction that tells you how they feel about each other.
You want to see and reward relaxed body language, including:
- Neutral ears (not perked)
- Soft eyes
- Relaxed mouth (either closed or gently panting)
- Wide, sweeping tail
They should not fixate on the other dog. Make sure you keep walking if they do, adding distance if needed until the behavior stops. Reward them if they see the other dog and do not have a negative response to encourage neutrality.
It’s key to work with your dog’s timeline here–you don’t want to rush things. If you’re unsure what their body language means, consult a behaviorist.
Walk Dogs Together
Once you witness consistent neutral behavior, you can let the dogs move closer. Keep walking separately as you observe their reaction, and don’t be afraid to take a step back when needed.
This can take several walks, but eventually you will end up next to each other. At this point, the dogs should be on the outside of their handlers (one to the left and one to the right) and able to move forward without trying to interact with the other.
Reactive dogs may struggle to stay neutral at this point. This doesn’t mean they will never be friends, but you should consider approaching the issue with a trained behaviorist to minimize risk.
Off Leash Introduction
If possible, repeat the walks several times before moving forward to an off-leash introduction. This should occur in a neutral area as well, and you should begin the introduction on-leash.
Allow the dogs to sniff and circle each other–they trust their nose, and this is one of the best ways for the two to learn about each other. Lead them away when there’s a natural pause and repeat a few times. (If there are any signs of over excitement or aggression, it’s time to take a break.)
Dogs that can maintain neutral or friendly body language (especially those that start play-bowing) are ready to be unclipped. Keep a close eye on the pair and be prepared to intervene as needed.
You want to see positive play with frequent breaks and mutual respect.
Introducing Dogs Inside
It’s trickier to introduce dogs when one has already claimed an area, but you can replicate the aforementioned steps inside with leashes and strict scheduling.
Even dogs who have a great outdoor introduction should still be monitored inside. Pick up valuable items like treats, beds, toys, or bowls (even empty ones). If possible, set out two water fountains or bowls to minimize the risk of one dog claiming the water.
Reintroduce items like toys or beds with strict supervision, and make sure there are enough for each dog, so they’re not forced to make a choice over one. Schedule time when the dogs have breaks from each other (either in crates or different rooms), and do not leave them alone when they’re unattended.
Keep in mind that this relationship is not necessarily linear; they may have a few scuffles, and you may need to give them a longer break or take a step back. This is something that will last the rest of your (hopefully happy) lives together, but educated moderation minimizes issues.
