Introducing Dogs
Introducing dogs to one another is all about patience, space management and being aware of how all animals are feeling.
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Steps for introducing a new dog to your current dog
Introducing your new dog to your current dog is all about patience, space management and being aware of how all animals are feeling. Follow these steps when introducing your dogs:
• Start slowly. Introduce them through a closed door. This will allow them to get to know each other through the door, but not come into contact.
• Give each dog a blanket that smells like the other animal. This will help them get used to each other’s smell and presence.
• Reward throughout every encounter. Give each dog plenty of treats and rewards throughout each interaction. This will help the dogs develop good associations about each other.
• Allow your dogs to say hello on either side of a baby gate. Once your dogs are comfortable saying hi on either side of a closed door, introduce them through a baby gate. This way they’ll be able to see each other, but not come into contact.
• Practice paired relaxation exercises. Teaching your dogs to relax in each other's presence helps reduce stress and anxiety, fostering a calm home environment. Additionally, these exercises help build good associations between the dogs, as they both receive delicious treats when together.
• Go on a tandem walk. Once your dogs seem relaxed saying hello on either side of a baby gate, consider a tandem walk. Have a friend walk one dog, you walk the other dog, stay six feet apart, and feed both dogs treats throughout the walk. You can reduce the distance between your dogs as they get more comfortable.
• Be cautious with off leash interactions. Do not allow the dogs to roam freely in the same space until both animals are comfortable, and you are confident that everyone can stay safe and happy.
• If either animal shows signs of stress, separate them immediately. You will also want to take a step back and slow down the process.
• Move at the pace of the more tentative animal. When considering how to proceed with the introduction process, make decisions based on how your more tentative dog is feeling.
• (When the dogs are ready to share a common safe) Feed the dogs separately and make sure there aren't any toys or bones available when they're together. This not only encourages your dogs to bond and play with each other, but it will also avoid any possible resource guarding incidents. Over time, you can start by slowly introducing low-value toys and bones while closely monitoring your dogs' interactions. (Note: To make sure your dogs have access to enriching activities like playing with toys and bones, provide them to each dog separately until it’s safe for them to be available in a shared space)
• Offer both animals a safe space. Even after your dogs are living comfortably together, continue to offer each animal a safe space to retreat to whenever they need a break.
How can I tell if either dog is stressed
Areas to pay attention to when evaluating stress levels during the introduction:
• Tail. A loose tail or propeller-like wag usually indicates your dog is feeling friendly. On the other hand, a stiff or high tail may indicate that your dog is on-guard.
• Ears. Ears held in a natural position typically indicate that your dog is relaxed. On the other hand, ears that are held up and forward may indicate a willingness to fight or general aggression towards the other dog.
• Eyes. “Soft Eyes,” a warm, sometimes squinty look, usually means your dog is friendly and willing to interact. On the other hand, “Hard Eyes,” a cold, icy look usually associated with a direct stare, usually indicates that your dog may be prepared to fight or aggress forward.
• Mouth. A mouth that is slightly open, with no teeth exposed, generally means your dog is relaxed. Whereas a frightened dog may pull the corners of his lip back (“lip long”) and a dog that needs space may pull their lips back, bare their teeth and wrinkle their muzzle. This action is designed to intimidate the other dog from moving closer.
Mistakes to avoid when introducing dogs to one another
• Rushing the process. Do not proceed with an off leash interaction until you’re confident both animals will be calm and comfortable. Rushing can lead to over-arousal, fear and even a situation where your dogs will never be comfortable in the same space. Patience is your friend.
• Feeding your dogs in the same space. To ensure your dogs don’t have to compete for food, and reduce the likelihood of conflict during meal time, give them their food in separate spaces.
• Long introductions. Once your dogs are ready to meet, introductions should be short, sweet and frequent. Keepings things short increases the likelihood that both animals remain calm, comfortable, and have good feelings about one another. Once your dogs are comfortable, you can start to increase the length of each interaction.
• Leaving them unsupervised. When introducing your dogs, never walk away and leave them alone. Being continually present will allow you to monitor each animal’s body language and take action if either animal shows signs of stress or discomfort.
How to introduce your dog to another dog on leash
• If you choose to let your dog say hi to another dog on leash, first ask the other dog owner for permission
• If they say yes, take a few seconds to observe the other dog’s body language. Signs that the other dog is ready to meet: A wiggly body, and a loose, wagging tail
• Once you’ve determined that the other dog is ready to say hi, lead your dog in from the side. This will position both dogs to get a good butt or genital sniff
• The total interaction should be no more than a few seconds, and should end with you and your dog walking away
• Don’t forget to give your dog a reward at the end of the interaction
Products we love
• Lamb lung. Dogs love these and they're perfect because they're very small.
• Pet gate
• Treat pouch. A pouch is a great place to hold your treats.