 If
you have a dog and a new one will be entering
or visiting your home, there are things
you can do to ensure that the
meeting comes off without a hitch. A new
dog can mean you are bringing home a foster
dog or a new puppy; someone who has a dog
is moving into your house; or someone is
visiting with a dog.
If you know that both dogs are very social
with other dogs, the meeting should be easy.
But, you may not know this, since
some dogs don’t get out and mix with other
dogs that much. If your dog (or the new
dog) has not been spayed/neutered, the meeting
may be more difficult.
If you are uncertain how one (or both) of
the dogs will react, be cautious. First,
the dogs will need to meet on neutral ground.
Choose a place where neither dog is likely
to feel territorial. Even your dog’s favorite
park is not a good spot, unless it is a
dog park (dogs are often used to meeting
other dogs there). If you are adopting a
dog from a shelter,
ask the staff if they can help to introduce
the dogs. If your dog is accustomed to meeting
dogs at a pet supply store like PETsMART
or Petco, you can ask their trainer to help
with the introduction. The dogs could casually
meet while you are on a shopping trip.
When the meeting occurs, have each dog on
lead with a calm, relaxed adult handler.
Keep the leads loose, since pulling on the
leash might communicate to the dog that
you are fearful or anxious about their meeting.
As the dogs approach each other, watch their
body language closely. The dogs may need
to do a little posturing or make a little
noise,
but if you don’t know how to tell the difference
between dogs getting to know each other
and dogs who don’t like each other, have
someone there who does.
If they try to play by pawing or play bowing
with their legs stretched out in front of
them, they may want to be best buddies.
Allow them to sniff each other, and give
praise for a nice greeting. If you want,
you can take them for a walk together, stopping
occasionally to allow them to sniff and
investigate each other. If they stiffen
their bodies and stare into each other’s
eyes with their hair up and their teeth
bared, they probably aren’t going to become
fast friends. If they lunge at each other
and try to fight, separate them and don’t
try further introductions without help from
someone with experience in dog training
and behavior.
If neither of the dogs is food aggressive,
you can practice commands that they know
and give treats as rewards. Giving treats
can also serve to distract the dogs from
focusing too much on each other.
If the dogs seem fine with each other, drive
them home and settle in, but make sure you’ve
put away your dog’s toys, bones and food
bowls first, since these items may be sources
of conflict. If you’re going to offer “high-value”
items like Kongs or chews, it may be best
to separate the dogs. Once the dogs are
good friends, they may be more willing
to chomp side-by-side on high-value items.
To introduce a puppy to a dog, use the same
procedure as above. But, if the puppy is
under four months old, both the dog and
the puppy may need frequent breaks from
each other. Some dogs will quickly lose
patience with puppy energy.
If the dog does not like the puppy, do not
leave them alone together. If you are not
confident or comfortable at any point, please
seek help from someone who is knowledgeable
about dog behavior.
Sherry Woodard is the dog training and care
consultant at Best Friends. She develops
resources and provides consulting services
nationally to help achieve Best Friends’
No More Homeless Pets mission. |
