Contrary to popular belief, most dogs are selective or tolerant dogs And Are not dog-society. And that’s OK! Dogs shouldn’t like every dog they meet: Most humans don’t like everyone either. A well-planned intro keeps everyone safe and happy.
Always avoid impromptu greetings on a leash, especially allowing the dogs to walk directly into each other. This can be intimidating for many dogs, and they can quickly become overwhelmed and defensively aggressive, especially when it’s impossible to escape the confines of the leash.
Before you introduce two dogs
If you’re dealing with an aggressive dog, pause the intro until you can get an experienced reward-based trainer on board. Also, some dogs are extremely excitable and jump on every dog they meet; Unfortunately, this can also cause trouble if the other dog is calmer or doesn’t appreciate rudeness. Again, seek professional help with overreactions before attempting the intro.
- Brush up dog body language.
- Choose a neutral, safely enclosed spot where your dog can interact without a leash.
- Clear areas with toys or other items that could cause protection problems.
- Keep food handy but out of sight.
- Minimize/remove distractions.
- When the introduction involves puppies or older dogs, use extreme caution to avoid injury from larger or more active dogs.
- No “gang greetings!” Dogs should meet in person to prevent bullying and/or overpowering the dogs, and also to allow handlers to keep an eye on the dog’s body language at all times.
Follow these steps to introduce your dog to another dog:
- At first, leash both dogs and keep a safe distance, i.e. at opposite ends of the space. No retractable lanyard. They can be dangerous in certain situations and prevent proper handling.
- Carefully assess your body language as you slowly close the gap. Proceed only if both dogs are showing they are on board.
- Watch for stress signals and act quickly before things escalate. Use treats to divert attention and lure dogs away from each other. Try again if the dog is calm.
- If all is well, release the laces, but hold them for a bit in case you need to act quickly.
- End the interaction immediately if necessary.
Don’t force! If they’re not fast friends, that’s okay. Maybe it doesn’t mean okay. Always be your dog’s advocate and if things don’t go well, allow the dog the choice to say no. First impressions go a long way, so start from the right to prevent problems.
