Introducing Your Dog to New Dog Friends
Personal chemistry is important for everyone expected to coexist. Sometimes it's not there, and it can be tough. Other times, it's effortless, and the company feels like whittling balsa wood. It's the same for dogs. Some become buddies without hesitation, while others need a little assistance. Here is how you give new dog buddies the best conditions for a long lasting friendship.
Why you should avoid instant hopscotch
Throwing unfamiliar dogs together haphazardly and hoping for the best is not recommended. It can end in stitches, expensive vet bills, tangled trust, and breaches of confidence. So, skip that. Instead, follow this guide on how to introduce dogs to each other the right way.
Start by swapping scents between the dogs
Dogs gather a lot of information about their surroundings through scents. Personal scent provides dogs with vital information about each other. So, start by swapping dog blankets. Let the future best friend's bedding make an entrance into your home. Place the blanket in an unoccupied spot and allow your dog to get acquainted without immediately confronting the other dog.
Walking together without direct contact
Take walks together in a neutral location (not in either dog's home territory, as we're dealing with territorial animals). Do not let the dogs greet while on a leash. It's about letting the dogs get to know each other from a distance. Walk a distance and let them explore in separate ditches, pee, and leave "business cards" for each other. Then switch sides. This allows the dogs to acquaint themselves without direct contact. Give them space to interpret each other from a distance where both parties feel safe. Trust can only develop when the dogs feel secure. Take it slow as it is a good pace to start a relationship.
Let dogs sniff each other with confidence
After several walks, the dogs might seem eager to meet. Still, do not allow them to greet while on a leash; instead, go to a dog park or another neutral enclosed area. Let one dog in while the other strolls around on the opposite side of the fence on a long rope. Now they can sniff each other with a safety buffer. Some dogs need this, while others are triggered by it. Do what's best for your specific dog.·If sniffing becomes too intense and leads to aggressive behavior, step in and interrupt. This teaches the dogs that you regulate their interaction to prevent anyone from being hurt. If, however, it turns into inviting whining, neutral tail-wagging, and play bows, it may be time to move on to the next step... or not. Do not underestimate the importance of sniffing; let it take its time.
Set dogs free with enough space
One day, it might be time to release the dogs to play together. Ensure there's plenty of space and other distractions like trees and bushes that can divert their attention when needed. Tight, confined spaces usually increase tension. Also, don't line up the dogs facing each other, unclip their leashes, and say "Go ahead" – this resembles a cockfight. Instead, walk in different directions with the dogs on leashes. When they calmly sniff around, unclip the leash and keep walking. We want the dogs to find each other on their terms. But be present. If your dog needs you, interact with them. This will reduce the risk of aggression as you calmly and rationally interrupt an overly heated encounter. Dogs never need to "sort things out" in a heated manner on their own. A break, some calming massage, and maybe another attempt could work.
Adapt the introduction to the cautious dog
If one dog is more reserved or needs more time, set your clock by that individual. If time is needed, give it. If time isn't available, the foundation for this relationship isn't either. Step in to support the eager one, provide some calming massage to lower their pulse, and allow the cautious one to continue at their own pace. Ensure that both individuals are as harmonious as possible, energy-wise, before releasing them again. Ideally, this should happen after the cautious one makes contact and wants a bit more. Personal chemistry can happen spontaneously or not at all. Sometimes it can be created, and sometimes it just won't happen. Respect that not all dogs are meant to be friends. Some prefer to keep their distance. Forcing socialization can lead to unpleasantness. For more tips on how to socialize your dog properly.
Written by: Caroline Alupo
Caroline Alupo is Petli's co-founder. She has a master's degree in ethology and is also a trained dog trainer and dog psychologist. She has 19 years of experience as a professional dog trainer. Read more about Caroline here.
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